When I say I’m tired of politics, I know it falls upon deaf ears.
It’s an unfortunate fact that almost everything has a shade of politics touching it and it seems that those locally elected fall short on their oaths of office.
Mike and I both have espoused disappointment in how officials and entities blatantly disregard their constituents and ignore the Texas Opening Meeting Act tenets.
In fact, I think it bothers Mike more than it does me because he’s dealt with it for over 50 years and I’m clocking in at roughly a dozen.
Honestly, I usually just ignore and follow that old adage of letting it roll off like “water off a duck’s back.”
And really, that’s how I manage most of my path through life.
However, I was recently informed that a handful of local officials were “scared” of what the newspapers would write about them and their respective organizations.
While I wasn’t really shocked to hear such a confession, it was still a little eye-opening to hear someone admit to it.
And, let’s be honest, I can tell when someone is hedging and scrambling for an answer or comment – minoring in sociology taught me a lot about people and that includes how to read them.
The fact that someone is so insecure obviously speaks volumes more than if they just followed the rules correctly.
Still, I find that statement both laughable and infuriating at the same time – a unique combination that raises my blood pressure a little bit.
I firmly believe that if you’re following the letter of the law and not doing anything remotely “shady” then there’s nothing for you to be scared about when it comes to newspaper coverage.
I’ve followed Mike’s example by religiously advocating for clear and open communication with governing bodies, boards, committees, and groups since I started my newspaper journey in 2008.
I have to confess that it’s getting exhausting and tiresome to keep explaining these things to people in positions of power – and I know Mike is too.
When you keep all lines of communication open and flowing you’ll be less likely to be accused of doing anything wrong or scrutinized.
In the media world, it makes much more sense to get out in front of something rather than playing catch-up to cover your perceived mistakes.
Everyone is so concerned with their public appearances and trying to avoid tense or agitated interactions at large that they’re creating more problems by hiding information.
It reminds me of breaking a rule at home or getting in trouble at school and trying to hide it from my parents – the punishment for lying or being deceitful is always worse than just coming out and stating the facts.
It’s a lesson that many people have either forgotten because they’re adults now or believe they are not going to be held accountable by their peers.
As my mom always told me, eventually the truth about something will come out and it can do more damage than if a person spoke up and out in the first place.
If you want to pick one of many Bible verses, try Ephesians 4:25, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”
Maybe the person scared of the newspaper will read this and find a change of heart or some courage to speak up – as always I’m hoping for some personal growth!
