We all can understand the power that the media has to persuade us in our positions and perceptions of different issues. We all want to feel that our position is our own thoughts and decisions, but we can be influenced by out side sources, such as the media. With that said, sources of media should be accountable to project a position that is for the betterment of the people and our family lives. Most media sources do all they can to report the truth, but there is a clear exception when it comes to some radio programs. I am sure we have all experienced different radio stations that discuss issues in a matter of simply creating controversy in an attempt to increase ratings.

With all the traveling that I do I have the opportunity to listen to radio stations in many different cities. On a recent trip in Chicago, I was driving to the airport to return home, while listening to a talk radio station. This radio personality was discussing how a local politician had written a proposed law that would require all first time drunk driving offenders to have a notation on their driver's license. While I thought this was a great idea, the show host was expressing his strong viewpoint against this proposed law. He was stating that it was an invasion of privacy, and that people make mistakes and that first time offenders should not be treated harshly.
 
Of course I had to call in, as I was infuriated with this host and his statistics that 70% of first time offenders never get caught (Get Caught) driving drunk a second time. I was the first caller on the air, and I asked him to explain to me about the other 30% and how many times the 70% continued to drive drunk with out being caught, but more importantly, how many people are killed by either first time, second time, or multiple offenders of drunk driving. I assured him that had he lost a loved one to a drunk driver that he would have a different viewpoint. I continued with explaining statistics of the 14,000 Americans killed each year by drunk drivers, and how this spreads a wake of grief across millions of people that new the ones who died.
 
He continued to try to cut my time short, but not before I could make a strong case, which was contrary to his viewpoint. A position hat showed love, compassion and responsibility, to protect the innocent who could be killed by drunk drivers. All of his following callers also let him know they disagreed with him and that his viewpoint was not only selfish, but was supportive of drunk drivers. Yes, the media has the power of persuasion to a large audience, but we the people have the ability to hold them accountable and challenge them. Our voice matters and we all need to keep in tune to the media to assure that the truth is being unveiled, and to challenge them if the topic is not in favor of a healthier society. Eventually, this host retracted his opinion and stated that he should have done more research on the subject before he drew his conclusion.
 
I would like to commend, and thank "The News Connection" for consistently publishing viewpoints and columns that are for the betterment of our community and society. This is a class act newspaper, and the owners and management should be proud of this paper. I know that I am.