Freedom of speech, freedom of opinion

Freedom of thought and expression is a fundamental right in this country. It is not so worldwide, which is more than a shame.

Anyway, my recent blog concerning Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale's marital difficulties garnered several comments, and not everyone agreed with my stand:

"Larry,

   It was wrong for you and every other reporter to sit on this, especially if you had corroboration from the family. This has been common knowledge around town for weeks, and you have ALL cost yourselves credibility NOT reporting on this.   

   If any of this "inappropriate marital conduct" involved other county employees, that's a damn big story, and not a private matter.   

   How many lines did local media devote in the 1990s to Monica Lewinsky?"

No signature or e-mail, so I couldn't respond personally, which would have been my preference.

I certainly respect and understand this individual's point of view. The decision to report or not report such matters is never clear-cut; it's a judgment call for any publication.

We've voiced our opinion of the mayor's performance in office repeatedly. We've called for his resignation on more than one occasion. Would playing up this story have hastened his departure? Probably not, in my opinion, because we're dealing with a man who seems to have lost touch with reality. If you are self-centered enough to cheat on and leave a desperately ill spouse at a time when thousands of your constituents believe you and your inner circle are thieves, nothing short of an indictment or an ouster suit is likely to induce you to leave office.

Still, I do appreciate hearing an opposing viewpoint, and I'm sure there are others who agree with his or her comment.   

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