B
beltman713
Guest
http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/article_8476.shtml
An apology to our readers
By DOUG THOMPSON
Apr 16, 2006, 04:49
In recent days, I have penned some angry columns -- over the top even for me.
Some of these were written in anger that stemmed not from the subject of the column but with my frustration over the declining health and approaching death of a brain-damaged kitten, Loki that Amy and I had grown to love. We spent the last several months trying to save Loki and watched in despair the last couple of weeks as his already-fragile health deteriorated and we were forced to put him to sleep.
I had not realized the toll the battle had taken on my psyche. My mind was elsewhere and that was not the state of mind that one needs when writing commentary or reporting on current events.
Two weeks ago, I asked some friends who are writers, editors and journalism professors to review the archives of Capitol Hill Blue and identify any columns or articles didn't meet what they consider to be acceptable standards of journalism.
They gave me their report this weekend and found three columns and a posting on Politics on the Half-Shell that they felt crossed the line. All were written at times when my mind was on a beloved pet, not on my job.
Upon review, I agreed with them, and have removed the four items from our archives. There were:
* 9/11 conspiracy theorists: Scam artists and fools (April 14, 2006)
* Nutcases on parade (April 13, 2006)
* Partisans: Americans REAL enemies (April 13, 2006)
* Charlie Sheen: That's the best the conspiracy buffs can do? (April 2, 2006)
The three columns in question were off-the-cuff tirades that served no purpose and - in the case of the 9/11 conspiracy columns - redundant and overreaching. This does not mean I have changed my opinions on what I wrote but it does mean that I expressed those opinions poorly and with language that was inappropriate. I have edited three other recent columns to correct similar mistakes.
I'm a passionate man who believes strongly in what I say and write. Unlike many writers, I do not approach an issue with a pre-conceived point-of-view but - as a non-partisan - start each project with a blank sheet of paper and an open mind. But such passion is diluted if I express it too quickly without examining all sides or when distracted by other events. Truth is not served by off-the-cuff rants. I have been striking out in anger at many people in recent days because of grief. That is not right.
So I offer my sincerest apologies to our readers. Journalism requires logic and a clear head. I have not had one for a while and it was bad form for me to try and write while trying unsuccessfully to deal with grief. I don't expect readers to always agree with the positions that I take but you, as readers of Capitol Hill Blue, have a right to expect that positions I do put forward are based on reason and sound research.
We put our kitten to sleep Wednesday but we have not yet stopped mourning the loss.
So I'm taking a break until we have put Loki's death behind us. When that is done I will resume writing about issues that I feel are important to this nation. OUr thanks to the many emails, private messages and calls we have received on the loss of our kitten. Your compassion and understanding means a lot.
© Copyright 2006 by Capitol Hill Blue
An apology to our readers
By DOUG THOMPSON
Apr 16, 2006, 04:49
In recent days, I have penned some angry columns -- over the top even for me.
Some of these were written in anger that stemmed not from the subject of the column but with my frustration over the declining health and approaching death of a brain-damaged kitten, Loki that Amy and I had grown to love. We spent the last several months trying to save Loki and watched in despair the last couple of weeks as his already-fragile health deteriorated and we were forced to put him to sleep.
I had not realized the toll the battle had taken on my psyche. My mind was elsewhere and that was not the state of mind that one needs when writing commentary or reporting on current events.
Two weeks ago, I asked some friends who are writers, editors and journalism professors to review the archives of Capitol Hill Blue and identify any columns or articles didn't meet what they consider to be acceptable standards of journalism.
They gave me their report this weekend and found three columns and a posting on Politics on the Half-Shell that they felt crossed the line. All were written at times when my mind was on a beloved pet, not on my job.
Upon review, I agreed with them, and have removed the four items from our archives. There were:
* 9/11 conspiracy theorists: Scam artists and fools (April 14, 2006)
* Nutcases on parade (April 13, 2006)
* Partisans: Americans REAL enemies (April 13, 2006)
* Charlie Sheen: That's the best the conspiracy buffs can do? (April 2, 2006)
The three columns in question were off-the-cuff tirades that served no purpose and - in the case of the 9/11 conspiracy columns - redundant and overreaching. This does not mean I have changed my opinions on what I wrote but it does mean that I expressed those opinions poorly and with language that was inappropriate. I have edited three other recent columns to correct similar mistakes.
I'm a passionate man who believes strongly in what I say and write. Unlike many writers, I do not approach an issue with a pre-conceived point-of-view but - as a non-partisan - start each project with a blank sheet of paper and an open mind. But such passion is diluted if I express it too quickly without examining all sides or when distracted by other events. Truth is not served by off-the-cuff rants. I have been striking out in anger at many people in recent days because of grief. That is not right.
So I offer my sincerest apologies to our readers. Journalism requires logic and a clear head. I have not had one for a while and it was bad form for me to try and write while trying unsuccessfully to deal with grief. I don't expect readers to always agree with the positions that I take but you, as readers of Capitol Hill Blue, have a right to expect that positions I do put forward are based on reason and sound research.
We put our kitten to sleep Wednesday but we have not yet stopped mourning the loss.
So I'm taking a break until we have put Loki's death behind us. When that is done I will resume writing about issues that I feel are important to this nation. OUr thanks to the many emails, private messages and calls we have received on the loss of our kitten. Your compassion and understanding means a lot.
© Copyright 2006 by Capitol Hill Blue
