Dear Editor:
Joseph Pulitzer, like Alfred Nobel, remembered mostly for the prize he founded, started the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and led an extraordinary life.
Serving a term in the Missouri General Assembly he lived directly across from the Capitol next to where Arris stands today.
Pulitzer did much to promote truth, objectivity and civility in public discourse. Pulitzer led a noble societal advancement from the sensationalist propaganda that ruled the polarized post-civil war era.
Our community seems to be following a troubling national trend toward hyper-polarized politics, which is usually accompanied by an increase in irrational incivility. There is evidence, even locally, of a society retreating back into the tribalism that reason had previously helped us progress away from.
Take for example the recent op-ed "Board member's actions perceived as bullying" on Jan. 2. First, it was a personal, ad hominem attack on a dedicated servant of our community, Doug Whitehead.
The attack was by someone who doesn't know Doug, and who got almost all of the facts wrong. It included incorrect third hand quotes, which made it little more than gossip. Those of us who know Doug are proud to call him a colleague and friend. He is positive, professional and dedicated. It is why he was elected as the president of the Missouri School Board Association. If anyone wants to know Doug, call him. He is one of the most accessible people you'll ever encounter.
I also wanted to share a personal experience. I have two teenagers who have come through the Jefferson City school system, and they have had a wonderful educational experience. The teachers, coaches, administration and school board have been superb.
Doug Whitehead has served on the school board during the entire time our kids have been in school. He is dedicated to the kids of this community and has no other agenda than to serve them. Doug's wife and sister are two of the awesome teachers at JCPS. As far as both Doug and I are concerned, teachers are some of the most important people in the world, and our little town has some great ones.
Pulitzer left his fortune to create the first school of journalism and to the Pulitzer Prize to promote excellence and truth in journalism. If I had a fortune to dedicate to excellence in teaching and community service, I wouldn't have far to search for award candidates.
Movie title
Grade: grade here
Cast: cast here
Director: director here
Rating: rating here
Running time: minutes
Showtimes and Ticket Info