Why Should Anyone Pay Attention To Columnists When They Don’t Get It Right?

Jaime Watt is a Canadian columnist who has written a best-selling book entitled ‘What I Wish I Said’. Stephen LeDrew puts the question to him ‘Why should anyone trust columnists when they get it wrong?’ - Jaime responds by defending the press, and stating that columnists occupy an important role by sparking debate. Three Minutes!

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[wjjz]

Ironic that most of his confessions remain solidly left wing perspectives. If he is in the center...the center has moved.

[richardthompson]

In the not too distant future, it will be illegal to ask questions about what you are being told.

[cailcampbell]

I think what you meant to ask is. "Why should anyone pay attention to columnist, when they are paid not to get it right?"

[marcgatto]

Never heard of this guy. And from what he's said, I'll likely never read anything by him.

[lylemacdonald]

Columnists were the first 'influencers' along with letters to the editor. It is often called the "opinion" page in a newspaper, not the "facts" page. Critical thinking is a must.

[leslieross]

Columnists are writers expressing their opinion, which is not the same as reporting the news. News organizations should not have opinions but understand and report without bias.

[rudyando]

Somedays, I wish those 50% who disapproved of same sex marriage had fought a little harder.

[brentjohnson]

I find columnists for the most part a waste of time because they end up writing about things they have very little knowledge about. Not always, but when they get out of their depth, they need to be transparent. The reason we have got to where you aren’t allowed to be wrong is because the stakes of being wrong have gotten so high. We end up following people down the garden path, only to find out how wrong they have been and now we are in big trouble! Be transparent and thoughtful and that will be the best fix, not stating a position u may not totally believe just to get people talking.

[ricoman]

He’s correct about one thing, the world is very polemic, divided more than ever before along political lines, and for good reason. Politicians by their very nature are divisive, egotistical and generally, with occasional exceptions, totally against anything their opposition is in favour of. The media in recent years is complicit too. The ‘news’ has been reduced a series of opinion editorials and in many cases, checking sources has been thrown out the window. Going to schools and universities, reading or listening to media and watching TV should come with a warning - ‘The activity you are undertaking is meant to teach you what to think, not how to think’.

[terryjones]

Well, when right and wrong become merely a perspective, then this is where we end up!

[katreid]

I sure miss the thumbs down buttons. As soon as I see woke words I find a better story teller.

[marcelstanford]

I look at as many sources of news as I can and come to my own conclusions.
Every human is flawed in some way. Every single one.

[robertshank]

Jaime Watt says that 90% of Canadians agree with gay marriage. What he should have said is that 90% of Canadians don't care if someone is gay. There's a difference and Mr. Watt
knows it but his job is to say what his publisher tells him to say. Isn't that right Jaime?

[johndelong]

Dont doubt that in 50 years, our current values and notions will be the object of scorn and derision. History bears out this fact.

[WorldPeace]

Columnists are just people who give their opinion. You can agree with it, or not.

[ForestLittke]

This always drives me crazy...every one is a Best what category is it a best Seller? This in never revealed EVER! You can have a million best sellers....it must be a ponzi scheme. Only one can be a best seller! Explain this to me clearly? Make a 3 minute video to explain this to me. Who is with me?

[johnbozak]

Ha buddy! I don’t care you or anybody else says, marriage is between one man and one woman. Period! That’s what the Bible says and that precious word from God himself will stand forever. And no columnist will trump them words in that Book.

[dominicdurzo]

the reprogrammable ignorant citizen allows reprogramming by being ignorant

[LJSheffRBLX]

Your content is like a refreshing breeze on a summer day.

[dbkttic]

And how about retractions when they are wrong? If there is one, it's a tiny little mention. And there are no repercussions for lies.