First Principles

While I am not a journalist, I believe that public affairs blogs in the early 21^st century have a duty to perform a role similar to the one historically exercised by newspapers, as described by Finley Peter Dunne, the writer of the Mr. Dooley column that was “one of the first nationally syndicated newspaper features.”  Specifically, the newspaper “comforts th’ afflicted, afflicts th’ comfortable.”

This author takes his First Amendment rights very seriously.  In a time when traditional journalism is facing severe challenges (financial, reputational, etc…), it is imperative for “citizen journalists” (although I think the phrase is a bit of a misnomer) to tell their stories to help inform the public.  And if not “educate” in a classic sense, at least entertain in a thought-provoking manner.

Going back to the quote in the first paragraph, this blog will not “punch down.”  It will, however, vigorously defend itself, our principles, our friends and our comrades (when they are right, and I, of course, reserve the right to point out when they are wrong). 

This is a self-appointed standard, but it is the standard that Spartan Considerations has maintained, and will continue to abide by, as long as this blog covers national, state, and local politics.

In solidarity.