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Editorials - 10/05/00Newspapers: Your link to the world around you |
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This week is not what it seems. Newspapers large and small around the United States are observing it as National Newspaper Week, just as they have done each October since 1940. Some might be tempted to dismiss the week as self-serving, as nothing more than occasion for newspapers like this one to do a little boasting.
But the theme of the weekıs special observance is "Newspapers: Your Link to the World Around You," and newspapers do indeed perform this function. We do so by keeping you informed about the activities of the Sylva, Webster, Dillsboro and Forest Hills town boards, the Jackson County commissioners and the local school board. We share the happy news of weddings and births, of fun events such as athletic events involving Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain high schools and Western Carolina University and the sad news of friends and neighbors who have died. Through display and classified advertising, we provide you with a link to those selling the groceries, clothing, automobiles, homes and other necessities that make life more comfortable and enjoyable. But National Newspaper Week is about much more than publishing newspapers like ours. Itıs also an occasion for celebrating the sweeping freedoms we enjoy as Americans, freedoms of which many of the worldıs people can only dream. Our forefathers, who came to this country in search of freedom, found that freedom carried a heavy price, including government censorship. Although an ocean away, the British squelched early attempts at a free press, but freedom-loving journalists persisted and helped pave the way to political change and independence. The Constitution and Bill of Rights, especially the First Amendment, guarantee a free press and guarantee citizens of this country the right to uncensored information. Only an informed public can demand that law enforcement and the courts get tough on criminals. Only an informed public can insist that schools do a better job of teaching our children. Only an informed public can tell representatives of local, state and national governments what it expects in return for its tax dollars and make truly intelligent decisions on Election Day. We inform readers today not only with ink and newsprint but with an on-line presence that enables readers to access our news instantly from anywhere in the world. But whatever the medium, our goal remains the same: To keep our readers as fully informed as possible so that together we may build a better world - for all of us. Editorial policyThe opinions expressed on this page are those of the Sylva Herald Editorial Committee. Opinions are derived independently and owe no allegiance to any group, organization or political party. We welcome opposing views. |
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