In 1991 I wrote a letter to one of my journalism students that read
“Journalism teachers stress that you include both sides in a controversial story.
During 1949-1950, I edited “The Daily Texan”, the student newspaper at the University of Texas. I wrote columns and editorials, and suggested editorial cartoons—all criticizing racial segregation.
Because of my editorials advocating an end to segregation, I received
a cross burned in my honor at the Law School,
a smoke bomb on my automobile motor,
nasty telephone calls, the meanest being a joker who told my Sweetheart—engaged to marry– I had been stabbed while covering an integration story in Waco.
One of the arguments for integrating education was, and still is, that knowledge can be shared. You need to hear from different people who don’t look like you, or talk like you, or weren’t reared like you.
Objectivity will lead to reason.”
Yester-year warning that lack of differing views damages the journalist’s credibility still prevails. Readers get wary when they think a reporter wants to sell something, someone—or some cause—under the guise of factual reporting.
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Thank you, Dr. Elam. God knows I do think of you every day. I am planning to respond to your WWII, Memorial Day “Dick Elam’s Been There” post. I hope to get to it this month. It is so important that, “Journalism teachers stress that you include both sides in a controversial story.”
I still want your side of my controversial story; as well as that of Journalism Professors’ Meyer’s, Economic Professor Field’s and Statistics Professor Ware’s side of the story. Also, I need the story from the Dr. Henry or Hank Dearman. I believe that is his name. I think he was Dean of the Graduate School.
Recently one of the Government’s “Spook Agencies” published a guideline on school shootings. I want to get a copy of it. I bet that they didn’t include the systems dynamics/systems thinking, University Active Shooter, scenario that was put into play at UNC; and, how it was averted — no thanks to the VA, the spooks, the faculty, the staff and the students who activated the lethal dynamic variable.
We have to tell the story Doc. Do you know if Professor Phil Meyer and the others are still around?
You suggested that I “stay out of court and turn my story into fiction.” I can’t or won’t do that. That would be such a betrayal of my wife, my mother, and my children; all of whom suffered terribly. Not to mention myself and all the relatives who loved us. And what about all the “so called innocent” lives that were placed in jeopardy?
So, Doc., please deliver the other aspect of my controversial story; and, if you will, please prevail upon the other professors to do so. It’s important for schools, universities, and the general public to know this — given this era of mass shootings we’ve inherited.
You, as always, have my highest regards and respect.