To the editor:

This is an unusual presidential election year; characterizations by opposing party members have become extremely personal. In this political atmosphere it is tempting for newspapers to write political editorials in a tone that indulge this spirit of divisiveness.

In late July and early August there were a series of Messenger editorials opposing the Democratic president and vice president choices. The Messenger editorial on Aug. 1 is one example: “It turns out there was a real conspiracy: Democratic Party officials plotted to help Hillary Clinton win.” The editorial writer seems to jump to the conclusion that those who attended Democratic caucuses and primaries in Iowa and other states were simply manipulated by “high-ranking Democratic officials.” Iowa was a key state for Hillary Clinton toward gaining initial momentum as the leading Democratic candidate.

If manipulation had occurred it would have been reflected in the actual caucus votes. The Messenger editorial, at the very least, misrepresented the facts for what actually occurred in Fort Dodge at the precinct level. When opinion pieces rely on simplistic generalization that feed on emotional prejudices, Messenger readers of all political persuasions are not well served.

Careless opinion writing further fuels political hostility. It’s a short step from polarization to cynicism. What would it mean to children and grandchildren if publications encourage them to believe they have no voice about who runs our government? Political editorials need to encourage active and responsible participation; not have to strike for the lowest common denominator.

One editorial alternative is to examine the different roles a president needs to carry out and then write about readiness of the candidates to perform those roles. Scholastic.com, for example, refers to seven roles of a U.S. president. It is beneficial to The Messenger readers to become more informed about how the candidates might perform the essential duties of the president of the United States.

Another editorial alternative is to write about each presidential candidate’s platform, public policy statements, and promises made during speeches and then explain how the Webster County area might be impacted by the plans the candidates propose.

As The Messenger moves into its 160th year of publication, I hope it will strive to print editorials that are not only topical and interesting at the moment, but have a level of journalistic professionalism that leaves a legacy for fairness and integrity in opinion writing for future generations.

John Wilson

Fort Dodge