Journalism majors: This was passed along from Kendrea Justice. Thought it had some interesting points. Linda Crider Some good thoughts from the closing paragraphs of Jay Rosen's new book on public journalism, "What Are Journalists For?" "Journalists make it their business to be knowledgeable and alert. They come to work ready to play a part in a public drama, even as they fill a job in a private business. Through this steady work they stand for something: the argument that democracy and civic life are an everyday affair and everyone's business. That's why the dwindling audience for serious news is a civic ordeal, and not just a marketplace verdict. If 'public affairs are for everyone' is one thing the press can uphold, there are others: Politics as public property, not the province of a knowledgeable class. Public discussion as a prelude to public decisions, which remain incomplete without it. Deliberation as an art within reach of average citizens, who have something to say if they are heard with patience and imagination. Democracy as a learning experience for everyone involved. When journalists stand for these values they uphold democracy seen a certain way: as something we do, rather than what is done to us by the system and its hired hands." ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com