Re: “,” June 2 Greg Dobbs column.
Greg Dobbs wants to keep some definitions pure and simple, but as an English teacher and writer, I can’t agree. Many words — like Dobbs’ examples of “hero,” “claim” and “credit” — have multiple meanings. English is a living language, so meanings of words change and evolve.
“Who is your favorite hero?” is a common interview question and writing prompt. The meaning of “hero” is personal, and surely a parent or other unsung hero could qualify.
In any election cycle, the wisest course for a journalist quoting one politician’s “claims” against another is to qualify those words as merely a “claim.”
And I don’t agree that reporters should say a terrorist group “takes responsibility” for an attack instead of “takes credit.” “Responsibility” implies some kind of responsible behavior or desire to right a wrong. Suggesting that terrorists are in any way “responsible” makes my blood boil.
Martha Sullivan, Arvada
This letter was published in the June 4 edition.
I couldn’t agree more with Greg Dobbs regarding journalists’ misuse of words. Itap rampant among the ink-stained wretches — including Dobbs. To illustrate his point about the use of the word “hero,” he lists police, firefighters and soldiers as worthy of that description. Rightly so. But then he inadvertently exposes his progressive mindset when he includes teachers, whom he asserts “forgo higher salaries to elevate students’ minds.” Teachers, with very few exceptions (Columbine’s Dave Sanders), are not heroes. The good ones are merely hard-working, well-intentioned individuals doing their very best at a difficult job, providing the public with a valuable service for a fair compensation. For that, they deserve our respect and thanks. But don’t play the “hero” card recklessly.
Jon Pitt, Golden
This letter was published in the June 4 edition.
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