Fear mongers are out for own interests

Challenging government and politicians is a good thing for America. Refusing to blindly follow elected officials is not only healthy, but also vital for a strong democracy and has been the tradition of our country since its founding.

The line gets crossed, however, when media personalities who are out for their own fortune purport to be looking out for you and me. Commentators such as Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity claim to love America, spouting diatribes about what's best for all Americans.

Yet when those Americans in government offer a plan in a fashion that looks different, these erstwhile patriots portray our public servants as enemies of the state.

This is not based in reality, but rather in profit. Fear conjures listeners, viewers, and ultimately bigger personal contracts.

Using hate, bigotry, sexism, and most importantly fear, Beck, Limbaugh, and Hannity, make millions of dollars each year. When chided for hypocritical actions or statements they counter with "Liberal!" "Socialist!" "Anti-American!" and plead to their followers to keep tuning in so they can fight this threat to liberty together.

People with alternative views, have no use other than to be fuel for their "fear machines". They rally against intellectualism and threats to their viewership with sound bites taken out of context.

They offer no solutions or alternatives, only criticisms and a well-timed tear or two. In short, they are showmen. In truth, they don't want followers to think, research political topics, or look to the positive good of government because this would lead to a decrease in their own fortunes.

By creating fear and discontent they guarantee themselves larger paydays, more book deals, and a louder megaphone to sustain the cycle.

While opposition and skepticism toward elected officials feeds a healthy democracy, following profiteers and media showmen out for their own interests chokes the roots of that same system.

Kevin Katovich

Palatine