You may remember that a couple weeks ago, Bush’s hometown paper The Iconoclast endorsed John Kerry for President.
Reaction to their endorsement has been strong — to the point where they wrote a second editorial, detaling some of that reaction. It’s not a pretty picture.
We expected that perhaps a few readers might cancel subscriptions, and maybe even ads, but have been amazed at a few of the more intense communications, some of which bordered on outright personal attacks and uncalled-for harassment.
We have been told by several avid Bush supporters that the days when newspapers publish editorials without personal repercussions are over.
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The new mode of operation, I am told, is that when a newspaper prints an editorial of which some sectors might disagree, the focus is now upon how to run the newspaper out of business. Out the window are the contributions the newspaper has made to the community in the past and the newspaper s extensive investment in the community.
We do understand peoples rights to pull subscriptions and ads, and to express a differing opinion, but we have some trouble understanding threats and payback since in politics there are often a variety of options. For the publishers to herald one of the options should be no cause for persecution.
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Unfortunately, for the Iconoclast and its publishers there have been threats big ones including physical harm.
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Several young members of our staff covering Tonkawa Traditions this past weekend were angrily harassed and threatened that they must leave, which cut short their ability to fully do their jobs and instilled in them considerable fear for their safety. These reporters had nothing to do with that editorial. They were part-time college students working to pay their way through school and better themselves.
Although several members of the community are upset at the newspaper, there are still those who want us to continue with local coverage as we have in the past. We do have concern for the safety of our staff, however, and find it troubling when they are bullied and cannot do their jobs.
“The days when newspapers publish editorials without personal repercussions are over?” What kind of bullheaded, stupid insanity is this?
So truly sad.
(via MeFi)