The Daily Illini Online
published Friday, September 14, 2001
I write this letter to respectfully disagree with the staffer's comment Wednesday written by DI's campus editor, Angie Leventis.
As a former television reporter, I was reminded Tuesday of the spirit and bravery of the women and men who cover our daily news. While you found it to be a dark day for journalists everywhere I found it to be some journalists' finest hour. As the entire nation watched horrific images of thousands running away from a collapsing tower, it was journalists who stayed behind to tell the stories, to comfort those who had no words to describe what they just went through.
I watched journalists who worked tirelessly to uncover details of the tragic events that unfolded in front of our eyes.
And I watched journalists tell stories of hope of the people waiting in endless lines to donate their time, skills and money to those in need.
I write this not to say there aren't egos and lapses of judgment from time to time, but to classify all journalists as unfeeling and arrogant is wrong. Tuesday's attack on the United States was a tragic event, and we can be sure every American will feel the effects for a long time to come. However, do not blame the journalists, who wait until the live shots are over and the articles written to show their emotions. And trust me, they do.
Jean Suzuki
graduate student