News: Oh, for the days of a paper on every porch

Re: “Pandemic crushing newspapers, increasing hunger for accurate info,” (TNT, 9/21).

When I grew up in South Tacoma in the ‘50s, it was unusual to see a house without a paper on the porch. In some cases there was a morning paper and an evening paper delivered.

Now, sadly, it’s rare to see a paper at all as newsrooms turn out the lights.

A University of Oregon professor authored a book recently about the “dumbing down” of America. Is there maybe a cause and effect here? Look at all the ridiculous conspiracy theories that are being circulated (and believed) today.

Is this what’s filling the void or vacuum?

Perhaps it’s appropriate to review the observation of de Tocqueville: “The only authors whom I acknowledge as Americans are the journalists. They indeed are no great writers, but they speak the language of their countrymen, and make themselves heard by them.”

By the way, I’m glad I grew up when I did.

This story was originally published September 24, 2020 at 10:06 AM with the headline "News: Oh, for the days of a paper on every porch."