Contrary to Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos’ bizarre assertion that newspapers are politically irrelevant to their readers, endorsements are one of the reasons newspapers exist.
The editors — presumably a smart, experienced group — have to present a clear, cogent argument for each of their endorsements and for or against the measures on the ballot in their communities.
Like most readers, I imagine, I disagree with a little more than half of my local paper’s positions. The point is, even when I disagree, I have the opportunity to acknowledge the validity of the case made by the other side. Probably I won’t change my vote. But I may change my mind enough to view the issue a little differently.
Bezos has it backward. Endorsements, like newspapers themselves, do not divide us but afford us the opportunity to better understand one another. Understanding is the most effective tool we have for dulling the edge of polarization and partisan enmity that so often seek to obstruct constructive dialog and compromise.
Ray Murphy
Everett
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