Richard Hofstadter Quotes
It is hardly an exaggeration to say that the progressive mind was characteristically a journalistic mind and that its characteristic contribution was that of the socially responsible reporter-reformer.
Richard Hofstadter, 1916-1970, Historian, Quoted in Doris Kearns Goodwin, The Bully Pulpit, 2013
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
He was comparing journalism to playwriting.
He felt this was so important that it was worth being labeled “un-American” at various times.
For a similar sentiment, see Eric Cantona {276121}
The issue under discussion was the fact that the United States Military does not, unlike all civilian courts, maintain a docket of court martials. An interested citizen or a reporter, who usually has a right to attend and observe the proceeding has no way of finding out where and when the proceeding will take place unless the military chooses to inform people or make it public. Courts Martial are legally open to observers except for special circumstances—like civilian criminal trials. However, the military wants as little coverage as possible.
Many scholars believe that complete objectivity is impossible psychologically. Hence, neutrality is a better standard and goal some argue.
Richard Hofstadter was an American historian and public intellectual of the mid-20th century.
