Newspaper keeps incumbents coming back

The morning paper contained an editorial today criticizing efforts to bring term limits to state offices. See it on the right.

The paper is always carrying puff pieces about elected politicians. For example, just other day there was a front page article about a city councilman's business activities in another city. My favorite was a article last year in which the U.S. Representative held forth about a local accident involving a train and a parade float. Was that necessary?  See it on the left.

Although those articles don't supply readers with much real news, they do serve at least three other purposes. They keeps the politician’s name recognition at a high level, a service not provided for challengers. It keeps the politician happy with the newspaper coverage so he might be available someday for a real story. And it provides something to fill the space between newspaper advertisements. The newspaper and the politicians keep each other happy. And the result is that it's almost impossible for a challenger to defeat an incumbent.

But then why does the newspaper editorial come out against term limits? They are already doing their part in keeping incumbents in office. To criticize term limits seems like over kill.

It might be the same insecurity gun owners feel about efforts to register guns or ban shooting accessories. It's just the first step. It's the camel's nose under the tent. Let one get through, then they're on to the next target. Likewise, the tea party supporters wanted term limits on politicians. So if they get that, then they'll just move on to their next objective. Before you know it, the newspaper people will have to suck up to a whole new set of politicians, some of whom might have gotten elected in spite of, not because of, the press coverage.

Hey, I criticize the old rag, but I love it just the same. It really is the best place to get local news. It's like an old relative. We can love her and disagree with her at the same time.

It's OK for them to oppose term limits if they want. But it would be nice if they threw a bone to the taxpayers every once in a while. For example, wouldn't it be remarkable if they came out in favor of a law prohibiting the naming of taxpayer built structures or roads after career politicians? That would be a blow for press freedom.

Comments

[Biz Finding]

Hello, I enjoy reading all of your article post. I wanted to write a little comment to support you.