William Raspberry, a black columnist with the
Washington Post has
opinions obviously can be contrary to some columnists beliefs, yet he
appears quite frequently, with little opposition in this newspaper, one
who services a populace predominately white. Diversity of opinion is the
engine that challenges the mind of all. Whether this opinion agrees with
ones standards is immaterial, it offers a new insight to an otherwise
selfish belief. Thomas Sowell, an author, PHD lecturer and Professor at
a prestigious college was allowed a few lines in the Register Guard
before his ‘opinions’, far right of Mr. Raspberrys, was dumped because
of the stand he offered concerning civil rights and a ‘color blind’
stance enjoyed by another ‘not so favorite’ black intellectual, Clarence
Thomas. It is not important that a publication believe its contributors
prose nor is it an endorsement of their stand, just the fact that they
allow this diversity to be judged by their subscribers without cowering
from the wind of a few, indicates good, if not great, journalism.
Personally, being exposed to thoughts, radical from my own, offers a
moment to rationalize the other side, perhaps altering a stance after
weighing the content. Dr. Sowell, an extremely bright and insightful
black man, is articulate, well researched and dedicated leader who
undoubtedly frightens some who use a sensationalist platform to voice
their ideals. Please, diversify our minds with ideas from all fields,
you will gain respect from all, whether they believe the content or not.
No one likes sand in their ears.
John
Caudill
