AZ Republic’s skewed “viewpoints” expose bias

Newspaper makes no effort to provide balance

Sunday’s edition of the Arizona Republic is a classic, rife with examples of the leftward lurch that underscores the entire failing publication. For the untutored reader it would be easy to mistake the page topping headlines “Viewpoints Sunday” and “Opinions” as vehicles delivering a variety of vantage points. That is obviously not the case.

There’s the requisite piece of open borders blather from Linda Valdez, the resident amnesty doyenne.  An Our Turn article titled “Focus on the Future” is the joint effort of two notable educrats, Sybil Francis (wife of Arizona State University’s overpaid president Michael Crow) and Lattie Coor, who preceded Crow as ASU president. The duo seeks to exert liberal influence within the state’s educational structure and beyond.

The expected piece of Arpaio bashing is front and center. This one dripping with sarcasm aimed at the sheriff and his office. Letters to the editor? Most sound as though they were crafted by the ASU’s Cronkite journalism students who have risen to jobs for which they are unqualified, as seasoned staffers grab their retirement and run — before the dam finally breaks. 

Focusing on the Question of the Week, under AZ Talk, the skew is irrefutable.  The question, “If Trump wins the Republican primary can he win the White House? “ is answered by each of four selected respondents with the first word emboldened and preceding a short explanation. There are two “No” answers, one “Never” and one “Maybe“. Of the four only one is a registered Republican. Listed under their names are their jobs, presumably intended to convey credibility. Two are either former or current teachers, one is a sculptor’s assistant, and another is described as a “community enthusiast.” 

Phil Boas, son-in-law of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is the director of the Arizona Republic’s editorial pages. That means he oversees the constant barrage against his wife’s father and the grandfather of his kids. It’s a good bet he also has at least some authority over the type of questions asked and the selection of those who respond —  typically in lockstep — with the newspaper‘s bent. Conservatives should consider giving this guy a call and volunteering to provide their perspective on issues concerning us all. Phil Boas can be reached at 602-444-8292. No doubt he’d like to hear from you.