Friday, February 21, 2014

Why didn’t the Reading Eagle challenge Jerry Knowles on his BS?

Why don’t the Reading Eagle’s smart, capable and experienced reporters challenge officials and lawmakers when they say something stupid or inaccurate?

Is it because nobody expects real journalism from the local newspaper, and asking tough questions is such hard work?

In a story Friday, reporter Mary Young interviewed Republican state Rep. Jerry Knowles about his plans to run for re-election in the 124th District, representing 60,451 people -- about 26,750 of them in northern Berks.

"I'm a very conservative guy,” he told her. “I don't think you should spend more than you have. I follow the same philosophy in government as I do in my own home.”

That comment shows me he’s a liar or an idiot.

Young should have asked him if he’s never borrowed to buy a home, buy a vehicle, send a son or daughter to college, or start a business.

And to equate household finance with federal borrowing is inane.

Young and Knowles both know the economy would never grow if people, companies and governments couldn’t borrow money. So why perpetuate that silly conservative blather?

We’d know more about the people we elect if Reading Eagle reporters would press them even a little on what they say and do, rather than simply writing down and publishing whatever they bloviate.

And how about the editorial’s headline Friday: “Republicans ensure no government shutdown for a year.”

Yay!! Thank God for Republicans!! :)

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