Party papers
Editorial
Newspapers published by or on behalf of political parties are not noted for their objectivity or balance. Usually, they carry the party line and, if their party is in office, proclaim its virtues and if in opposition put an emphasis on the failures, real or imagined, of the government. A party paper is in other words preaching to the converted and reinforcing their views and prejudices. But to confine the newspaper to that role is surely a wasted opportunity. It wins no new supporters and in most cases merely tells its readers what they already know or believe. How much more interesting and useful it would be if the party took the opportunity in its newspaper to advance its own cause positively by, for example, outlining some of its own programmes and criticising constructively the government's efforts where that is appropriate. The newspaper could be used to raise the level of the political debate and to rationally advance the party's claims to be the next government because of its superior policies. It could indeed, by the way in which it is written and presented, attract new supporters and set a certain tone for political debate and dialogue. It is surely counterproductive for a party newspaper to use a level of invective which is certain to antagonise anyone who is not a dedicated party supporter and may even upset the more discriminating among those. An example of this kind of invective can be found in a recent issue of New Nation by a columnist dealing with the recent accession of Mr Bharrat Jagdeo to the Presidency. In the column headed "Jagdeo - the ultimate two-fingered insult" the following passages appear: "First of all it confirms the proclivity of the PPP to apply their ill-gotten majority for nefarious political and personal ends - like the appointment of a primate of the lowest possible order to the highest possible office in the land". "There are certain prima facie assumptions that accompany the name Jagdeo which are not at all flattering. They all have felonious connotations". "Jagdeo's accession is like a vile and obscene expletive which needs to be expurgated. It is emotionally and intellectually revolting". This is sheer verbal aggression and vulgar abuse. It is beyond argument, rebuttal or response. It will antagonise all moderate opinion. It is not worthy of the People's National Congress, in whose name it is published, or of any democratic political party. Politicians are fighting for power and will frequently disagree strongly and criticise each other. But it is in the interest of all concerned that the political exchanges be maintained at a certain level.
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