Why a liberal Jewish feminist loves WND

I'm probably not the kind of person you'd expect to be a regular reader of WorldNetDaily and Whistleblower magazine. But I am, and I have been for quite a while. I've even bought (and recommended) David Kupelian's and Joseph Farah's most recent books. And no, neither of these gentlemen has asked me to write to you and say any of the things I am about to say. I volunteered. The WND family of publications is essential to my work, and I can't imagine a day going by without reading something from them. So here is my unsolicited testimonial.

I teach media criticism. In fact, I just started a new job as an assistant professor of communication at Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass. Now, I know what some of you are thinking – Cambridge, home of Harvard, where the students are all a bunch of liberals. Well, first, as I said in an essay I wrote for WND a while ago, we liberals are generally nice people, and if you got to know us, you might even like us! And second, the idea that all students in the East are liberal is a myth. Many of my students are moderates and some are even conservative on particular issues, although yes, the majority are what you would probably call liberal.

But these students really do want to learn both sides of the issues, which is what I always insist upon. And that is why WND and Whistleblower are invaluable. Every semester, I tell my students to make sure they include both publications on their reading list. It's all part of how I see my job an educator. I believe I have a duty to encourage my students to explore the various sides of the issues. To help them do this, I select the best writers who espouse differing views. I ask my students to read the Nation and American Prospect and Salon.com, all of which look at events from the left; but I also expect them to read publications like the Weekly Standard, National Review and WND, where they will find the best examples of commentary that leans right.

I particularly recommend WorldNetDaily because of the interesting and honest writing of Joseph Farah – he and I have had our share of debates (always courteous and civil, just the way it should be); but despite our political differences, we actually do see eye to eye on a few issues. What's unique about him is that unlike some conservative writers, he doesn't blindly follow the "party line." Mr. Farah has a mind of his own, and that is why his opinion pieces are always worth reading.

OK, I admit that sometimes our views are polar opposites, and believe me, there are times when I am really furious about something he has written. But I wouldn't miss reading him. And that is the beauty of WND – it's thought-provoking. It's almost impossible to be indifferent about what it contains.

The same is true for Whistleblower, where some of the best essays about current events can be found. Having my students read these publications and compare them to the viewpoints of liberal and moderate magazines provides me with many "teachable moments." I don't know of any website or magazine that has better commentary about popular culture, nor one that does a better job of expressing the conservative point of view about today's news.

So, while you probably won't find me becoming a conservative any time soon, you will always find me saying good things about the importance of WND and Whistleblower. And if you love them as much as I do, I hope you will support them. For our democracy to remain strong, we need intelligent and insightful commentary from both the left and the right, so that people can get all the facts and make up their own mind. WND and Whistleblower say what needs to be said, and even those of us who don't agree with every word respect the energy, the enthusiasm and the passion of its authors. I do hope you will do your part to keep these vibrant publications alive.

A friendly Massachusetts liberal thanks you!

Donna L. Halper
Assistant professor of communication
Lesley University, Cambridge, Mass.