Here’s an idea mainstream newspapers can have for free. This idea will stimulate business, energize readership, improve education and help the Fourth Estate compete with television, radio and the internet. The idea: Choose Sides. Okay, okay, this will take some explanation. Legitimate newspapers pledge their devotion to the time-honored principles of journalism (they would say). They vow to be watchdogs in the public interest, to fearlessly and truthfully report the news (they would say). Except for the editorial pages, where opinion is allowed, objectivity is their lofty mantra (they would say). What they don’t say is, in practice, these claims are less than genuine. Newspapers have distinct political agendas and they manipulate headlines, stories, and placement of news—every day—to influence those who still bother to read. However, not wanting to appear biased, the manipulators are subtle, crafty, clever, devious. Let’s hear it for the good old days, as so brilliantly brought to life in W. Safire’s Scandalmonger. In the early years of this republic, newspapers were partisan. They chose sides and they waged war with each other. Nobody got sucked in by “objective news” because there wasn’t any. Newspaper owners laid it on the line and let their ideologies shine. It was an honest time, even when they printed lies. What fun it would be if advertisers today would support several newspapers in a single town, newspapers that could shamelessly and passionately take sides in politics and social issues. Who knows? Reading may become popular. Schools may benefit. And truth just might see the light of day.