a hopeful plea to CNN's Richard Parsons

[steve2470]

Mr. Richard D. Parsons
Chief Executive Officer
Time Warner Inc.
One Time Warner Center
New York, NY 10019-8016

Dear Mr. Parsons,

As CEO of Time Warner and all of its subsidiaries, I am sure you want to be kept aware of the quality of Cable News Network (CNN). CNN has been a part of my news repertoire since its inception in 1981, and I have never had any doubts about its objectivity in political matters. However, in recent months, I have heard increasing doubts about its impartiality with respect to the Bush administration. My view on news organizations such as CNN is that they are supposed to hold the federal government, and its chief executive, accountable for all actions in the public interest. This means that when Clinton was in office, CNN was right to hold him and his subordinates accountable. If Mr. Kerry wins the election, it means that you hold him and his subordinates accountable. This accountability is achieved by publicizing all the facts about relevant events.

I do not think, based upon my research, that CNN is currently achieving the level of journalistic vigilance that I would expect from a 23 year tradition of excellence. For all the facts, I have to turn to several news sites on the internet. This is wrong. I should only have to go to CNN or cnn.com for my news. In the interest of full disclosure, I am a registered Democrat and have always voted Democratic. However, as I said above, I expect CNN to hold both Democrats and Republicans accountable, wherever the facts may lie.

Please, Mr. Parsons, think about the welfare of the American people. I realize that Time Warner is subject to multiple pressures, but as a true patriot, please make sure that CNN reports all the facts, however damaging to the party in power. I love this country with all my heart, and I have an 8 year old son whom I wish to enjoy its fruits as much as I have. Your company can help insure that my son enjoys the 228 year tradition of open democracy that you and I have enjoyed. Thank you for your time, Mr. Parsons.



Sincerely yours,


Steve Hedrick, CNN watcher since1981

I hope I didn't waste my time

[Iceburg]

1. Yes -- wasted time. Follow the money ...

http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.asp?Order=A&txtName=Parsons%2C&txtState=&txtZip=10019&txtEmploy=&txtCand=&txt2004=Y&txt2002=Y&txt2000=Y&txt1998=&txt1996=&txt1994=&txt1992=&txt1990=&txtSoft=N

The biggest loss for me in the past 4 years is my "innocence" -- apparently, greed & power trumps honesty and integrity.

[steve2470]

2. oh crap.....

I guess I can pray for a miracle :-(

[Iceburg]

3. I'm told that God is not taking new orders/requests ...

It's up to us.

[calimary]

4. Even so, it was a VERY worthwhile effort.

I'm glad you wrote, ANYWAY. You spoke for SOOOOOOOOOOOOO many of us here.

[steve2470]

5. thanks, I mailed it today, if.....

I actually get anything back, I will notify all you DU'ers. I won't hold my breath, but at least now I don't feel so powerless.

[steve2470]

6. hmm maybe on Tuesday he'll get it :-)

[hippiegranny]

7. it's a good letter

It might not help, but it certainly can't hurt.