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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: SMEAR (03/10/16)
DAILY NEWS GAZETTE

EDITORIAL SECTION

Dear Editor,

What bugs me most about political races are the defamation of characters seen during the debates, and television ads. Why must politicians stoop to such levels where they feel like it is better to cut down their opponents than to focus on their individual abilities?

Whether it is a sales call, or a political ad, the number one rule is to not focus on the others. That’s a problem because now the listeners and viewers are focusing on the other people running, and not on the one person they want voters to reflect upon—themselves.

They need to focus solely on their capabilities, and strengths. Explain how they can make a difference, and what they bring to the table. Give details on their accomplishments, and plans for making America great again. What is their differentiated value that sets them apart from the pack of wolves all wanting the same thing, the viewers’ votes?

The debates are really just a circus to get the candidates to pounce on each other, and discredit them for the office, such as President of the United States. It would be refreshing if the debates were something other than a hostile environment where the political pundits say he or she won the debate.

No one wins at these debates because no metrics are used to score the candidates. Some get more airtime by bullying the others with raised voices, and calling the others derogatory names, as if they are on the school playground. Grow up candidates! Speak about yourself, not the others. Who do you want me to vote for anyway—those you are debasing, or for you?

Why would we want a bully for President? Why would we want someone who continually attacks the other candidates in their political party with slanderous insults?

It’s sickening that those running for the highest role in American government can stoop so low with such divisive tactics. I’m sick of it, and don’t know who to vote for based on ethical behaviors.

—Disgruntled

-------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Disgruntled,

Thank you for bringing such a timely issue to our attention.

You make many valid points about the sorry state of how election campaigns are behaving. I’m with you—the debates are childish, and only incite verbal warfare. They set up the rivalries by pitting one against the others. Sadly, as you stated, no one wins the debates.

Media has a huge part of the responsibility of how the politicians are positioned in the news. They feel the need to let disgraceful insults fuel the airwaves, and newspapers.

Feeling disgruntled too.

—The Editor
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This article has been read 840 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
03/17/16
Clever approach to the topic using current times to bring it home.

Well done...

Blessings~
Bonnie Bowden 
03/17/16
I've felt similarly after watching the debates, but we'll know soon enough after the election in November.

I liked the format you used to showcase your writing.
Chris Goglin
03/18/16
We all have the debates on our minds, but I really liked the editorial format you used, as a concerned voter. Sometimes when this world is really in turmoil and confusion, it is reassuring to know that other readers feel the same way you do, and sympathize with you on every detail. Great job!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/18/16
I think the letter to the editor was a creative way to tackle the topic. If you had just written your thoughts in an essay, it would have come off as preachy, but since the idea of a letter to the editor is to get your POV out, it was a brilliant idea. I noticed a incomplete sentence and some spots that read a bit awkward. A good piece of advice is to ask someone to read it aloud (or you read it aloud); if there are any stumbles or stutters, you may want to tweak the sentence. You made some great points, and I really agree. We need to pray for our nation more than ever right now. Good job.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/18/16
I don't read comments before I comment so not to influence myself. While there have been four or five versions of the political mess, like I mentioned before, placing it in a letter to the editor is creative. Sometimes, we need to go where God is directing us, and when that happens, it is important to think of a unique way to present your message. While in real life, a letter to the editor isn't necessarily creative, it isn't something one usually sees in the challenge. Jan from the forums, Jan's Writing Basics, did a cool lesson once. She suggested that when you first see the topic, write down the first five things that pop into your head, then throw it away because it's likely the same five things everyone else thought of. Keep writing and don't get discouraged. Hugs :)
Loni Bowden-Horn 
03/21/16
I liked the editorial section of the paper to showcase the politicians antics. I may have included an ad you noticed on tv without the name of the politician to add further clarity.
Noel Mitaxa 
03/22/16
Amen and amen.
Karen Dick 
03/23/16
I thought this was a creative way to cover the topic. Nice job.
C D Swanson 
03/24/16
Congrats!
Blessings~
Bonnie Bowden 
03/24/16
Congratulations, Judy, on placing 3rd in the Intermediate category. I like your style of writing and enjoy reading your stories.
Catherine Craig
03/24/16
Judy, congratulations on your piece.