Fire from the editor's Pulpit

I meant to write about this before, but life kind of intruded. Eau Claire Leader Telegram editor Don Huebscher really unleashes some great editorials from time to time. In this one, he scolds everyone who did not vote in the spring election. I don't know Don, but I think I can see veins popping in his neck as he writes it. If you did not vote, go to the editorial and get your well deserved spanking. The number one highlight would have to be this, though, if you aren't a link clicker:

We at the Leader-Telegram sometimes are accused of making poor news judgments in our zeal to “sell papers.”

Sure we want to sell papers. That’s obvious. But we killed a lot of trees in recent weeks to preview the various local, area and statewide elections. History tells us the turnout will be paltry, but we keep writing these stories because it’s our obligation as a business given First Amendment protection. That protection carries a responsibility to give people the information they need to govern themselves intelligently.

But to be honest, when we see numbers like those of last Tuesday, it’s hard not to wonder why we even bother.

Maybe we should try running the election preview stories alongside photos of Paris Hilton or Britney Spears to try to drum up more interest. Well … do you have any better ideas?

Bravo, Don. I hope I never get under your skin.