Media Should Report on the Minor Parties
By Jessica Weinberg
It is ironic how The Blade uses Frank Lausche's career as an example of a candidate who successfully offered something different while the media ignore the candidates who have entered this year's statewide races to institute real change. These include, but are not limited to, Green Party candidates Bob Fitrakis for governor; Toledoan Anita Rios for lieutenant governor, and Tim Kettler for secretary of state.
The Greens advocate an array of fundamental policy changes designed, among other things, to end special-interest control of politics and guarantee all Ohioans access to such essentials as food, shelter, and health care. — Jessica Weinberg |
Ideologically, these candidates have little in common with Mr. Lausche, but they share his independence from special interests.
The Greens advocate an array of fundamental policy changes designed, among other things, to end special-interest control of politics, increase participation in democracy, revitalize the state's economy by developing a thriving alternative-energy industry, and guarantee all Ohioans access to such essentials as food, shelter, and health care.
Candidates who are neither Democrats nor Republicans have to climb over obstacles that the Democrats and the Republicans have put in the way of any candidate not belonging to either of those two parties.
What, we must ask, do our big parties fear?
Unfortunately, the media continue to treat candidates who are neither Democrats nor Republicans as if they don't count.
The media also substitute analysis of campaign style and strategy for analysis of the substance of policy proposals.
Fortunately, interested voters can learn about the Green Party through a brief Internet search — and if the Democratic Party does the same, they'll see how to really be the party of the people and really change everything.
