Still time to find the hidden gems

To the editor:

When I was in journalism school in the 1960s, we were admonished to always write and report with impartiality. Anything else was unacceptable. A professional integrity required that responsible objectivity governed our work, and we respected our readers' intelligence.

A look at the way in which election news is reported today shows just how far the national media have strayed from that ideal. Instead of looking fairly and impartially at all the candidates, current 'journalists” feed us only that which is entertaining, shocking or controversial. A dangerous injustice underlies this sensationalism. How can we decide which candidates will best serve our needs and our nation without real information? It's a disservice to candidates as well.

For example, do the 'talking heads” report how Gov. Martin O'Malley will protect our children's futures by advocating 100 percent clean electrical energy by 2050? Or how, during a time of economic recession, he was able to increase funding for education? Or how he garnered cooperation from among diverse interests to institute a ban on assault style weapons in his state?

Iowans have to go beyond the limited information provided by the entertainment industry. Listen up media - Iowans take their political responsibility seriously. Let's take a good look at all the candidates in person, on websites or from reliable print sources. There are hidden gems out there. There still is time to find them.

Judy Ryan

Cedar Rapids