So why am I playing Ahab to the News and Observer’s Great White Whale? Because I love newspapers. I love good journalism. I appreciate the valued role the press plays in our society. Among the many things I wanted to be when I grow up was a journalist.
My blog, then, is my printing press, and here I try to call ’em like I see ’em. I offer not only criticism but praise when called for. In short, it’s my nature to hold the press to very high standards, to be the kind of force that serves the people. The kind of force that can bring down crooked Presidents (or crooked governors) when needed. I adore a press that’s fearless but fanatically committed to finding the truth. That isn’t always possible in an environment that overworks and underpays its reporters, sadly enough.
Don’t shirk your responsibility to find the truth, ladies and gentlemen of the press, and we’ll get along just fine. I still look up to you.