THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“[The pundits’] reluctance to discuss the matter was typical of the “buckraker” community, which has dug in its heels about suggestions that prominent journalists should disclose sources of their income from special interest groups, much as politicians are required to do. The basis of the argument for disclosure is not that a pundit’s power is identical to a politician’s. Rather, it is that both groups operate in the public eye, rely on public trust, and deeply affect public opinion and public life. Both therefore need to make extra efforts at disclosure because of the consequences when the public suspects the worst of them.” – James Fallows, “Breaking The News,” in a chapter called “The Gravy Train,” page 113.