Perspectives

Speak truth to power, comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

   In these days of anti-Hispanic bias, it's noteworthy that TV news anchors specify in their reports on hurricane damage that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and its people are American citizens.
   "All news is local," says the old newsroom saying, and that's borne out when we hear reports of fatalities numbering in dozens or a few hundred from hurricanes hitting America and the islands of the Caribbean, but very little news about monsoons in India and nearby countries, where deaths have numbered in the thousands.
   For many years, celebrities were criticized when they commented on political events, as if they were not qualified enough or educated enough to have cogent opinions on such important things as government. Now we have a president whose primary claim to fame is from a TV reality show and his activities as a real estate developer and casino owner. When he, in turn, is criticized by TV entertainers who comment on his political decisions, he attacks, insisting that celebrities should not talk about politics and government.
   Go figure.

   In all, it's a very exciting time for journalists, as events range from the banal becoming so outrageous as to become banal.
   Nevertheless, journalists will continue to do their jobs of reporting exactly, clearly and succinctly just what politicians say, comparing it to what they do, and offering analysis and comment on what it means, quoting recognized experts both pro and con.
   Why? Because it's their job to keep people informed on what government types are up to, and it's a constitutionally guaranteed duty.
   Besides, it's fun.