This entry began its life as an e-mail sent around the Daily Press during election season. When I posted this the first time, I didn't exactly know why I did but now I know: this is a hard thing to do. I guess it's good to show why I have that disclaimer in the sidebar and in Agendum Two and why I try my best not to discuss politics or hot-button topics (but stupidity and irony are non-partisan). Getting wickedly schnockered and talking to anyone isn't a good idea either so I think I need to chill with the getting drunk off me arse thing too. I've slipped a little with this e-mail's talking about overall (as in beyond the straight political stuff) and I need to keep this in mind.

In short, please don't take offence if I don't join your cause or come to your meeting or pass along your chain message. I shouldn't, any good journalist shouldn't and here's why. This isn't directed at you, person/people who think you spurred this reposting — I had a burning desire to post something but I realized that I can't.

I'm beginning to think that this whole Web log thing is a journalistic accident waiting to happen.

A Message from the boss (Not Bruce Springsteen)
Originally Posted Nov. 4, 2004

I know people in our business have political opinions and preferences, but it's important to our credibility that we keep those opinions and preferences to ourselves.

No matter what part of the newsroom you work in, you shouldn't be advertising your political choices on your car, in your yard, on your desk, on your clothes, etc.

Openly supporting candidates compromises the public's trust in our ability to be impartial. That perception is very important, even if you set aside your personal preference as you exercise judgment in your job as a journalist.

Here is what our Ethics Policy says on the subject: [emphasis mine]

Employees who take a public position on any significant issue or publicly endorse a particular product endanger their reputation for impartiality. Endorsing some causes can be relatively innocuous — serving as figurehead for a charity bike-a-thon, for example — and may be allowed with proper clearance from a supervisor. Signing political petitions or speaking at a public hearing on a hot issue in the town where you live are best avoided, however. You should use prudent judgment in displaying bumper stickers, wearing campaign buttons or participating in any public demonstration.

Those are, of course, limits on freedom of expression that do not apply to ordinary citizens who are not journalists. Journalists enjoy an extraordinary ability to exercise their First Amendment right of freedom of the press. With the job of reporter or editor they accept an obligation to nurture the responsible exercise of that freedom. In so doing, they also give up a measure of the right of free speech — or should at least use considerable caution when they exercise that right.

To be clear, my view is that openly supporting candidates goes too far. Please don't do it, and if you are displaying bumper stickers, yard signs, etc. now, then please remove them. I ask this to protect the integrity of the newspaper.

Thanks.

Ernie [Gates]
[Vice President and Editor of the Daily Press]