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Editorial
August 12, 1954
The Key West Citizen
Key West, Monroe County, Florida
What is this article about?
An editorial defends the U.S. Navy in Key West against unfair negative media coverage, criticizing 'gutter journalism' for focusing on isolated incidents while ignoring the Navy's positive contributions to community service, charity, safety programs, and post-hurricane cleanup.
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The U. S. NAVY has its faults.
To begin with, it doesn't agree with me on fluoridation. As if that isn't bad enough, I notice in the various newspapers every once in awhile that such and such a Navy man was arrested for reckless driving; or - maybe the news item will relate how an intoxicated sailor caused a fight: sometimes- horrible! horrible! - a commissioned officer will get his name involved in unpleasant reports.
Yes Sir! These are the kind of items that make my blood boil! (But not at the Navy.)
Why?
Because, in my opinion, it's gutter journalism! It's lazy reporting that can be picked up off the police blotter and doesn't require searching for good things that are happening all around us.
How about the Navy men who are furnishing guidance in the Boy Scouts while civilian males shirk their duty?
Have you checked up on charitable drives to see who furnishes the most leadership and aid?
Has the Navy been given its share of credit for its safety programs? For its aid to the Key West Safety Council?
Who cleans up the debris of Key West after a hurricane hits town?
I've slammed the newspapers because I work on one and I've always felt that criticism begins at home. But let me tell you readers something - if you're civilian. Nine out of ten of you are just as guilty of unfair judgement of the Navy as any and all newspapers are accused of being!
Jiminey Crickets! This is a Navy town. Do you expect ten thousand men to go around sucking their thumbs, playing twiddly winks? Let's give them credit for the many good things they do instead of picking on the occasional bad happenings.
To begin with, it doesn't agree with me on fluoridation. As if that isn't bad enough, I notice in the various newspapers every once in awhile that such and such a Navy man was arrested for reckless driving; or - maybe the news item will relate how an intoxicated sailor caused a fight: sometimes- horrible! horrible! - a commissioned officer will get his name involved in unpleasant reports.
Yes Sir! These are the kind of items that make my blood boil! (But not at the Navy.)
Why?
Because, in my opinion, it's gutter journalism! It's lazy reporting that can be picked up off the police blotter and doesn't require searching for good things that are happening all around us.
How about the Navy men who are furnishing guidance in the Boy Scouts while civilian males shirk their duty?
Have you checked up on charitable drives to see who furnishes the most leadership and aid?
Has the Navy been given its share of credit for its safety programs? For its aid to the Key West Safety Council?
Who cleans up the debris of Key West after a hurricane hits town?
I've slammed the newspapers because I work on one and I've always felt that criticism begins at home. But let me tell you readers something - if you're civilian. Nine out of ten of you are just as guilty of unfair judgement of the Navy as any and all newspapers are accused of being!
Jiminey Crickets! This is a Navy town. Do you expect ten thousand men to go around sucking their thumbs, playing twiddly winks? Let's give them credit for the many good things they do instead of picking on the occasional bad happenings.
What sub-type of article is it?
Military Affairs
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
U.S. Navy
Key West
Gutter Journalism
Navy Contributions
Charity
Safety Programs
Hurricane Cleanup
What entities or persons were involved?
U.S. Navy
Newspapers
Boy Scouts
Key West Safety Council
Civilians
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Defense Of U.S. Navy Against Unfair Media Coverage
Stance / Tone
Strongly Supportive Of Navy, Critical Of Press And Civilians
Key Figures
U.S. Navy
Newspapers
Boy Scouts
Key West Safety Council
Civilians
Key Arguments
Negative Navy News Items Are Examples Of Gutter Journalism And Lazy Reporting
Navy Men Provide Guidance To Boy Scouts While Civilians Shirk Duty
Navy Leads In Charitable Drives And Aid
Navy Contributes To Safety Programs And Aids Key West Safety Council
Navy Cleans Up Debris After Hurricanes In Key West
Civilians Share Guilt In Unfair Judgment Of Navy
In A Navy Town Like Key West, Credit Should Go To Good Deeds Over Occasional Bad Incidents