Re: An observation

[Dave Crocker <dcrocker@imc.org>]

At 06:33 AM -0600 12/26/96, Thom Stark wrote:
>Your contention being that I no right to an opinion?  Or, no right to
>EXPRESS that opinion?

	As you learn more about the duties and responsibilities of being a
journalist, you will discover that the priviledge of the position does,
indeed, carry the burden of restraint.

><More than 100 lines of similarly patronizing crap deleted>

	As you do that learning, one hopes you will also discover a more
versatile and professional vocabulary, possibility even showing less
personal reaction.

>In response, first Perry and now you have chosen to shoot the messenger.

	Distinguishing between messenger and author is quite important for
a reporter, Thom.  I hope that you come to appreciate the distinction, as
well as realizing that your current mode has nothing at all to do with
being a messenger, other than the claim.

>trust.  To faithfully execute that charge, you must set your own emotions

	Indeed.  I can only guess about Perry but I can assure you for
myself, that both of these notes I'm sending you represent considerable
restraint in that regard...

	(by the way, setting aside emotions has more to do with
professionalism than position.)

>You knew the job was dangerous when you took it.  As Harry S Truman so
>succinctly put it, "If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen."

	Thom, for a professional journalist, your acuity of perception is
odd, indeed.  You seem not to have noticed that flammage from others on the
list has not been getting a response from me.  I chose to respond to your
own note because it was such a flagrant violation of your OWN,
self-described role.

>I is my view that the members of the Planning Commission have no right
>to verbally attack members of the public who turn out to speak before

	Guess, what, Thom.  You are not simply a member of the public.  You
defined your pulpit as one of being a professional journalist and then used
it to take an advocacy position; worse, your advocacy showed a considerable
lack of interpretive skill.

	Please apply the same cute phrases about responsibility and taking
the heat to yourself as you ascribe to the committee members.  When you set
yourself up in a special position, be ready to take special heat.

d/


(read the last line, please)
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Also:  IAHC member, expressing strictly (or loosely) personal opinions