Re: Mary Troness' Jan. 9 letter, "Newscasts":

First, I am a liberal Democrat. I understand that the people who watch Fox News are of a certain mindset as I am of a certain mindset by watching MSNBC.

After watching the influence of Fox News Channel over the past decade and beyond, I can't think of one other situation that has caused more damage to the United States political situation that we find ourselves in today.

Fox News has steadily broadcast misconceptions, half-truths and outright lies over and over again day after day. It basically has brainwashed its viewership by its constant one-sided political agenda.

To write that Fox News "at least has both sides of the aisle, and we get fair and balanced news" can only be written by a viewer of Fox News who only wants to see one side.

Fox News never has discussed both sides of any issue and only promotes the side of an issue that fits its political agenda. That's why it's known as "Fox Noise" in my circles.

Please, if you're going to rant about MSNBC and it's unfairness, you cannot hold up Fox News as an example of how it should be done. Fox News does a great disservice to this country by being a propaganda show under the cover of being an actual news show.

- Joseph Berlin,