I find it interesting that the country's forefathers escaped the tyranny of Great Britain, just to form a tyranny of their own once in America. Oppression knows no boundaries it seems. Where there is always a larger power, there is someone holding the short end of the stick. Often said, but probably hardly truly believed, "If you don't learn from history, you're doomed to repeat it."  

And have we repeated it, just in different forms. Our duty as journalists is to the citizens. We are watchdogs. We are bearers of light. We are truth seekers and truth tellers. So why are we so easily condemned when we do our jobs? Because there may just always be someone who's making deals under the table, doing hidden things under the cover of darkness, or in many cases evil, and there will probably always an entity not telling the whole truth. 

And that's our calling. That's our creed. Dean Walter Williams said in the original creed that all journalists should memorize and hold near to their heart, "I believe that suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of society, is indefensible." And I would have to agree. 

I would also agree with Dean Williams in believing that "the supreme test of good journalism is the measure of its public service." Wherever there is darkness, we will shine a light. Wherever there is oppression, we will give the voice back to the voiceless. That has been our calling, and it is a noble creed to follow. 

This was my second Red Carpet Anchoring shift at KOMU 8. Since I was more comfortable with the format, I was able to write my own scripts this time. It taught me that newscasts can be fun and creative. I have been weary of entertainment reporting before, but I think this opportunity offered me a different outlook on life. It was fun!

Self-critique: I thought my energy was good. Some of my words ran together and/or others are not enunciated very well. 

I said "legislator" when I meant "legislature." There is a difference.

Overall: This was my first time anchoring for the Around the State segment, and I think I did well. Always room for improvement!