Why I Watch Fox

Bill O'Riley once said, "This country is a better place because Fox News has succeeded." I couldn't disagree more. I turn on Fox News and see the type of "our country is better than your country," allegedly patriotic, uber-conservative "news" that makes me sick. I see slanted "news", unfounded accusations labeled fact. The phrases "fair and balanced" and "no spin zone" become ironic. It's laughable, or it would be if a good portion of country didn't take it seriously.

So why can't I turn it off? Why do I listen to people I hate? I watch Fox News to keep myself in check. I listen to Rush Limbaugh because I know I'm guilty of his brand of hatred. More times than I'd like to admit, I've disregarded the opinions of other people because I know they conflict with my own. I've pretended to know more than I did about certain policies. And, countless times, I've listened to news based on left-wing bias without batting an eyelash.

John F Kennedy once said, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." I wouldn't say conservatives are my "enemies", but it's still good to know what the opposition is up to. So I listen to the other side. I listen because I want to form my opinion based on both sides of bias. And I try as hard as I can not to swear at Bill O'Riley.