Opposing viewpoints have value
I highly praise Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper the Washington Post for promoting democracy by seeking to shed light and not heat.
This determination is shown by its slogan: “Democracy dies in darkness”. Even though the Post’s editorial stance is that of a liberal, it takes great care to expose readers to responsible opposing views, so that readers may choose for themselves.
Some examples of opposing views printed by the Post would include: last week’s column by Larry Kudlow, director of Trump’s National Economic Council, putting forth his case for tariffs and for free trade; and presenting a very prominent conservative commentator, Charles Krauthammer, in a column.
Thai media should likewise trust their audiences and causes enough to regularly invite people with opposing viewpoints to engage in two-way communication with their audiences.
An informed, politically active electorate is the base of a vigorous democracy. Such proactive outreach will test one’s causes, promote learning and reconciliation, and hopefully help us end the vicious cycle of coups.
Burin Kantabutra
