We've become so desperate to bend over backwards on what's "fair" that we've forgotten the central issue in politics is the exchange of ideas -- and to let the chips fall where they may.
The Plain Dealer and Cleveland.com went through this exercise recently when it took down it's political blog exchange when it was revealed one of the bloggers supported candidates with their wallet; now the Beacon Journal and Ohio.com are in the middle of it.
The ABJ's efforts should be commended; building a website to encourage political debate is a good thing. Providing commentary from a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints is exactly the point, and those who opine shouldn't be disqualified from doing so because they take their politics personally, even to the point of working as candidates.
If Ben Keeler feels strongly enough to take not only an editorial stand on the web but also to put his time, money and effort into that passion -- and is honest and transparent to his readers -- isn't that the greater good of the political debate?
There's a big irony here in that Keeler and the Ohio.com blog are placed on hiatus because Alex complained to the editors behind the scene while the blogger in question was open about his stand.
The political debate in Akron isn't helped by shutting down the conversation between opposing parties. The editors at the Beacon Journal should realize the chairman of the county party, his supporters and his opponents should (and can) speak up for themselves, just as Keeler does.
Consider this political free speech math: you can't add to the debate by subtracting voices.
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