Of neophytes and dimwits

All along, I was convinced that “Gotcha” journalism and the total violation of a basic tenet in this profession of “verification” of information, depth and fairness are solely the purview of ABC’s 20/20 and some reporter out of the San Francisco Chronicle. The other day I found out that such types also lurk in these isles.

Perhaps out of a lack of understanding of the fallacies of American Democracy, Marianas Variety reporter Haidee Eugenio wrote a column dubbed “Coward” only to grandly display that her insensitivity and shallowness makes her the real “Coward” for violating the very basic tenet in journalism of “verification of information” fueled by the obvious lack of depth and definition.

As though this isn’t enough, she even presumptuously asserted that if such is the nature of politics here that we should include dogs and cats in the roster of candidates, another illustration of warped vengeance where she unloads her frustrations on issues she could hardly cover with common decency. It’s a sterling case of depicting shallowness by a columnist who has yet to earn her stripes in that corner of the MV.

Why take pot shots on shallowness that has turned into a highly explosive situation between our Pinoy brothers and sisters and the local people? Is it worth it, Ms. Eugenio?

For Ms. Eugenio’s information, even I as a journalist of nearly 30 years (a part of your paper for more than two decades) acknowledge the fallacy of kinship and politics in the islands. But such is dire reality be it in the Taga Stone-famous isles of the Marianas or the Pearl of the Orient. It has its genesis in the very concept of a democratic system of government.

I think you’ve missed the boat completely by recklessly criticizing the forte of this island community–communal system–that will be around for a better part of the next millennium. There’s nothing that you can do to change this in that it involves a long process–political maturation–and more often than not (as in your home country) the best of them all never make it to public offices because it boils down to a popularity contest hardly premised on qualifications.

In short, Ms. Eugenio, there are sensitivities that are best left unsaid and even I as an indigenous journalist know it only too well. But I definitely welcome your juvenile ramblings for it has made my job easier in terms of building confidence and credibility of the Tribune among the reading public.

Barking up the wrong tree

Any journalist of stripe knows with second nature that in securing information of any event that one goes directly to the source. Ms. Ruth Tighe called up the chancery and quizzed a priest whether he’s wary of a fund-raiser sponsored by former Speaker Ben Fitial the net proceeds of which would be turned over to the diocese to defray the cost of the grand Golden Jubilee celebration slated for this December.

A couple of things need to be pointed out: 1). Ms. Tighe should have called up former Speaker Fitial (head of the Golden Jubilee finance committee) and quiz him of the fund-raiser. 2). Had you done your homework like an educated and experienced journalist, you would have found out that Ms. Emma Villagomez, treasurer, was off-island and upon return would prepare a detailed account of expenses and net proceeds.

When the check is ready for presentation, I will ask Ms. Villagomez to seek for a volunteer (hopefully Ms. Tighe) to hand the check over to the Diocese or overall Golden Jubilee Committee in person. This fund-raiser has nothing to do with politics. The former Speaker has gone out of his way to ensure that there’s sufficient funds to defray the cost of the grand religious cultural celebration. You should pitch-in by first sanitizing your often confused views or better yet, return to basic journalism class for a refresher on the basics of information gathering–going directly to the source. Presto!