Another journalist friend of mine got the news her job is being downsized - from 40 hours a week to 20. Of course, if she wants, they say, she can take a minimal buyout.
I'm pissed.
One day before our country commemorates its Independence Day, I can't help but reflect on freedoms that those early patriots fought for, and the dream of the United States of America they brought to reality.
I reflect on all our students that we have taught over the years, the young people I have mentored, and worked so hard to nurture a desire for a journalism career.
What do I tell them? What do I tell my friend?
You are a dinosuar on the way to extinction?
Of course I blame corporate greed, Bush's raping of the first amendment, and the failing economy for the demise of quality journalism.
But mostly I blame us ... American citizens who prefer to be asleep and complacent. We demand little of our leaders and even less of ourselves. Complex issues are too taxing on us .... just give us news about entertainment and sports. THAT we can understand.
I do believe that newspapers will exist, right along with blogs and news sites. But what do you do when the average person could give a rip about being an informed citizen?
That's the real problem.
On this Independence Day, I fear we have decided, it's too much work to be free.
The demise of news reporting is just another sign of the dumbing down of America.
