Stop the shock
Issue date: 4/16/09 Section: Opinion
To the Editor:
The Collegian needs to be much more direct in correcting the major errors it propagated in the April 2 issue, particularly the false claim that the Classical Liberal Organization was starting a gay-straight alliance, and the false claim that the political economy program fails to communicate thesis requirements and give adequate support. Both stories appeared to be trying to create controversy where there is none. This wasted the time of those interviewed, misinformed the readers and has created enormous headaches for those of us who are left to clean up the mess.
That The Collegian coupled this disinformation with an ill-conceived and frankly nasty editorial leaves us wondering what the editors are trying to accomplish. If it is to accurately inform its readership and contribute to the college, then clear and explicit corrections of errors are called for. And in the future, The Collegian should cease the attempts at shock journalism, and concentrate on trying to get its stories right.
Gary Wolfram
William Simon Chair in Economics and Public Policy and Professor of Economics
Charles N. Steele
Herman and Suzanne Dettwiler Chair in Economics and Assistant Professor of Economics
The Collegian needs to be much more direct in correcting the major errors it propagated in the April 2 issue, particularly the false claim that the Classical Liberal Organization was starting a gay-straight alliance, and the false claim that the political economy program fails to communicate thesis requirements and give adequate support. Both stories appeared to be trying to create controversy where there is none. This wasted the time of those interviewed, misinformed the readers and has created enormous headaches for those of us who are left to clean up the mess.
That The Collegian coupled this disinformation with an ill-conceived and frankly nasty editorial leaves us wondering what the editors are trying to accomplish. If it is to accurately inform its readership and contribute to the college, then clear and explicit corrections of errors are called for. And in the future, The Collegian should cease the attempts at shock journalism, and concentrate on trying to get its stories right.
Gary Wolfram
William Simon Chair in Economics and Public Policy and Professor of Economics
Charles N. Steele
Herman and Suzanne Dettwiler Chair in Economics and Assistant Professor of Economics
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