The Newsroom

Even as a small-time blogger I face the same dilemma. I have censored entries in the past when they would harm innocent third parties, but otherwise take the First Amendment approach.

I came across the story on the Highland situation by accident. It would have never made it to my blog. The only reason it did is because it just happens that one evening when I was out on a rape crisis call from Highland I had to spend a lot of time waiting in the emergency room for the victim. I struck up a conversation with some deputies from the Highland station and the accusations made in the comments regarding golfing, promotions, etc., were exactly what they had said to me that evening. Of course, I used to work for the SO, so it really came as no surprise.

That article resulted in one of my old-time bloggers regaining interest in my blog. He has now written a very inflammatory entry about a deputy sheriff who is on our city council. I have been debating all day about leaving it or deleting it. The hits on that entry from county computers are off the charts and I suspect many of them have come from the Sheriff's Department. Part of my ethical dilemma is the fact that I know this blogger knows what he is talking about as he worked for the SO for decades. I have little reason to disbelieve him. Yet, because it is so inflammatory, it's hard for me to leave the comment up. We'll see what happens as the day progresses!

First let Me Say I always use My real name that being said I`m also self employed and have all the work I need. And all My comments could never effect
Me Personally. In a letter to the editor I was once threatened by a San Bernardino County Sheriff`s Captain. So I know there are some Bad Cops. Wes Hughes Makes a good point! But People should realize they should take blogs with a grain of salt. This exact story could be Countered by the people being accused. This Bloging is a Very Very Important First Amendment tool and should only be Policed for Raceism and Profanity. This is what Blogs are all about Its the We Tip of News. DON`T Change it. The Sun is a Great Paper. I live in the
High Desert and now that I`m on Board with the the Sun I NEVER Read Our Large News Paper up Here. I don`t have time for Yellow Jernalism. By the way I enjoy Wes Hughes Planet Wes Very Much and this is another exilent article by Him.

Steve,

I believe Wes wrote an excellent column. Frankly, he addressed issues that I believe you have been remiss in addressing. For example, the recent comments posted by members of the City of San Bernardino's police employees in no way reflected "news." They were very mean-spirited personal attacks on each other and I still cannot believe you saw any merit to letting these comments be publicly viewed. I think the idea of a "blog" has value, but you have a responsibility to create some structure and guidelines.
Sometimes it is a difficult line between the freedom to express one's opinions vs. censorship, but if you choose to have this vehicle, than you are saddled with that difficult duty and need to figure out some kind of middle ground. You started it, you need to manage it responsibly.