Guest Opinion: A greater appreciation for journalism

Fair and balanced? One may ask, "What paper am I reading?" Many views abound that the paper is too conservative, too liberal, too much violence and tragedy, too much feel good "fluff", too little of this and too much of that. But yet every day of the week, the staff presents the news—local, regional, state, national and world factual news. This is not "fake news," the recent excuse for promoting lies, which do not conform to factual information.

But what about this page, the editorial page? The editorial page is designed for opinions—opinions from other papers, opinions and political cartoons from both conservative and liberal columnists and cartoonists, guest opinions from local writers, such as this one; and yes, the all important reader opinion section which allows you the reader to express anything appropriate.

But there are claims that some opinions don't ever get printed. This may be true if the editorial attacks named individuals or is simply too disorganized to make sense. The Dispatch editors are obligated to provide a gateway to appropriately written material (non-libelous) without regard to the writer's point of view.

Through my various travel across the United States I pick up and read local papers of given areas. I always come away with a less impressive view then that which I have for the Dispatch. Perhaps it's my familiarity and comfort level with the Dispatch. But I believe, much more than that, it truly is the "fair and balanced" professionalism of the Dispatch staff—from the talented and dedicated writers, photographers, and graphic artist, to the editors, sales staff, printers and management.

And as the trend moves to electronic publications, so has the Dispatch, a daily newspaper of which we can be proud. The award winning plaques on the Dispatch honor wall reflect exactly that; and my sincere thank you to all of the Dispatch staff for the opportunity to have shared this experience with me.

Larry M. Kellerman, a Baxter resident, retired from Central Lakes College in 2013 after 38 years, having spent his first nine years as a journalism instructor and the remainder as the college librarian.