For all of humankind’s so-called “superior” intelligence, creativity and technological wizardry, it’s downright amazing how illogical and ignorant (not to mention just plain stupid) we can be on a regular, day-to-day basis. I’m reminded of the old adage, you know the one, open mouth and insert foot, and personally, I think we’d save ourselves a lot of time and trouble if we were wise enough to think before we speak, yet time and time again that’s simply not the case.
Myself? Well, let’s just say that – as a staff writer for our hometown daily – this is something I’m forced to deal with far too often, from those wishing to keep their name out of the Police Blotter to those who happen to disagree with any number of my personal opinions, many times put to print right here in my weekly column for The Evening Sun.
As far as the blotter’s concerned, it’s actually quite simple (and I’ve been over this repeatedly with certain individuals). Don’t want your name in the paper? Don’t get arrested.
Unfortunately, we have an ever-growing population (or so it seems) of miscreants who – for some unknown reason – can’t keep themselves out of trouble. Whether it’s petit larceny, violating a city ordinance (typically of the noise variety), driving while intoxicated or my personal favorite, “alleged domestic dispute,” this area has a veritable “hall of fame” when it comes to repeat offenders.
Some days, I’m tempted to write a book about it, a kind of Evening Sun Police Blotter “greatest hits,” so to speak.
Like I have the time, right?
As for this, my weekly column, well, some people can’t seem to get it through their head that everyone – and I mean everyone – is entitled to their opinion ... even me. The sad part is, there are a lot of “experts” out there who live by the “your opinion may not be wrong, but I know mine is right” creed. Try having an intelligent debate (something I’ve always enjoyed ... if it’s intelligent) with someone who’s utterly convinced their view of things is 100 percent correct, 100 percent of the time, and you know what I mean. It’s like talking to a doorknob, the kitchen table or (insert your favorite inanimate object here).
In other words, there’s no use and it’s an exercise in futility, if you get my meaning.
But what really gets me, that which causes me to lose sleep, wake up grainy-eyed and desperate for that first cup of coffee before making my way to the office, are those people who can’t seem to get a grip on the fact that – just because I write about it – doesn’t mean I agree, disagree or (at times) could even care.
To clarify ... writing a “news” story, one that – in no way, shape or form – includes my personal opinion, isn’t something I do for fun (although I do love my job), it’s what I’m paid to do. And over the past two years, I’ve (as far as I can tell) consistently covered any number of topics, organizations and events with as unbiased a view as possible, no matter my true feelings on the matter.
Regardless, the point I’m trying to get across is quite simple, really, whether you’d rather your name not appear in our daily Police Blotter, you happen to think my weekly column is pure drivel or you’re convinced my “news” offerings are rife with bias and favoritism.
Don’t shoot the messenger.
After all, I’m only doing my job.

Follow me on Twitter ... @evesunbrian.