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Essayist's sources not balanced by opposing viewpoint
Reference your comments in the February issue (see "Conversation with the Publisher," page 3), Thomas Geoghegan's comments in his essay (see "Who wins as the economy booms?" page 12) may have surprised you, but I don't think they would have surprised any literate reader of your publication familiar with the author's views and writing.

It is perfectly legitimate, perhaps obligatory, for editors to publish his views on such subjects, but they certainly should be presented as part of a balanced discussion. It would be more than fair to say that [Geoghegan's] views and observations are selective at best.

Anyone who uses the Economic Policy Institute as a basis for statistics certainly should raise a flag for editors and writers who are trying to be objective. The writer, as well as the institute, have viewpoints that deserve to be heard, but not in isolation or at the expense of objectivity or giving your readers a wider range of assessments.

The accompanying vignettes you ran surely did not serve the purpose of offering any balance to Mr. Geoghegan’s specific claims. This is more or less like presenting Patrick Buchanan’s ideas on free trade with-out any opposing opinions; or giving Jesse Jackson’s views on Decatur schools primary space without offering opportunity for any other views.

I think you should reflect on your mission and credibility.
Henry N. Barkhausen
405 Barkhausen Lane
Jonesboro

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Illinois Issues

University of Illinois at Springfield
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Illinois Issues April 2000 | 44