A wise and frequent reader of this blog (but I repeat myself) takes issue with my recent advice to the N&O’s John Drescher re his public disagreements with Governor Easley. The reader writes:

“I disagree on the effectiveness of saying, ‘We stand by the story.’ That’s the editor’s equivalent of ‘No comment.’ If it ever worked, it doesn’t work now. The public expects the media to be more open than that.”

The reader went on to ask how an editor can ask governmental or business leaders to explain themselves if the editor doesn’t speak openly, for example, on issues like newspapers’ financial problems.

In effect, the reader is saying an editor has to be willing to meet the standard he or she sets for Governor Easley.

The point is well taken.

Speaking of Governor Easley, his fight with the press continues to dog his final days. Jack Betts wrote in the Charlotte Observer that his thinking about Easley’s legacy has changed:

“I’ve come to the conclusion that people are more likely to remember Easley for his administration’s signal failures.”

I’m inclined to disagree. Over time, the scars will heal. Easley will be remembered more for being a progressive governor in tough times.

Remember, when he came into office a lot of people – legislators included – welcomed a break from Hurricane Hunt. Now they want a change from Mystery Mike. Call it the Cycle of Life in Raleigh.

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