I was fascinated by your article about firefighters and hero worship. But it was a bit odd to find a plea for journalistic detachment in a paper whose version of progress continually spills from the editorials and advertising into the articles. Didn’t you portray the judges, lawyers, and lobbyists who successfully redefined marriage in Massachusetts as heroes? This in spite of their more-than-ample compensation — particularly in the case of Governor Deval Patrick, who only recently gave up his $325,000 part-time job. I see little sacrifice there, except perhaps on behalf of the kids whose public swimming pools went un-repaired while the governor acted on a well-financed payback to defend the actions of four members of the Supreme Judicial Court from citizen review. Does this remind anyone of Bill Clinton, whose executive order on gays in the military was his first order of business as president? With all my best wishes for the health and prosperity of gays and the governor, I still wonder: will Patrick end up, like Clinton, with a perjuriously disgraced end to what was, at one time, a successful term of office that could boast some solid bipartisan accomplishments?
Darrell Hartwick
Newton
There are no easy answers as to how fallen heroes and hero worship should be treated by media. But the concerns of the Boston firefighters’ loved ones and colleagues must be regarded with compassion.
That said, I am concerned about the “gotcha” rivalry that goes on between Boston’s two dailies. There is a breed of reporter that, when contacted with a proposed story revelation, asks first: have you gone to the other paper with this information? Hopefully, the daily newspapers and TV stations involved in breaking this story were not so insensitive in their quest for ratings, advertising, or subscriptions. The time has come for media managers to adopt a strong code of ethics, and reporters a strong code of conduct, both of which are lacking in this era of downsizing and corporate takeovers.
The other issue involved is the preservation of public employment as an honorable profession. In order to do so, we, the public, must require full disclosure at all times. This is the only way to maintain the respect of the citizenry and solve problems that need correction.
John Gatti Jr.
Southbridge
Finding religion
I find your polemic tone and smug disdain of Christians troublesome, as in “Yup, Bible verses are now being tossed around nonchalantly in a comic book.” Christians aren’t the intolerant monolithic bloc you imply. We’re hardly a “movement.” Your exposé that Christian values are being conveyed through culture is old news. It’s been going on for 2000 years. Take an art-history class.
Your tone is intolerant, as if exposing a sinister menace — those Christians are advancing their values by writing and selling books! Would you ever consider outing Jews, Hindis, Buddhists, or Muslims for writing and selling books advancing their beliefs and values?
Greg Girard
Arlington
Text of the week
This past week we asked readers to text in their comments on our “Chairmen of the Boards” story, in which our critics picked the 14 most vital music producers working today. MB wrote in with this thought:
Dave Sardy! he might as well be rick rubin’s protege, google him now. from his former band barkmarket to helmet, snow patrol, wolfmother, & on & on.
