Today we get our news about what is happening in the world from many people - newspaper reporters, freelance journalists etc. Who are all paid for their work by the news purveyors - newspapers, radio, TV. But I am fast getting the view that 'whoever pays the piper, calls the tune”.

With some commentators' strong bias blatantly obvious, while others are more subtle, it is clear that they favour one side and are speaking to sway public opinion the other way. This is legitimate in politicians, since those who control the finances are also those who are manipulating we poor helots to behave in a way that increases their power and possessions.

But those who are supposed to inform us of the facts so that we can judge the case, should be free to say things as they see them – honestly.

Can we rely on our news vendors to do this? I am afraid that we cannot trust them. How can we change this system? It won't be easy and the only way I can see is to use education to bring all the best that humans have expounded over the years to everyone.

J Mills. New Plymouth.