Dear Mark Zuckerberg: Democracy is not a Facebook focus group
We&#x27;ve all pretty much given up on the idea that social media will &#x27;democratize&#x27; the media. That slippery slope was passed long ago.<p>I was just reading a book by William F Buckley from 1959 about early American conservatism. Many of the points sound straight out of modern day partisan media:<p>- <i>Liberal Bias</i> in newspapers and universities: Buckley specifically cites NYTimes, NYPost, WaPo, and other prominent papers at the time all exhibit a noticeable liberal leaning. He also included a number of examples in higher education, especially at elite universities.<p>- <i>Liberal Mania</i>: Buckley noted that the hardcore liberals have a habit of grouping up on anyone who dares to become a prominent public proponent for Conservatism. They try to get them fired or formally reprimanded by authorities (such as by congress leaders). He also notes a level of smug&#x2F;elitism. A view point that the left believe they have discovered the correct ideology and anything else is heresies.<p>- <i>Opponents = Hitler</i>: This was the left&#x27;s favouritve label for right leaning opponents. He shared a story about how Eleanor Roosevelt famously labeled McCarthy-ism as Hitler-ism. When challenged by a reporter on this label she was asked if she would make the same comparison for this Soviet diplomat she had a known positive relationship with. But she refused - despite the fact he played a leading role in Stalin&#x27;s purges. It was something reserved for the right.<p>This was written 58 years ago.<p>Whether these generalizations are true or not, it&#x27;s funny how history repeats itself.