James Drogan

The Death of Deep Throat and the Crisis of Journalism by George Friedman of StratFor came in the e-mail this morning.  Journalism is often admired for its dogged willingness to uncover that which others would prefer not to be known.

The Washington Post investigation of Nixon is often cited as an example of this.

However, Friedman reminds that there is, as my older daughter once told me, three sides to every story; your side, my side, and the truth.

Ethics is not easy.  My students and I discuss this matter at some length in the courses I teach.  Nor is there one universal set of ethics.  We discover this when we discuss culture differences.

We are, it seems to me, constantly oscillating in the void between means and ends, preferring sometimes one, then the other.

Finally, Friedman's article reminds me of:

"If stated reasons don't sit well with your conscience or stand the test of logic, look for deeper motivations."

Docent Glax Othn