SLM stated nothing is ever gained from question, not an exact quote but the jist of it
is the same. I beg to differ. During the McCarthy era, the junior Senator from Wisconsin
built the mantle of fear with his anti communist hearings. Everyone was afraid to confront
him out of fear of being branded a communist and forced to appear before his committee.
The night he met his match, he was confronted with journalism's, logic and newsworthy
question. Mr. McCarthy, have you no shame?
That question was the high water mark for American Journalism. Even the President of the
United States quietly took the position the hearings could continue but the money supply
for the those hearing should be reduced to a trickle. The era was over. Edward R Murrow
did what no one else could, and it was a qualified question from a qualified journalist.
It should be remembered the arts community is very sensitive about its funding, funding
practices and its goals. People unfortunately don't see the value of art in all its forms and
those in the art and entertainment industry use the criticism as the call to defend against
persecution. Asking tough questions is what journalism is all about. I know the original
post was not about right and left but in a polarized and politically charged society everything
comes down to right and left and the facts are often not included at all.
