People of Josephine County,
This is a letter to those of you who fail to understand the difference between personal and professional when it comes to the Grants Pass Tribune. Let me be crystal clear: this newspaper is my job. It is not personal. However, some have chosen to make it personal by suing me for reporting the facts and the news, which is my First Amendment right. But that’s not the issue at hand.
I have been accused of personally attacking certain political figures in our community. Let’s address that accusation head-on. A newspaper’s job is to report on matters that affect the public, including the actions of politicians and public officials. That is journalism, plain and simple. As the editor of this publication, my role is to present the facts, uncover the truth, and inform the public. If that means certain individuals receive more coverage than others, it is because their actions warrant public scrutiny, whether that be for praise or criticism.
Now, let’s address the gloves-off moment. When I was personally attacked, when an entire faction of individuals sought to discredit me and my publication, and when my livelihood was put in jeopardy, I vowed to defend myself and my company. I stand by that vow today. Those who sought to silence me have made this personal, and I fully intend to fight back. However, calling this newspaper a personal vendetta against anyone is sheer absurdity.
I have been publishing since the 1990s and have no intention of stopping. The Grants Pass Tribune is a voice for the people. The more you understand that, the more you will see that this paper exists to provide a platform for all voices. We welcome all perspectives, whether we agree with them or not, because we are committed to freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and the right for all to be heard. That includes every one of you.
If you believe that one of my articles feels personal, take a step back and think again. My style of writing may be sharp, my wordsmithing deliberate, but that does not make this a personal vendetta paper. If certain individuals appear in the news more often, it is because their actions, whether good, bad, or ugly, are making news. That is the reality of journalism.
I encourage everyone to use this platform to share your stories, opinions, and concerns. A free press thrives on open discourse, and the Grants Pass Tribune will always stand by that principle. Whether you love or hate what you read here, know that it is done with integrity and an unwavering commitment to truth.
Thank you for reading,
