I want to thank the editorial department of The Columbian for reporting on the antics of our county councilors (who cost us taxpayers $250,000 by abusing their power).
In grade school, I was sold on the power of ruling by the majority, rather than by royalty or other arbitrary authority. For democracy to work effectively, all the people must have access to reliable information and participate in the process.
Today we are bombarded by propaganda techniques through the mail, newspaper, radio and TV ads, and cartoons that express value judgments, lies, manipulative phrases, and data that are designed to look like fact. Whoever has the most money to spend gets the most exposure.
What is difficult to find is good journalism that researches an issue and reports facts, along with possible implications of an event or proposal. To understand what is going on, you must be willing to dig for valid and reliable information.
