The Rural Voice, 1989-03, Page 14.11,;) 122..,L, zit
COMPLETE LINE OF
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12 THE RURAL VOICE
THE ROLE OF
THE COLUMNIST
I have been writing a regular
column on agricultural issues for more
than 15 years. In that time I have re-
ceived both complimentary responses
as well as a goodly share of brickbats.
Let me share my thoughts on the
"why" of a column.
A column should not be written
exclusively to advance the views of
the writer. While these views are, of
course, expressed, the main purpose of
the column should be to provoke the
reader into thinking, into asking
himself if his previously held beliefs
are still valid. The reader should also
be aroused to begin questioning the
policies of the particular organization
to which he belongs.
Walter Stewart once wrote: "We
live in a nation of pussycats, domin-
ated by columnists who have no opin-
ions and can only ring the changes of
conventional wisdom. They call their
flatulence fair-mindedness and their
ignorance objectivity; they forget that
their job is to explore and explain, to
provoke and probe, not to cover
themselves."
Readers should ask themselves:
"Is there a different way to accomplish
the things my organization wants? Is
its policy to the benefit of the majority
or will it only benefit the few? If the
latter is the case, are we justified in
assisting these few in this way?"
Because of my so frequently
expressed opinions, there will be those
who reject anything I advance out of
hand because it comes from me.
This is as wrong as unquestioningly
accepting everything I promote.
Frequently, when at a gathering of
farmers, someone buttonholes me to
comment on my column. What I hear
most often is, "I often agree with you,
but not always." This is the correct
approach. Raise questions and, when
in doubt, get clarification. It happens
that an organization doesn't express
itself very well and a wrong
impression is created. I sometimes
suffer from the same ailment.
I have been in farm organizations
long enough, and have reported the
actions of many others long enough, to
know that a policy is seldom adopted
unanimously. Those who stay home
and read about it must realize that they
don't get the background of the
decisions but only as much as the
reporter can print in the space allotted.
The purpose of the columnist
should not be to oppose everything
the government does just because it
is proposed by a political party he
doesn't support. Let's support what
is good regardless of the source.
If my columns cause a reader to
stop and think, my purpose has been
served.
Because of my opinions I am
arrogant. I take it upon myself to
judge the actions of leaders or the
collective decisions of organizations.
I prefer to be called "self assured and
independent," not arrogant, but
actually it is the same.
Before anyone jumps on me, I
suggest first that he or she reflect on
his or her own opinions expressed
around the kitchen table. If judged by
the same criteria, would not most
opinions be called "arrogant"?
I have an advantage over many of
my readers. I have a wealth of exper-
ience in farm organizations, I attend
meetings of different commodity
groups, and I read many magazines. I
try to keep up with the developments
and trends in agriculture.
Some of my critics accuse me of
promoting developments, such as the
numerical decline of family farms. I
do not promote this. On the contrary,
I regret it. But I see what happens and
often I see that it is inevitable.°
Adrian Vos, from Huron County, has
contributed to The Rural Voice since
its inception in 1975.