News polarizes; people can unite

It really doesn't matter these days where you get your news from; there's very little good news that is considered fit to print. In part, we all need to reflect on this development.

From the "news" about our governor, to the "news" about the Seimens Corporation's fine of over $1 billion for its participation in bribing foreign officials, to the "news" about Iraq or Afghanistan.

This is the news we're supposed to accept and digest. This is the news which will foster further debate, divisive debate, about Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, gays and straights, blacks and whites, etc. Few of us are particularly surprised by any of the news, but we have largely become so desensitized that we allow the perpetuation of this as being our status quo.

Much was made of the idea of agents of change occupying high offices. Since the election, and with the announcement of several key appointments, much of that hope is in question. What really needs to be examined, however, is not the powerful minority who make the "news" but the silent majority who have for too long accepted what they've been sold.

Looking into the hearts of the majority of Americans, hope could certainly be restored.

It is not any political party, religion, or other belief system that can bring about the change that so many want and some believe we are on the brink of.

Multinational corporations are not in the business of bringing about change that will make a difference anywhere except in their profit margin; that is their reason for existing. Instead, it will take the voices of so many who have stood by.

Walking out of Jewel today, as has happened to me on previous occasions, I had a couple of different people ask me about the bumper stickers on my car. They range from Einstein to Gandhi to Chief Seathl (Seattle). While there is a certain mindset that would believe they could immediately categorize me based upon these, the truth is that none of us easily fit into the labels we have been trained to recognize. But, what has been driving this country, and is hopefully on its way out, is a repetitious chant of fear of "the other" and doubt about our ability to create and sustain real change.

Looking beyond the headlines, looking past the "liberal mainstream" media or the "conservative" talk radio, we should be looking instead at each other. What has made this nation great is its diversity, because in the past, that diversity was respected, and at times even celebrated. Difference of opinion, perspective and even belief are the necessity of a democracy, but when the "news" does little but accentuate polarization, it is time we, as Americans, were talking more to each other, and turning off the television or radio.

Edward J. Herdrich

Elgin