In his Sept. 14 and 21 opinion columns, Allan Jefferys argued that the "liberal media" are unfairly disparaging Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin.

Jefferys criticizes many outlets for their so-called prejudice, but primarily ABC News, The New York Times, and apparently the liberal tabloid magazine US Weekly.

Much of Jefferys' disdain is directed at ABC News' Charles Gibson. Gibson asked Palin about the Bush Doctrine, or President Bush's belief that preventive war against hostile nations is acceptable. Jefferys states that "Gibson veered into an anti-American area he hammered away at questions no public servant or candidate should ever touch -- namely, tipping this nation's hand in deadly foreign policy decisions."

Jefferys most likely would not have had this reaction had Palin known what the Bush Doctrine is. However, she did not.

Declaring that a media figure is anti-American just because he asks Palin hard questions is one of the most inane and idiotic statements I have ever heard. Gibson did not tip any hands about foreign policy; anyone with a computer could look up the Bush Doctrine on the Internet.

I take great pride in how our nation gives the press the freedom to ask its leaders tough questions, as opposed to the North Koreas of the world. Media members like Gibson are doing a great service to our country, which makes him pro-America.

Moreover, this strikes me as a rather precarious argument on Jefferys' part, stating that the biased media are out of control and hurting our country. Jefferys obviously shows great bias in his column each week. And that's his God-given right, so good work.

But criticizing others and questioning their patriotism for doing the exact same thing he has done is beyond foolish.

John Baker

Southern Pines