Columnist loses his way
Rocky Mountain News columnist Bill Johnson has a rare opportunity in his work; by bringing problems of unfair treatment of people into the public eye, he can really help.
I always read the articles that address such issues; and even if I don’t agree with them, I believe this format serves the public good.
Unfortunately, especially as of late, Johnson has taken to opining instead of informing, and his obvious prejudices only serve to divide, not unite, the community he serves.
I believe he means well, but he has lost his way. He needs to come back to the people and organizations who really need him. Useless people on their grandstands who give nothing already have a voice (“Freedom of speech took a hit along with Churchill,” July 27).
They use Johnson to give them a wider platform for grinding their personal axes. It is a waste of his gift.
Kathy Grant, Golden
I'll bet that Johnson's job description is to inform...but as a columnist...he gets to opine whenever he wants. (And whine as well).
Don't criticize Johnson for doing his job.
Maybe it just that you don't like his "opining" and don't realize that is where he gets "a charge out of people."
Good writing doesn't always mean "good opining." Good opining doesn't always mean "good writing."
Balance is a difficult act....but when you are the one out on the line like Johnson, opining will always provide the safety net.
Posted by Adam 2 on August 11, 2007 03:11 AMIt's a real shame that the fourth estate has drifted away from investigation reporting. They used to be the source people went to to get the real truth of an issue, now it all seems to be about sensational stories and opinion articles that are fast taking on the attributes of grocery store gossip rags. I guess most people don't want the hard hitting investigative arcticles that inform. They are more interested in Paris Hilton's latest idiotic drivel about how she survived in jail.
Posted by Allen Campbell on August 11, 2007 05:14 AMThe old media is dead!
Long live the new media!
Posted by Charles B on August 11, 2007 07:38 AM