Posted on 04/04/2005 11:50:20 PM PDT by mastercylinder
Walter Cronkite long projected the image of the respected, objective newsman who didn't allow his personal views to enter the public square.
No more, says the retired CBS anchorman in a direct mail letter he has sent out across the nation.
The Cronkite letter comes from "The Interfaith Alliance" -- a liberal New York-based coalition of religious groups that oddly includes "agnostics and atheists."
The group's letter bears Cronkite's photo on its envelope, identifying him as the "Honorary Chairman" -- with this blunt quote: "For years I kept my opinions to myself. But now I must speak out."
In his letter, Cronkite lashes out at America's leading conservative religious leaders, notably Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell.
Cronkite said he decided to write his letter "because I am deeply disturbed by the dangerous and growing influence of Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell on our nation's political leaders."
"… I have watched with increasing alarm as the Christian Coalition and other Religious Right groups manipulate religion to further their intolerant, political agendas," Cronkite continues.
Cronkite claims his ire against Falwell and Robertson rose when "both shamefully blamed America's courts and the highest levels of our government for the horrific September 11 attacks on our nation. They said it happened because we 'insulted God.' Falwell went on to blame feminists, pro choice Americans and other groups he despises."
The newsman said he is worried that Falwell and Robertson have "gained considerable influence on local school boards, in the administration and in Congress."
The former "most trusted man in America" says The Interfaith Alliance, however, "offers a mainstream alternative for people of faith and good will to stand in opposition to the extremism of the Religious Right."
In other words, it will remain staunchly intolerant of Americans with traditional religious views.
Who is Walter Cronkite?
Robertson & Falwell were right.
Get over it, Cronkite.
I thought crabby old men were supposed to hike their pants up real high and complain about the government, not religions. Did I miss the memo about this?
And you can take that to the bank.
someone post "the finger" for me please
Manipulate religion? How does that happen? Now about manipulating the news, we come back to you Walter.
"Objective journalism" doesn't exist. It never did, and never will.
HISTORICAL NOTE: For years, Walter Cronkite kept his opinions to himself. Those years, specifically, were 1916-1921, 1925, 1933, and 1935. Since then, he's refused to shut the hell up.
-Dan
Well, that's Waldorf. Where's Statler?
He's someone who brings garbage, instead of taking it away.
How can you be an agnostic and be a member of an "Interfaith Organization?"
Cronkite is on crackite. He should go carp fishing.
Arrowhead>>>---liberals-->
Must be a misprint -- Should have read Honorary Chairman of the SOUR GRAPES society!
A crotchety, disgruntled, disillusioned old Commie who used to do a pretty good TV show called the 20th Century during the 1960's.
Of course, he didn't mind that the show was sponsored by an arch-capitalist insurance company.
Since when?
Poor Walter. He woke up and he's 15 years behind the times.
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