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Writing
for the Internet
August
12, 2003
By W. O. Coach
For the thousands who take the time and make the effort to
sit down and hammer out a rant, essay, article or news story
and send it to their favorite web sites, does it have any
effect? Are we making a difference or are we just preaching
to an already enraged choir?
Dems of course are still furious at the election theft of
2000 followed by Bush acting as if he had some sort of mandate
while pushing an unpopular hard-right agenda. Repubs are just
furious. They're always furious, it's their nature.
So, we all write, and we rant, and we vent. The mainstream
media has become a joke and offers little outlet for meaningful
dissent. It's nearly impossible to get published on an opinion
page in a major publication. This leaves the Internet and
I see a tide of sorts turning.
I'm in awe of the numerous bloggers, websites, and other
Internet entities who work tirelessly on a daily basis to
keep the rest of us mopes entertained and informed while providing
a venue to contribute our personal gripes. The writing on
some of these sites is incredibly clever and poignant. And
even better, they link to "real" writers (if you're progressive)
like Joe Conason, Gene Lyons, Molly Ivins, Paul Krugman et
al.
America is at a crossroads. Our economy, foreign policy,
world standing, environment and basic sense of right and wrong
has been hijacked by a mean-spirited cabal of power hungry,
religiously insane, greedy bigots who will do or say anything
to suppress the wants of the average American - the vast majority
by the way - in favor of benefiting wealthy special interest
groups.
This is not only disgraceful, it is un-American. America
is about everyone having an equal chance on a level playing
field. The so-called "fourth estate" is bought and paid for
leaving our last defense of American ideals to the capable
hands of Internet bloggers and websites.
Now here's where I'm going to get in trouble, but there
are certain websites that need to be recognized for their
wonderful efforts. I spend at least four hours a day reading
my favorite sites including the major media. If I miss your
site, or need to be clued in (the most likely scenario), feel
free to bring me up to date: coach00@rogers.com.
BartCop, Buzzflash, Media Whores Online, and Eschaton in
my view offer the most informed and humorous commentary. Take
Back The Media, Daily Howler, American Politics Journal, Democratic
Underground and Salon are also necessary daily reads. (I'm
old and too lazy to provide the links, but type them into
a Google search and you won't be sorry.) For those I've missed,
I'm sorry, I really am a senior and forgetful.
And if you get a chance, check out the incomparable Rackjite,
who's not that active anymore, but has a wonderful online
book entitled, "Conservatively Incorrect." It's the best read
on the net.
Right, the commercial is over and it's time to get back
on point. Does it make a difference, our writing and squawking?
You betcha.
Write, complain, rant, vent, squawk. Never give up, and
take advantage of ever opportunity to call our lazy fourth
estate to task. Your country and way of life are at stake.
Meanwhile, my hat is off to the websites and bloggers who
have been doing the heavy lifting for far too long. If you
can, support them financially with a couple of bucks, or if
you're among the hundreds of thousands who've lost your job
under Bush, send a letter of support or a copy of a letter
or e-mail to your Senator, Congressman or local media.
Do it. Do it because you'll help your country and you will
feel better. Oh hell, just do it.
And don't forget to vote in 2004!
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