Barrow Journal

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” — Max Planck

Schools are a big topic in this newspaper. Much is written about student achievement, test scores, and accomplishments. Much is also written on the editorial pages and by the on-line commenters. This (with the exception of the mostly negative on-line comments) is as it should be. The Barrow County school system is the largest local employer and it is hard to cross paths with someone whose life isn’t touched by the local schools. Covering the schools is the newspaper’s job — in good times and in bad.

For years this community had one paper reporting only good news from our schools. There was no analysis or critical thinking — simply the regurgitation of school generated press releases and some “it’s all good” coverage of events and school board meetings. In one way of thinking, that is good school news coverage. No controversy, no difficult questions, no tough issues — just supportive journalism that makes the community look good, right?

Well, maybe — except the underscoring reality, when it involves things like poor test scores and problematic graduation rates, remains part of the reality and not reporting on it does not make that go away. [Full Story »] 

“Law enforcement officers are never ‘off duty.’ They are dedicated public servants who are sworn to protect public safety at any time and place the peace is threatened. They need all the help that they can get.” - Barbara Boxer

It’s easy to get annoyed with or angry at the police. They do things we don’t like, such as give us traffic tickets and drive the speed limit – which means when they’re around, we have to drive the speed limit, too. Unlike firefighters and paramedics, police get a bum rap because they have duties, a lot of duties, that don’t involve direct, obvious heroism. It’s easy to give the guy running into the burning building a pat on the back. And, in the middle of a medical emergency, who doesn’t welcome the sight of an EMT? Police - well, we aren’t always so glad to see them.

The other night I got annoyed with the Winder Police. It was late; my house was dark and quiet; I was watching a movie. Suddenly, there were blue lights flashing in my windows and my dogs were barking at the traffic stop on the street outside. Those lights kept flashing for what seemed like a long time and when I looked out to see what was going on, the officer and the woman he stopped appeared to be chatting – not discussing a traffic ticket, simply chatting. So, I called the WPD to see what was going on. If no one’s getting a ticket, then please, take those bright lights on down the street away from my house was my message. [Full Story »] 

“The highest duty we owe our friends is that of keeping their own nobleness and goodness pure and incorrupt. If we let our friends become cold and selfish, we are no true friend.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe

I am from Colorado where people are raised to be blunt and glossy manners aren’t something one puts much stock in - honesty is the currency of value there. That doesn’t mean people are mean to each other. Our mamas still teach us, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” But when a problem arises, the idea is to keep your words clear, say what needs saying, own what you said, then let it go.

This way of communicating hasn’t always served me well here in the South and over the years I have learned to soften it some. Conversely, what is acceptable communication-wise here in the South has become much rougher. Maybe me and the South have met in the middle or maybe what is considered acceptable communication has deteriorated over the past 20 or so years. [Full Story »]