The Editor, Sir:

I am flabbergasted by columnist Ian Boyne's reference to Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck and Bill O'Reilly to back up his article on the lack of intellectual journalism in the Jamaican/Western context.

Not one of the three men cater to a Jamaican audience, and I do believe Mr Boyne's article would have been more useful had he referenced a Jamaican journalist or talk-show host. I guess he is too much of a coward to reference someone here who is more likely to read his article and challenge him. It is highly unlikely that any of the three men would be reading The Gleaner and be able to defend themselves or their programmes.

The entire truth

Mr Boyne is not being entirely truthful. Say what you might about their politics, these three men are successful because they are well-researched, well-read and appeal to a wide cross section of persons. I watch both Beck and O'Reilly and find their programmes thought-provoking and interesting. Beck is sometimes over the top, but O'Reilly is measured and conducts some of the best interviews I have seen on network television. It's interesting that Boyne mentioned neither Keith Olberman nor Rachel Maddow, who are over the top and loud. That shows a bias, Mr Boyne, and that's not good.

Some of us do feel the feet of politicians/public servants must be kept to the fire. When they cross the line or engage in corrupt acts, they must be exposed, not coddled. We do appreciate Boyne's type of writing - when we can get past the bloviating. But for God's sake, stop trampling on others because they do not share your style!

I am, etc.,

O. JAMES STEWART

oliverjamesstewart@gmail.com