Certain social media critics have the audacity to question this newspaper’s dedication to supporting veterans’ causes. Namely Mark Retcho, who organizes an annual veterans picnic, posted last week, “Tonight is the Grand Opening of the Vietnam War Exhibition at the Marion County Historical Museum Downtown on Second Street across the Road from City Hall. To (sic) bad the opening was buried on page 7 of the newspaper.”
Usually my approach when attacked on social media is to take the high road and not respond. But that baseless remark, and the insinuation that this publication doesn’t support veterans, merits a response.
First, there is only so much room on Page 1. And in this case, it was filled with — what do you know — all stories about veterans’ causes. Let’s review the headlines, shall we? “Women making quilts for veterans,” “Wall visits Nov. 14-17,” “County vets program set for Nov. 11,” and “Columbian served in 1st Gulf War.”
Second, being placed on Page 7 (at the top of the page, mind you) is not buried; trust me, I get calls about the smallest detail on Page 12C. There is strong readership throughout the paper or else advertisers would not spend their money to purchase ads that appear on inside pages. I ran a house ad promoting a subscription special on the bottom of page 10 in that same edition; it would be self-defeating to “bury” your own ad, wouldn’t it? In fact we got dozens of calls from people who purchased subscriptions as a result of the ad.
Third, this newspaper has done whatever it could to promote the new exhibit, at no cost. I’ve run several photos and stories leading up to the opening, and the Rotary Club, of which I am serving as president this year, donated $1,200 toward creating the exhibit. I communicated with Museum Curator Carol Durham about what was needed, called the board meeting to decide on how much to give and cast my vote in favor of making the donation.
Furthermore our managing editor, Susan Amundson, covered the exhibit opening, and a story and photos are being published in today’s edition. I would have attended the opening myself, but I was out of town for my grandfather’s 90th birthday party (yes, he’s a veteran, by the way).
And that’s not the only pro-veterans effort the newspaper has supported. Take, for example, Mr. Retcho’s own event. A quick search of our archives revealed some 31 stories published over the past six years regarding the veterans picnic, and that’s not including multiple photo packages we’ve done about it. Last year, I even designed a program for the event on my own time and had it printed at my own expense.
Just this week, I’ve spent a large bulk of my time putting together our annual “Salute to Veterans,” which will be published Saturday and features photos of every veteran from Marion County that we can get. Very few communities in Mississippi or throughout this nation have such a publication centered on recognizing the service of local veterans past and present in such a way. It’s our great honor and privilege to be able to present that every year for the veterans of Columbia.
Finally, Amundson is in the middle of a series of features documenting the stories of local veterans from each American conflict since World War II. It’s been interesting, as well as sobering, to read about their experiences, which illustrate many of the struggles they go through before and after their military service. Again, I’m proud we’re able to share those accounts with the people of this community.
I guess it all adds up to I’m just weary of every decision about what to publish in this newspaper being second-guessed. From now on, I’m vowing to pave ahead with what I know in my heart to be best for this newspaper and community, based on my four years of professional training in college and 12 years of daily work experience writing and editing literally thousands of stories over that time that have won more than 50 awards from the Mississippi Press Association, without worrying about what the naysayers are going to complain about. Teddy Roosevelt’s famous quote about “The Man in the Arena” comes to mind; it’s not the critic who counts but the one who is willing to step out there and take action, even if it risks making a mistake.
When the entirety of your work product is published for consumption by everyone in the community, there is going to be criticism and you’ve got to have thick skin. I accept that and welcome it. My personal number is published in the phone book, my office door is always open and I don’t screen calls. I welcome feedback from readers, even if it’s critical.
But I’m not going to be a pushover who lies down when meritless verbal jabs are sent my way.
I’ll end with this: To any veterans group that is out there, you have a friend in The Columbian-Progress. If we can help in any way publicize your events, please let me know. I am more than glad to help in any way possible. That even goes for you, Mr. Retcho.
Charlie Smith is editor and publisher of The Columbian-Progress. Reach him via email at csmith@columbianprogress.com or by phone at 601.736.2611.
