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Show Daly cautions 'Be skeptical of news, government' By ROULHAC GARN Chronicle Staff "The need for perspective on the current scene is urgent. The public must take a position after all facts and objectives have been reviewed," stated John Charles Daly, featured speaker at the University Founders' Day Banquet. Mr. Daly, noted newsman and moderator, addressed the audience on the responsibilities of journalism and the public in formulating ideas and assumptions on American life. Mr. Daly said that Vice President Agnew's quarrel with the media is not a new problem; he commented that the abuse politicians feel they receive from the media is as old as the republic. "The paranoia of politicians is an occupational disease." Daly continued, "Journalists wheel some power and power can bring corruption. Some, but only a fortunate few, are then corrupted." He told the audience that the journalists try to separate the hard news from bias and opinion but that .t is he responsibility ..of, the individuals, in -the. . society to go beyond headlines to the truth. "News is skeptical of the government. govern-ment. The public must then be skeptical of both the government and the news in evaluating its opinions." Mr. Daly cited several examples of misrepresentation misrep-resentation and false concern generated by a group or individuals such as Nader's Raiders. He objected to Nader's specific and unprovencriticism of the California Water Project where public support was generated through sensationalism in the group reports. "We are given to overreaction. There is no easy solution to these complex problems." Daly said that we can't look to reactionary groups like ' the Raiders for an instance panacea. Politics and the upcoming Presidential elections were briefly mentioned by Mr. Daly. In conclusion, he stated, "It's an election contest-l hope you all play in this one." Following Mr. Daly's speech four Distinguished Alumnus Awards were presented to outstanding former students of the University. Kenneth B, Castleton. M.D., Theron S. Parmelee, DeWitt J. Paul, and Marion C. Romney were the recipients of this year's awards. Robert H. Hinckley was presented with the Honorary Alumnus Award for his significant service to the University in a non-alumnus role. This year's banquet honors the 122 anniversary an-niversary of the founding of the University. There were approximately 500 people in the audience for the dinner and program. Laury W. Cracroft acted as master of ceremonies with Harold Wooley and Mrs. Melvin Thayne presenting the awards. Earlier Thursday, Mr. Daly spoke at the Hinckley Institute's "Coffee and Politics." He centered his remarks on China, their media and the President's visit. "China is a controlled society and when you work in it you realize that the news is absolutely controlled. Of course, when you're with the President, things happen for you in the news media that won't when he's gone The minute the president leaves, there is going to be censorship." |