I have watched Fox News lie and distort practically every possible political fact for as long as I can remember. I find it outrageous that more people (outside of Jon Stewart) don't make a significant public effort to correct and criticize the ridiculous product that they supply and claim to call news. That is why I was stunned to hear Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) go out of his way to not only ensure that one of his supporters was properly informed (which he should do no matter the circumstance), but to also briefly remark and warn against blindly following the propaganda of Fox News.
In light of such an act, I found it necessary to send senator Coburn an e-mail thanking him:
Dr. Senator Tom Coburn,
I'm not one of your normal supporters, I'm not a republican, I don't even live in your state. But I would be remiss in not thanking you for standing up to Fox News as you did recently. You and I have vastly different views on multiple issues and while I recognize that some of these differences may not be resolvable, I greatly appreciate your candidness and willingness to have an honesty debate on an issue such as Healthcare. I have been saddened and horrified by some of the lies perpetrated by Fox News in recent months and I found it particularly encouraging to hear a prominent republican politician not lambast the news organization, but at least strive to set the record straight. I sincerely hope that you will continue to ensure that citizens are properly informed and not sheepishly misled into following a particular cause (even if it is one supported by your own party). Our country deserves two parties that are willing to have honest debates and I ask that you encourage such honesty from your fellow congressman and supporters.
Thank you,
- Hugh
Yes, the honesty regarding healthcare was a too little too late and more could obviously be done in curtailing the manipulated information disseminated by Fox, but what's important is that Coburn did something. Anything. It's a step. And for all the talk of wanting bipartisianship this is an opportunity to achieve some. By showing Coburn the appreciation and respect he deserves for this deed, regardless of any past votes or actions that may run counter to my or your beliefs, we encourage others to follow and offer an opportunity for people to join together.
Such actions shouldn't be met with such shock and we shouldn't portray the headlines as a brewing internal fight amongst the republican party. We should act in a way so as to encourage others, Democrats and Republicans, to do the same when confronted with misinformation. We should step up and thank Coburn for doing the right thing.