If you've got an opinion, we want to hear it
Angela Tuck
The Greenville News
To say the profession of journalism is under fire these days would be a gross understatement. I can't tell you how many side eyes I receive when I forget to remove my press badge while shopping at my local Publix or Target.
Now granted some readers will surely say the press is to blame for its local approval rating among citizens. According to some of you, the news we deliver is often of the one-sided variety. You made your bed, some might say, now lie in it.
So here's your chance to put your money where your mouth is, so to speak. We're seeking a dozen or so civic-minded readers of all ages in Greenville and Anderson to serve on community panels we're establishing this summer These groups will meet with us periodically to talk about local issues and, from time to time, our news coverage. And we may consult this group via email if a thorny issue arises that requires some immediate feedback.
Since I'm new to the Upstate, I'm excited about the opportunity to connect with people who believe as I do that a free and impartial press is essential to democracy. In my role as senior engagement editor, I get to share my opinions on a daily basis. I also have the privilege of selecting and editing guest columns submitted to our newspapers.
Already, I've read some columns that I disagree with completely. But I respect and honor the right of people to express views that are different from mine. In fact, I rather enjoy reading opposing views that challenge my thinking.
If you'd like to be on our reader panels in Greenville or Anderson, send a short note on why you'd like to serve and include a sentence or two of biographical information, to: atuck@greenvillenews.com or mail your note to Angela Tuck, Senior Engagement Editor, The Greenville News, 32 Broad St, Greenville, SC 29601.
Visiting churches in the Upstate: Thanks to everyone who took time to welcome me to the community and to invite me to your churches. I was overjoyed to receive so many warm invitations from people of all denominations to attend their worship services.
Last Sunday, I joined Roy and Nita Hamilton at First Baptist Greenville, a beautiful church with a dynamic youth ministry. Church leaders decided to compress their Vacation Bible School into a 24-hour period, rather than stretching it out over a week, as most churches do. The goal is to give families more time together. I love this idea. It was wonderful to see the young people engaged in service, reading their own interpretation of the Ten Commandments and delivering messages from the Sermon on the Mount.
As expected, I received one or two responses to my column taking me to task for not mentioning the segment of our community that doesn't regularly attend church. What does one do to learn a community if church isn't a regular part of their routine, one reader asked.
The question is a legitimate one. Like most people who move to a new place, I have spent a lot of time driving around different areas, trying to find my bearing. My suggestion is to get involved in volunteer work, or take a class at a local community center or university.
There is no shortage of things to do and places to go in the Upstate.
Roger Harvell ends his run with The Greenville News: You may have noticed that Roger Harvell's editorial cartoons were missing from last week's newspapers. Harvell has decided that it's time to pack up his pen after more than three decades. What's next for him is retirement, he says. Harvell's cartoons have been a fixture in the Upstate. His thoughtful commentary on local people and issues will be missed. We wish him the best.