Ignoring credibility: Going along with the mayor

What I said yesterday about government officials who go along to get along - that it's comfortable but cowardly - all that explodes to the 10th power when a journalist does it.

When he commits to his profession, the journalist promises, if only by definition, never to go along to get along by ignoring folly, wastefulness, or injustice for the sake of his friends about whom he writes (or for any other reason). By doing so, the reputation of that journalist is forever tarnished.

This evening Newark City Council will vote on the new budget. In that budget is the funding for Kathy's car, which amounts to an open check book for her commuting expenses, as I explained earlier.

Arguments against such expenditures were voiced in a city finance committee meeting, but not reported in the meeting minutes or by the Advocate. Nor has there been mention of the sweetheart deal regarding Kathy's car in any follow-up news reports.

The importance of credibility can be ignored, but only if you're a reporter who doesn't grasp its value; one who has no competition - in the office or in the field - and no skilled supervision.