I graduated from college, reported at a newspaper, worked in oilfield supply, and then managed a television station. After working for free in politics, in 1967 I went back to my alma mater to earn a Masters degree. I worked as a teaching assistant.
The journalism chairman asked me to ‘assist’ his new course. And when I suggested some classroom projects, Norris Davis decided I should teach the course in Political Campaign Communications.
My students designed bumper stickers, wrote campaign speeches, devised political commercials, even met and listened to the President’s Press Secretary when my old classmate George Christian was in town.
One of my final examination questions asked for a short essay on “The role of the Press in Politics.”
The short answer came from a female student whose name I can’t remember: “Role of Press in Politics. Press, Raise hell. Amen.”
The Press has fulfilled her admonition this 2020 presidential campaign. Unfortunately, many reporters and commentators have gone beyond reporting answers to questions. Favoritism abounds. Newsmen interrupt and insult. When the politician responds, this generation of journalists jab their pitchforks even harder.
Some journalists often remind me of the anecdotal words of the fisherman, knife in one hand, the other hand holding up the fish he just caught.
Be still, little catfish, I’m just trying to gut you.
Image by Lightspring at Shutterstock
