If one does a little research back into history – like back to that time before the Civil War, during that period of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates [1858] – a couple of very interesting points automatically pops out at you.

First is the fact that back then, the function AND the action of the news media seemed to be not so much concerned with having that 5 second sound bit so that they could have more time to shape the news, create a perception within people, and actively manipulate and steer people towards a specific ideology.  

But rather back then, their primary function seemed to center more on actually REPORTING what was really going on – as attested to by the fact that most if not all of the papers back then just printed verbatim what was actually said by the two debaters themselves.  

Now, that approach by the news media is in itself a rather interesting – in fact – a rare, new, bold concept – especially in this day and age, now isn’t it!

Second is the fact the people themselves also acted in quite a different way than we do today.

In doing a little research back to that time, one of the things that perked my interest the most was the fact that there was a series of 7 ACTUAL debates between these two men in various towns in Illinois.

But more importantly, I was struck by the response of the average citizen!

For instance, consider the 2^nd debate held in Freeport, IL.  

But before proceeding any further, please remember and consider the fact that this period of time was back then – during the days of the horse and buggy, the train, and no roads to speak of – and absolutely – no Interstate Highway System!

Yet in a little town west of Chicago, with a population of only 5,000 people, over 15,000 came to listen to that 2^nd debate!

Take a moment or two to just think of that fact.

DOES THAT FACT SAY ANYTHING?!

And then, we now fast forward back to our current era.  

Chicago and Illinois has become notorious for bad politics, corruption, and what not!   Even within my own lifetime – scandal after scandal………………..

Consider 1960 when Kennedy stole the election from Nixon.   I did not hear any Democrats back then screaming that every vote should count!

Consider when the 1968 Democratic Nation Convention that was held in Chicago.   Remember the battles between the Chicago political machine of Richard Daley [an ally of the embattled Democratic President Johnson] and the extreme left wing elements within his own party?!    

I was on active duty in the military during that period.   And believe me, I know a thing or two of what was really going on back then because I had a ring side seat to it all.   In fact, I was personally involved in certain types of activities that very, very few people know anything about – even to this day!

And, I also know from first hand experience that all too often – what we the people are told by the news media is just the opposite of what in fact takes place.   And, that is truly a shame [which automatically leads to another topic at a later date].

And then, we have the current fiasco playing itself out in Chicago and Illinois.

My big question – what ever happened to the principles of the good old days?!

Without a doubt, corruption and other types of shameful behavior have most certainly become the predominant characterization of late.   Too bad that the current characterization no longer matches what was plainly evident for all to plainly see back then in time!

And lest we forget – yes – all was not perfect back then.   After all, there was still slavery!

But yet, is it not also true that we fought a Civil War over that very issue?   And also, is it not also true that many thousands of men – in fact – hundreds of thousands of men lost their life as they stood up and fought for the principle that all men are in fact created equal BY GOD HIMSELF!    [And lest we forget this point, it was the Republican Party that actually led the fight against slavery]?

Now, the current type of characterization that has been presented in this writing is not just being directed at Chicago and Illinois.   Let us be honest with ourselves.   This cancer has permeated throughout our entire nation!