Opinion vs. news: Do better!
The recent article reviewing the political career and retirement of Sen. Alison Clarkson was a case study in opinion masquerading as news. As a longtime reader, it is one of those eye-rolling pieces that question the value of my subscription.
Obviously, the Valley News and many of its readers support her voting record and liberal views, but this glowing retrospective is a disservice to the truth.
First, her assertion that Gov. Phil Scott is responsible for Vermont’s worsening affordability crisis is jaw droppingly false.
Clarkson and her democratic colleagues have pushed through 29% in property tax hikes over the past four years over his continued opposition; Scott has vetoed those increases twice, only to be overridden by Clarkson and the Democratic super majority. So, despite his actions, he’s to blame for higher taxes? That’s not objective reporting, it’s a false and partisan opinion presented to the readership as fact.
Secondly, there’s no mention in the article about her unwitting role in a growing grassroots campaign aimed at reducing government overreach in property rights.
In 2024, Clarkson told a state Chamber of Commerce meeting (Vermont Solutions Summit) that Vermont was composed of “urban dwellers and cave dwellers,” obviously referring to rural residents with disdain and disrespect. That comment made her famous, but not in a good way. The “cave dwellers” insult helped mobilize thousands of Vermonters to oppose a land use proposal, Act 181, with her comment front and center as an example of liberal elitism and intentional disregard for rural Vermonters needs in planning the state’s future. No surprise that her disparaging view of less affluent residents and the resulting outcry didn’t get included in the VN story. Bad news is no news, right?
It’s a simple premise, really. If the VN wants to print a deferential piece about a reliably left-leaning public servant, than it can. Just label it as an opinion. Is it that difficult?
I can assure you that plenty of readers know the difference.
Bruce Lyndes
Fairlee, VT.
The writer is a retired broadcast journalist and media relations professional.