Letter to the editor: Misinformation season

IT’S RABBIT SEASON! NO, IT’S DUCK SEASON! NO, RABBIT SEASON! DUCK SEASON!

Actually, it’s “misinforming” politician season. Some might even call it “lying” politician season. It’s that time, one of the two per year, that candidates flood the media with their loving family photos, rolled-up sleeves, videos of walks in the park, hardhat and military photos. Then they lay out all their glorious promises outlining what they alone are going to accomplish, if only we would elect them. Truthfully, they are going to vote how their party tells them to vote. Oops, can’t let that slip.

Mostly, they spend time and money shredding the other candidates, telling us how terrible they are and what evil person or party they are associated with. This is done using out-of-context video, clipped recordings and unflattering photos of their opponents. Then they leave it to us to take it from there, with our predetermined opinions, prejudices and perceived hate for the other party or candidate. Hate that has been nurtured previously, through media and other sources. Focusing hate on the other side is a great way to hide the weaknesses of the candidates themselves. (I’m bad but the other guy is worse.)

So let the glittering generalities and red herrings fly. Let the half-truths, omitted facts and misinformation run rampant. You’re going to forget anyway in a couple of weeks and life will return to normal. Then it will be rabbit season again. Or duck? How about “dupe the voter season”?

Tim Kaczmarek

Natrona Heights