What the Heck are They Talking About: Neurological CFS: An Owner's Statement of Truth

I chose my graduate school with great care. I did not apply to any other schools or programs, not because they lacked in professionalism, rigorous teaching standards or quality. I applied to the University of Missouri, Columbia for a very simple reason: The Journalist’s Creed resonated in my heart.

Walter Williams, the first dean of the Missouri School of Journalism – Mizzou as it is affectionately referred to by alums - made this declaration over a century ago and it states in part:

I believe in the profession of journalism.

I believe that the public journal is a public trust; that all connected with it are, to the full measure of their responsibility, trustees for the public; that acceptance of a lesser service than the public service is betrayal of this trust.

I believe that clear thinking and clear statement, accuracy and fairness are fundamental to good journalism.

I believe that a journalist should write only what he holds in his heart to be true.

I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible …

… that individual responsibility may not be escaped by pleading another's instructions or another's dividends.

I believe that … news and editorial columns should alike serve the best interests of readers; that a single standard of helpful truth and cleanness should prevail for all; that the supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service.

I believe that the journalism which succeeds best -- and best deserves success -- … is stoutly independent, unmoved by pride of opinion or greed of power, constructive, tolerant but never careless, self-controlled, patient, always respectful of its readers but always unafraid, is quickly indignant at injustice; is unswayed by the appeal of privilege or the clamor of the mob; seeks to give every (person) a chance; is a journalism of humanity, of and for today's world.

That is what this blog is all about for me. Disability makes it more difficult to meet the technical aspects of accuracy, but heart and soul never waver. I am neither the best or the brightest, but I apply these principles with all the talent I possess. It’s what I do.

What the Heck are They Talking About: Neurological CFS

An Owner's Statement of Truth

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