DEAR SEAN:
You rip on journalism a lot and it gets redundant. You are not correct about journalists, we do not only report horrible news.
I have been a broadcast journalist for 32 years with the [Blankity Blank] organization in Los Angeles, California, and I try to bring the best and most important stories to viewers. And while I can’t speak for my colleagues, maybe it’s time to quit bashing journalism. If for no other reason than because it makes you sound unintelligent, sir.
Thank you,
PLEASE-KEEP-ME-ANONYMOUS
DEAR ANONYMOUS:
I apologize.
I think the problem here is that I actually am a little slow. Seriously. When I was a kid, my mother said I was the only kid she had ever known who had been locked out of a convertible with the top down.
So I admit. I’m not the sharpest fork in the drawer.
That said. If what you say is true; if you as a journalist were actually bringing the “best and most important stories” to your viewers, you, sir, would be living in a refrigerator carton.
I know this because I have a friend whose son graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism. He got a high-paying job with a major news network right out of the gate. They put him on assignment. He tried to find the “best and most important” stories out there and was promptly terminated after—get this—only two weeks.
I have another friend who worked in broadcast journalism for a large news conglomerate. He tried to publish feel-good stories, too. He once published a heartwarming story about primates learning sign language to help cancer patients. He drives a truck now.
Everyone knows not to watch cable news if you have a sensitive gag reflex. One study found that watching the news raises blood pressure, increases risk of heart attack, stroke, and causes spontaneous interest in reverse mortgages.
This isn’t a new problem. As long as there have been humans, there have been cravings for truly awful stories that make us cringe. “Dancing With the Stars” is only one example.
Long ago, before digital news sites, newspapers and TV, our ancestors loved bad news. They spread bad news by writing folk songs, which were the news bulletins of their era.
Have you ever noticed how our ancestors weren’t writing melodies about happy-go-lucky things? Take “Rock A Bye Baby.” This song was about the British Revolution of 1688:
“When the bow breaks,
“The cradle will fall,
“And down will come baby,
“Cradle and all?”
Cradle and all? We sing this to our babies? It sounds like a bad insurance jingle.
How about “Frankie and Johnny”? Ever heard that one? The song was written in 1899 about two lovers who gunned each other down. It is considered by many to be the most popular folk song of all time. There have been 256 recordings of “Frankie and Johnny” since 1912 including renditions by Elvis, Johnny Cash, Stevie Wonder, and—why not?—Lindsey Lohan.
I happen to have the lyrics right here:
“Frankie drew back her kimono,
“She took out a little .44,
“Rooty toot toot, three times she shot,
“Right through that hardwood door,
“Shot her man, he was doing her wrong…”
So the news is supposed to make you nauseous. That’s its purpose. I get it. I understand why journalists select the most frightening news stories. I understand why newscasters chew the same cud for hours on network television. Adrenaline, baby.
That’s why the news business has all those catchy little slogans you learn in journalism school: “If it bleeds it leads.” “Show’em hell and it’ll sell.” “No news is good news.”
But what I don’t understand is this: Why do the most ridiculous, non-important, asinine news stories get the most airtime? Maybe you can explain this to me.
Tell me why, for example, does a story about Britney Spears posing nude on Instagram after her recent miscarriage land on every single digital news front page, whereas the story of 9-year-old Ben Miller’s lemonade stand in Boise, Idaho, which raised thousands of dollars for a pet shelter, received no airplay whatsoever?
And why are journalists obsessed with a mud-wrestling feud between SEC coaches Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher, but nobody ever told me about 10-year-old Kiera Larsen, of Lakeside, California, who sacrificed her life to save two young girls by pushing them out of the way of a speeding SUV?
How did so few people talk about Rachel Balkovec becoming the first female minor league baseball manager, whereas the story of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock received the same headline importance as, say, a papal installation?
Maybe you could explain this to me. Then again, I’m worried I’m so unintelligent that your answer might actually make sense.
110 comments
Ann Thompson - May 21, 2022 9:25 am
The human condition…..the news is filled with stories that they think people”want”, that shock…..that sell drug advertising. I’ve stopped watching. Though I miss Steve Hartman. Judgement on you?? When did he/she get anointed? Readers choose. War and mass killings are…..just that- war and mass killings. Awful. I hope you have a nice day. That’s nice.
Glenda E Hulbert - May 21, 2022 9:27 am
Every day I read your message and rarely respond, except inwardly. THIS ONE COMPELS ME TO RESPOND. YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING LIFE!!!
Leigh Amiot - May 21, 2022 9:45 am
Was your writer the “bubble-headed bleach blonde who comes on at five”? The communication you received reminded me of the song “Dirty Laundry” by The Eagles, written in 1982, only these days the bad news is repeated every hour. News and social media fasts are a very good thing! You’ve definitely found your niche, Sean, and don’t let anyone take your voice or discourage you. Easier said than done, I know.
Connie - May 21, 2022 10:02 am
“Keep me anonymous” is jealous of you. 😂😂😂
Keep up the good work , Sean! Excellent reply. Thank you for taking the high road.
Tami Nantz - May 21, 2022 12:05 pm
Bingo.
Ed (Bear) - May 21, 2022 10:32 am
Dear anonymous journalist,
Good journalist sign their names to their work.
Dear Sean,
I rarely check the news because I’m depressed and anxious enough without it. I believe that if more people had your outlook there would be less for “journalists” to write about.
Ed
Brenda - May 21, 2022 10:35 am
Good answer!
Diana Dowhower - May 21, 2022 10:47 am
🙌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
David Florez - May 21, 2022 10:51 am
I once was investigating a missing possibly kidnapoed child. Press was swarming, I had info of a possible lead and was walking to the residence. A reporter caught wind and literally ran passed me to try and shove a microphone and camera in the persons face. Knowing any tidbit if info that could be important could also harm the child if released prematurely. You are so right sir. If it bleeds it leads.
Victoria - May 21, 2022 10:57 am
Yes!!! As a former student of journalism I cringe now at seeing the news. I attended a conference while in college and a famous journalist spoke and warned us “park your passion at the door, don’t let your views become or color the story.” “Be objective”. Alas though News Media was changing… in 1995 and newspapers were on the decline and television news was becoming instant and sensationalized. Though that’s nothing new. We were even taught in journalism 101… Dog bites Man is a short blip of s story but Man Bites Dog ! Now there’s s great story !
Lin - May 21, 2022 10:58 am
You are so right, Sean, the news is also supposed to be unbiased and we all know that isn’t true either.
Susan Kennedy - May 21, 2022 10:58 am
Sean, this is epic!! I hope anonymous sees this. You are amazing. I’m lying in bed on Saturday morning reading this and had to get up and give you a standing ovation!!🤣🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Tammy S. - May 21, 2022 11:00 am
Boom! Pen drop.
Keep it up, Sean. We need more writers who simply write the story as is, and less journalists who spin a story of their choosing. Thanks for giving us heartwarming stories and pieces that make us think. Cause “we the people” do have a brain and like writers who realize this…like you do.
Jana Killen - May 21, 2022 11:03 am
Well done, my good brother!!!
missusmux - May 21, 2022 11:05 am
I’m glad that you respond every now and then to ignorant and unkind critics. Your retort is always brilliantly crafted. I stopped listening to the news a few years ago when covid numbers were all that was being repeated and never miss your daily column. I look forward to it and enjoy it immensely. Sounds like the 32 year veteran journalist has been brainwashed by the industry and is unable to recognize things that truly matter in life. Pity. Keep doing what you do so well, Sean. You are greatly appreciated by your readers/fans.
Ann - May 21, 2022 11:22 am
Yay you!!
Gail Guinn - May 21, 2022 11:23 am
Kudos, Sean! Intelligent questions, alas there aren’t any intelligent news people to answer. Thank you.
Sandy Nicholson - May 21, 2022 11:26 am
Thanks, Sean. Cable news is the worst. But you can find alternate news sources that actually tell truth, and those are the ones I watch.
Suellen - May 21, 2022 11:28 am
Dear Anonymous: If you are a local broadcaster we may give you pardon. Your sins are not as bad as the national ones but then again every TV station in the nation is reading the same script except for a few local stories. Mockingbird? I imagine you’re feeling like you have to defend the once great career that you have served all of your life that has recently gone to hell but the viewers have left you. PS – calling yourself a journalist is a stretch.
Te - May 21, 2022 11:31 am
Whatever your news “niche,” you do it perfectly. Your column is the first thing I read right after I thank God for my perfect health and get out of bed. Before I let the fussing “I gotta go!” dogs out. They can wait 5 min. while I set the tone for my day. I depend on your column for a dose of sanity and normality, Sean, so you just keep on keeping on. Your readers don’t care about LA’s opinion.
Jan Fincher - May 21, 2022 11:35 am
This is great!!! You’d have to be blind, deaf and dumb to not have already noticed the news reporters trying to draw readers in with detailed stories of serial killers. And killer bees.
(Oliver) Rhett Talbert - May 21, 2022 11:37 am
I grew up with a Dad who was only partially present at dinner, when Walter Cronkite told us “That’s the way it is…” every night. That’s the way it was for me at dinner, the first couple of decades I was alive: watching the back of Dad’s head as he turned to hear from Walter how it was, day after day. Then at 7, we could talk over dessert, but i had usually gulped and gone by then. I hear/ read alot of sour grape mash from journalists bemoaning the loss of their audience, but the fact is that an audience wants SOMETHING, and if they don’t get it, they get up and leave. Broadcast and print news organizations have strayed from their one-time expertise – NEWS – and audiences have decided to go where they find what they want: entertainment, reinforcement of their prejudices, sensationalism, or just baldfaced verbal warfare. When I retired,I liked being able to be home at night with my wife when the news came on AFTER supper, but after 3 or 4 weeks of the same stories being hashed and rehashed morning and night, I started reading and praying and doing crossword puzzles during those quiet down times. Better fertilizer for a nutrient-depleted old brain. I’m enjoy your creativity, and look forward to your column every day. It usually does my mind – AND my heart – a world of good. Thank you.
Anne Arthur - May 21, 2022 11:39 am
THIS! Once again, you nailed it.
Art - May 21, 2022 11:43 am
You’re right Sean. Everyday heroes are not “newsworthy.” It’s easier to throw rocks than find wonder in them. It’s a pretty contentious world in which we live and the media plays to it. That’s why I appreciate your writing–finding humor and wonder in people is a gift. Keep at it. Art
PS–that’s why I never bought a convertible. No sense in taking chances.
Mamacita - May 21, 2022 12:17 pm
“It’s easier to throw rocks than find wonder in them.” Art, this catchy and very astute thought about today’s general attitude is now in my top five!
Cheryl - May 21, 2022 11:44 am
Amen, Brother!
Tami Nantz - May 21, 2022 11:49 am
I’m a writer and once thought I wanted to be a journalist. I tried…but every true word I write was deemed fake news by radicals who inky want to read their version of the “truth” and will do literally (I hate the word but it fits) anything to silence someone with whom they disagree. I’ve been at major events that were portrayed on national news networks as the complete opposite of what they were.
I’m still a writer…of truth. Therefore I’m no longer a journalist. I wasn’t interested in selling my soul for a buck fifty.
Thank you for what you do. It’s important.
Joy Jacobs - May 21, 2022 11:53 am
Keep on writing good news…. We need it. ❤️
Trudy - May 21, 2022 11:57 am
After reading this, my first thought was, “Give em hell, Harry.” Excellent response.
Tami - May 21, 2022 11:59 am
I’m a writer and once thought I wanted to be a journalist. I tried, but every true word I wrote was deemed as fake news by radicals who want only to read their version of the “truth” and will do literally (I know…I hate the word, but it fits) anything to silence someone with whom they disagree. I’ve been at major events that were portrayed on national news networks as the complete opposite of what they were. I lost hope that my words, however meaningful, were wasted on “journalism.”
I’m still a writer. Of truth. Therefore I’m no longer a journalist. I wasn’t interested in selling my soul for a buck fifty.
I’m a nut about editing, which is why I’m leaving this comment a second time — the first time was from my phone and autocorrect got me. I only realized it after I hit enter. 🙂
Thank you for what you do. It’s important.
Kate - May 21, 2022 12:01 pm
I live in Florida and all the “daily” newspapers seem to be gone, yes they have the same “heading” on them but there is very, very little about the local areas. All of the news is about the nation, and it does not really apply to us at all. A few years ago, the paper had interesting things about the local events. I then read the news paper is part of the USA Today network so it is really not a local paper at all which. A group called ALL Sides ranks the bias of almost ALL media and the bias is obvious in ALL media. All Sides also has an excellent information on how to tell bias. But … going back to news media. I stopped watching any news on TV years, ago, and now I am thinking about not reading the newspaper, and I really, really do miss the nightly news, it just isn’t news anymore. And really, who care what “celebrities” do or say. That is not news. I much rather spend my time reading Sean of the South. It has substance and is relevant. The “news” is not. (My daughter majored in journalism and received many awards. She quickly quit and went into another field because of how unethical she found the field of journalism) So… from my personal experience, Sean, you are right on target, as you always seem to be.
Harriet White - May 21, 2022 12:10 pm
Whooo hoooo!!!! NAILED IT! Cable “Cabol” News is trash! This is your best one yet Mr. Sean of the awesome South!!!
Pam Williams - May 21, 2022 12:20 pm
Boom.
Ronbo - May 21, 2022 12:25 pm
You are point on. Thanks Ronbo
Jan Cheryl Galyen - May 21, 2022 12:26 pm
How dare Mr. PLEASE-KEEP-ME-ANONYMOUS make such mindless, asinine comments about your incredible and much loved writings!! He is the poster child for MSM and why it is one of the most deplorable businesses in this country. Plus he has the nerve to pass judgement on you, yet is such a coward that he has to hide behind his computer and isn’t man enough to provide his name…..very telling on who he really is, IMO. Please do not ever change one single thing that you do, say or write!! You are perfect just the way you are and exactly what I and the rest of this country needs!!! We love you dearly! God bless you, Jamie and your two and four legged families!!
Rhonda - May 21, 2022 12:27 pm
Let her rip, tater chip! YOU are the real journalist and they are tv wanna bee’s! It should be a requirement that you can’t be on tv unless you have 4 years of writing under your fingers. 90% of the articles and stories reflect the opinions of the writer. The prospective of the subjects is ignored or spun into nothingness. And if some stupid reporter asked me how I feel after some horrific tragedy I think I might have to show them instead of tell them. As my granny used to say, They have got on my ever lasting last nerve!
Robert (Robin) Moore - May 21, 2022 12:27 pm
Journalism is an accurate, if unlovely, reflection of humanity. Your article is delightful. Blue collar workers were ground up and spit out by robots and computer programs long ago. Now professionals, like journalists are also getting the squeeze. There are not unlimited low-level jobs for all of us.
Would you please give us your thoughts about what the government is going to do with all of us unemployable people?
[By the way, you frequently claim a lack of intelligence. You appear to be sincere in this belief. Please take some comfort from knowing that you are brilliant. Brilliance comes in many forms. Some of the most exciting ones do not require an eidetic memoriey or a love for solving quadratic equations.]
Gay - May 21, 2022 12:34 pm
Amen Sean
Kay - May 21, 2022 12:45 pm
Perfect answer. The news coverage of trite junk wears me out. I can’t take it- so, I don’t
Geri - May 21, 2022 12:48 pm
You tell him Sean! Since when do we measure intelligence by measuring the depths of bad-news intake we consume. I’m a slow learner, but I finally figure out that the less news I watch, the better I feel.
Bill - May 21, 2022 12:49 pm
Leigh, I am a regular reader and rare commenter, but I read your comments first. You are exceptional. I am in my 80s so I have known a lot of life, and you make more sense than anyone on this board. Keep up the good work.
Leigh Amiot - May 22, 2022 12:07 am
Thanks so much, Bill. I scrolled back to be sure there wasn’t another Leigh commenting. 😂
Brenda - May 21, 2022 12:50 pm
Dear Sean, I want to thank you for telling the truth about the “talking heads” on the various news programs. I have major depression and anxiety; my anxiety is so bad that I have issues with sleep. My Psychiatrist has told me to avoid reading newspapers and watching news programs as it always make my anxiety worst. I can, however, read your columns and feel good about the various stories you write. If the news reporters were reporting accurate news based on the code of journalism (just the facts) without adding their biases to the story, we would all be much better!
Linda Willson - May 21, 2022 12:55 pm
As ever Sean you are right on point in your response. I just hope Anonymous is bright enough to comprehend your well written message!
BEX - May 21, 2022 12:58 pm
AMEN! Society, as a whole, and lots of people in general, love bad news. It must take away their pain somehow. Oh, my gosh! Negative news is what’s wrong with society today! Negative news and negative people bring me down, bring us down. I neither watch the news nor read the news BUT I read your column every morning to get my day started on the good side! You are a wholesome journalist that tells ‘uplifting people stories, about the good in people and the world. Keep writing and God bless!
Connie - May 21, 2022 1:00 pm
Attaboy!!
Nala Gradkowski - May 21, 2022 1:06 pm
BRAVO!
Ruth+Ann - May 21, 2022 1:10 pm
They (do we even know where the buck stops?) want us to be afraid, stupid, and easily influenced. The truth is buried so deep its hard to recognize . Do they think we are so stupid that when they say its raining we don’t know to take an umbrella? I’ve been dressing myself for 70 years. Never needed someone on tv telling me what to wear.
Donna from Iowa - May 21, 2022 1:13 pm
Great food for thought–I will vow to only spread good and happy news!
JojoM - May 21, 2022 1:14 pm
You hit it on the head Sean! I HATE watching/listening to the news…because it’s always bad. Further, you have to sort out what is the truth from what is utter hogwash; most of it (like the CDC) is hogwash & should be a punishable crime to mislead the public.
Sean of the South: Dear Sean | The Trussville Tribune - May 21, 2022 1:17 pm
[…] By Sean Dietrich, Sean of the South […]
Helen De Prima - May 21, 2022 1:30 pm
Keep taking aim at their tender parts, Sean!
Jimmy Little - May 21, 2022 1:31 pm
Amen & Amen
Dean - May 21, 2022 1:39 pm
Thank you! In my opinion, 90% of people are good. The good have something in there being called love. The other 10% refuse to accept that gift of love. They thrive on confusion and fear, the news. How have the 10% become the majority…. how is that?
Patricia Gibson - May 21, 2022 2:23 pm
Great question
Gordon - May 21, 2022 1:40 pm
Amen! Well said, Sean!!!! And I totally, TOTALLY agreee with everything you penned in this post!!
Ellouise - May 21, 2022 1:41 pm
The journalists have to make a living. It’s the editors who decide what story to run. My boss of years ago gave an interview to a friendly reporter whose editor rewrote the positive story in such a way it was very negative
Kelley Morgan - May 21, 2022 1:46 pm
Hey Sean! I LOVE your stories! I read them every morning while having my coffee. They make me laugh, cry & think. This world needs more of you. I think your amazing. The Angel stories are my favorite. After my daughter passed at age 17 from meningitis, my dream of her coming to me was so vivid, I woke & cried & pleaded for her not to go, it was just a dream. Keep doing what you do best. Thank you.
Maggie Priestaf - May 21, 2022 1:46 pm
Preach it, Sean!
Jan - May 21, 2022 1:46 pm
You go, Sean! I will read your “news” a thousand times instead of what is in the newspaper, on radio or TV. Your topics are uplifting and make me believe the world is a better place. Their topics are just the opposite.
Melanie - May 21, 2022 1:50 pm
Sean this hits my soul. Millions of little miracles every day. And you are one of the best writers I have ever read in my 65 years on this earth. ❤️
Dana Qualls - May 21, 2022 1:52 pm
Truth! This is why we only watch one news program a day and turn it off. I can watch horror mivies if I want to feel horrible! If this is unintelligent, then count me in as one of them. That old addage applies here. “When you point at someone to accuse, three fingers are pointing back at you.”
BettyK - May 21, 2022 1:53 pm
AMEN, Sean!! Your articles are the best!!
Dale Parsons - May 21, 2022 1:57 pm
Yes! Yes!! Yes!!! Years ago I used to make fun of local tv news people because it didn’t matter what the horror story was, the first line out of their mouth was always,
“How do we keep this from happening here?” I really cannot stand the media for everything you mentioned. Sickening.
I wonder if you’ve read, “State of Fear” by Michael Crichton. He wrote about the media purposely using specific words that create the most fear. When the public mind is saturated, the media finds another group of words to use across all media. True fiction.
Thank you for nailing what I’ve been feeling for years. It’s getting worse, not better.
C. Nations - May 21, 2022 2:02 pm
Thank you Sean!
Joy Dollar - May 21, 2022 2:05 pm
100% Correct, Sean Dietrich!!! I have no love for MSM, at all! Thank you for your daily doses of good!
Nelson Russell - May 21, 2022 2:13 pm
This blog about journalism hit the nail on the head.
Thanks for the honesty.
Brenda M. - May 21, 2022 2:19 pm
You go, Sean!!
Patricia Gibson - May 21, 2022 2:21 pm
Amen Amen
Mary Nurenberg - May 21, 2022 2:26 pm
I am disappointed by the tone of today’s column, Sean. It’s one thing to point out the frivolous nonsense and outright lies that takes up so much print and air time from “news” sources in this country. But it’s completely unnecessary to take an attack-and-belittle tone with a journalist who is pointing out that not all journalists are alike, that many (and, I suspect, most) journalists are professional and strive to be balanced and fair in their reporting.
I don’t know which news organization employs this journalist, but to imply that professionalism in that trade leads to unemployment and/or living in a refrigerator carton just adds to the ugly, divisive attitudes in this country. Please take care not to add to the hate, but continue to use your unique access to ‘good’ news to remind us that humans can be kind, loving, and generous—even if not the “sharpest fork in the drawer.”
Al - May 21, 2022 2:33 pm
Well said Sean!
Waneta Giesbrecht - May 21, 2022 2:37 pm
Thank you so much for your positive news column. I read it every day and you really try to bring positive vibes into your readers lives. I know many folks who don’t watch or have quite watching the news because of its negative quality, and some news anchors that got so depressed from reporting the violence, etc. God bless You!
Jim Kelly - May 21, 2022 2:44 pm
I totally agree with your opinion on journalist. Most are opinion purveyors and not fact presenters as the journalist of old.
ROBERT STORCK - May 21, 2022 2:58 pm
The continuing coverage of Depp and Heard is just another example. Why cover this and these unimportant fools.
Don Rutledge - May 21, 2022 2:59 pm
Fabulous column.
Patti Fincher - May 21, 2022 3:03 pm
You get ‘‘em Sean!! But did you have to rag on Dancing with the Stars? lol
Love your articles and you do Lewis Grizzard a great honor.
Ksy-President of your fan club - May 21, 2022 3:08 pm
I am with you Sean 100%
Pieter Voorhees - May 21, 2022 3:11 pm
Sarcasm is not your strong point, and your nastiness was disappointing
Gerald Hudson - May 21, 2022 3:12 pm
Amen
Linda Taylor - May 21, 2022 3:16 pm
Nailed it, once again!! I enjoy reading your articles b 4 I get my coffee. Sets the tone for the day and Gets cobwebs out of my mind From crazy dreams. You’re the best, genuine, not the least egotistical like most journalists or artists.
Sure know how to Handle obnoxious commenters! Well done! Linda T
AL - May 21, 2022 3:19 pm
There are no real journalists today but the claim is made loud and clear. These folks are good at reading the teleprompters ad nauseam. Perhaps they are good people in real life but they always let their biases show even reading a teleprompter. As many other commenters have stated as well as you Sean, good news is not news unless it fits their bias. Sean, please continue with your stories about people who have a life doing good things for their neighbors. As I’ve stated before, I turn on the local news channel just to get the local weather then turn it off or go to National Geographic channel for the beauty of the earth and nature.
Brian - May 21, 2022 3:23 pm
Superb and spot on response Sean.
Helene Mewborn - May 21, 2022 3:34 pm
Sean, I, TOO, have been CONTACTED BY THE COWARDLY “Anonymous”!,!
They are SO INTELLIGENT, they hide behind their untraceable “NAME”!!!!
And you are correct about the MEDIA preferring “ BAD” OVER “GOOD” NEWS.
STAY YOUR COURSE!!!
CHARALEEN WRIGHT - May 21, 2022 3:37 pm
❤
Debbie - May 21, 2022 4:26 pm
News – here today, gone tomorrow. But storytelling Sean, like you do every day well, that lives on. That is what touches the heart, the mind, the soul and changes us. Don’t give the “Anonymouses” of the world, whomever they may be a second thought – here today, gone tomorrow. We remember the stories.
Patsy Richey - May 21, 2022 4:53 pm
The truth cleverly, and well said!
Linda Moon - May 21, 2022 5:06 pm
So the journalist wants to remain anonymous. What’s she/he got to hide, I’m wondering. And I’m wondering about your excellent question comparing Ms. Spears to Mr. Miller, too. Let’s make our own news, Sean, and share it on a post or something….maybe from a front porch or actual phone-call. That makes sense to me!
Vince - May 21, 2022 5:44 pm
That letter and your response shows why we read you and skip the “news”. And you didn’t even touch the blatant lying of “journalists”. Excellent response..thaks again for sharing good news that we would have otherwise missed again!
Larry - May 21, 2022 6:03 pm
Larry in San diego
Hey Sean, I am blind and use a computer with adaptive technology to read your column daily and share it with friends and family here and in Europe.
your response is spot on.
Unfortunately, it probably went over this guy’s head.
After all, he resides in the land of “Fruits and nuts”. Where the Fruits are getting nuttier and the Nuts are getting fruitier!
Here in San Diego The story of 10-year-old Kiera Larsen, saving her friends didn’t get much press other than in certain media outlets as it didn’t fit the nmorm.
As a well-known celebrity is fond of saying, “journalism is dead”.
(But we need to remember that Jesus came to save the living and the dead.)
Romans 14:9 For this reason Christ died and returned to life, that He …
… 8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this reason Christ died and returned to life, that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
And that’s my story and I’m stickin to it.
Susan Roney - May 21, 2022 6:16 pm
Thank you Sean. You wondered out loud what I’ve been wondering about for ever. Thank you.
AlaRedClayGirl - May 21, 2022 6:47 pm
There are some real journalists out there that do an exceptional job of telling what the mainstream media won’t. You just aren’t going to find them on TV or newspapers. Search online for them.
Sissy - May 21, 2022 7:36 pm
Amen!
Ingrid Whigham - May 21, 2022 9:26 pm
Sean, your work has heart, because you connect with people where they “are.” Local newspapers and television stations used to have reporters who actually went out looking for news. Not much of that happens now. We get the sensational stories from the news feeds.
Teresa Allison - May 21, 2022 9:34 pm
The medias total disrespect for truth and honesty has never been more obvious then the last few years. It so sickens me that I turned off the news three years ago and have no intentions of ever watching it again. Life is much more peaceful when you stop letting reporter and politicians raise your blood pressure.
MAM - May 21, 2022 9:44 pm
I loved this one. And I am a journalist who looks for the happy stories. As many as I can find. Unfortunately, I also have to cover the stupid things that commissioners say in meetings and the awful law enforcement stats. But law enforcement here also goes for heart-wearing stories. Recently they gave an 11-year old a bike and a gift certificate for smelling smoke in her friend’s house when she was spending the night. She get the whole family out safely.
MAM - May 21, 2022 9:45 pm
But then, I run my OWN digital news source! So I have total editorial control.
Karen - May 21, 2022 10:01 pm
Amen.
Bkr - May 21, 2022 10:06 pm
Amen! Preach it dude! I love It when you so politely and subtlety rip someone’s lips off. And you are right. 💯
Vicki - May 22, 2022 12:15 am
I watch Andy Griffith during the news hour. After teaching kindergarten all day, I need to relax!
Cynthia Russell - May 22, 2022 12:25 am
ROCK ON SEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SO WITH YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I NEVER WATCH THE NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CAN’T HANDLE IT BECAUSE IF I DID – I WOULD HAVE TO CHANGE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU DEAR SEAN FOR SPEAKING FOR ME!!!!
J N Painter - May 22, 2022 12:48 am
And one other song, “Hang down your head, Tom Dooley……..”
Sylvia Syjes - May 22, 2022 3:14 am
This one is great! Burn, baby burn!!
Becky Souders - May 22, 2022 3:48 am
Don’t stop, Sean!
David - May 22, 2022 4:33 am
Bravo! And about time!
Linda Sparks - May 22, 2022 12:40 pm
Sean, it seems you have become the modern day “dear Abby”!!! I think you have a new job!
Carolyn - May 22, 2022 3:09 pm
Could you please write an article about how boomers are being hated on by younger generations? Every day I see articles about how much we’re hated and I feel it when going out in public. This is so wrong. There are things I love and appreciate about younger generations, but many of them refuse to acknowledge us as even deserving to live.
Steve Scott - May 23, 2022 12:50 pm
Please keep sharing the good news!
Susie - May 23, 2022 2:38 pm
GOOD ONE, Sean!! You go, baby!! 👍. Let ’em have it!!
Steve McCaleb - May 23, 2022 10:02 pm
Do you know why California leads the nation in number of broadcast journalists and New Jersey leads in number of toxic waste dumps ? You’re right, New Jersey got first choice.
Carole Lea - May 24, 2022 4:33 pm
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼