Representative Patrick Kennedy's little temper tantrum against the media week was dismissed by critics without a second thought. Ignoring the importance of that specific resolution, his tirade hits a crucial point. The media focuses on scandals with politics and relatively trivial gossip news at the expense of covering important policy debates, speeches, and decisions. This is more the case with television and online media as opposed to print sources. We get nonstop coverage on issues such as Eric Massa's groping scandal, John Edwards's affair, or the Tiger Woods sex scandal. Though, to be fair, with regards to key policy issues such as troop withdrawal in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, etc., the media has done a fairly good job covering the issue. Am I arguing for the media to stop coverage of these scandals? Of course not, but a better balance between them and public affairs ought to be reached.
In the United States, we pride ourselves upon being the model of democracy, but we have a politically uninterested population. Our voter turnout is one of the lowest in the Western industrialized and developed world, especially for midterm elections. Since an informed and active electorate is the key to a healthy democracy, why is this issue neglected by America's elected officials, the media and all of us, in general?
The media only shoulders part of the blame. It is a business and it is simply doing its job to attract viewers. Unfortunately, it just so happens that celebrity gossip and political scandals boosts ratings more than health care reform. Some of the blame can be put on the government, with the tendency for politicians to speak for sound bites rather than substance, slogans and impossible promises rather than actual policy and endless debates with seemingly little result. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with it, how many of us actually know any of the details of the healthcare reform? Furthermore, the attempts at increasing voter registration, such as Rock the Vote, have done little in reality to boost interest in public affairs and actual voting. Part of the blame is our own, especially my own generation. More and more people take an "I don't care" attitude toward politics.
The key point is that there is not enough action taken to interest the population in being more mindful of politics and to be more active. The federal government needs to step in and act! It is probable that if America becomes more active in politics, then many of the ills we find with the government can be remedied. This naturally makes politicians more responsive to the electorate. Furthermore, it could reduce the partisan divide that gridlocks Congress on every issue. No citizen wants gridlock, we want our government to do something substantive! Forcing the issue through public opinion and participation can alleviate the gridlock we see. A common complaint about the powerful interest groups can be alleviated as well; a more active, informed electorate naturally means less power for interest groups and lobbyists. Finally, it is not a bad thing to be informed on the public affairs of our nation.
Here are some ideas that may to be implemented to promote public interest and activity:\nCongress should set up a committee or subcommittee to examine the matter and find remedies.\nThe government ought to provide easy and free access to some sort of newsletter (at least monthly) to brief citizens regarding key policy issues at the national, state and local levels.\nThe government ought to allow the C-Span networks to be broadcasted as part of local networks, rather than as part of cable packages or requiring dish installation. This would at least make it easier for people to access C-Span. Funding can be provided through the government and minimal commercials. A U.S. version of Question Time to allow politicians to answer questions regarding policy. This would also give people more access to higher level politicians.\nEliminate voter registration and simply allow all citizens aged 18 or older to vote, or at least allow for election-day registration.\nWill these suggestions solve all the problems with the media and public interest? Probably not; however, it is a step in the right direction and a step that we need to take.
Yiyu Wang is a first-year student in the College.
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