Letter writer Norman Phillips thinks it is arrogant for newspapers to offer endorsements to their readers and for corporations to involve themselves in our democracy.
Let me start with the issues of corporations. Because democracies have the habit of regulating corporations and taxing them, it certainly seems fair for corporations to let voters know how democracies treat businesses. After all, if democracies become overly burdensome toward companies, the corporations have to raise prices for the goods and services they offer or reduce the number of people they employ.
Regarding newspapers, it has been the tradition of American newspapers to offer their opinions to voters, whether its specific pieces of legislation, government policy or candidates running for office. In fact, it was newspaper publishers who were some of the earliest voices championing the cause of American independence from Britain.
Mr. Phillips ought to remember the Chicago Tribune didn’t merely offer an endorsement of Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860. The leadership of the paper undertook efforts to get Lincoln nominated. When the 1860 Republican National Convention became deadlocked, the Tribune’s leadership started working the convention hall, persuading delegates to cast their votes for Lincoln.
If it hadn’t been for the Chicago Tribune, Lincoln probably would never have gained the GOP nomination. I don’t even want to think want kind of country the United States would be today, if Abraham Lincoln had not been elected president.
As Americans, we should be thankful for the arrogance of the Tribune and every other newspaper during election cycles.
— Kent Frederick, Downers Grove
