For the past couple years, I have taken an informal survey of those I meet, "Who is making the most positive impact on America today." Not surprisingly, in all the times I have asked this question, not one modern politician, movie star or journalist has ever been "nominated." Despite the fact that these are the people who often get the headlines, most simply don't make a positive impact on the country. Often, responders are unable to make any nomination at all.
In this age, popularly referred to as the "information age," nothing could be further from the truth. A more proper label would be the "disinformation age" or perhaps the "age of distraction and non-issues." Americans are well aware that we are lied to and subjected to White House and Capitol Hill spin through the AP (American Propaganda) ...but what are the alternatives?
As I reflect on the most deserving recipient of the aforementioned "award," I would nominate Rob Kall of OpEdNews. He shows a strong commitment to give a voice to all of us who are deeply concerned about our country, but have no vehicle to express it. He has developed a real force to be reckoned with, and he did it by reaching out to others and giving them a platform from which they can speak.
In my local community of Columbus, Ohio we don't have a public access channel, nor do we have Air America, and we only have one daily newspaper (which owns virtually all the other papers and many other news sources in town.) OpedNews is the one news source that I trust for its diversity of opinion and lack of censorship...I may not agree with everything I read here, but I know with the diversity of news and opinion represented, the truth will win out. I wish I could say the same for even one other news agency that I once trusted...no not even one.
Thomas Jefferson once said, "Truth is certainly a branch of morality and a very important one to society."
Jesus said, "The truth will set us free," but where can Americans go to get the truth? Even the most "liberal" sites today seem to have a black marker at the ready to censor the views and stories on its pages. But OpEdNews upholds the first amendment with every choice they make. I can remember only one instance of discussion of implementing the c-word in a very limited context, in the most democratic way, and with the intention of furthering more honest discussion and respect for all.
I found that the longer I read OpEdNews, the more tolerant I have become to those who dodn't share my opinions. More importantly, I find I am able to "change sides" on a number of issues, while keeping a memory of my old belief structures--furthering my compassion for the "other side." In this environment of education and empowerment fostered under Mr. Kall's loving care, I have generally become more respectful for those with whom I disagree.
For me, OpedNews has become a journey where I can walk in the shoes of many different people--seeing the world through their eyes and deepening my understanding of the world around me. In light of this, who could be a better candidate for "someone making the most positive impact on America today" than Rob Kall of OpEdNews?
Long live the truth!
Long live OpEdNews.com!
