No abstentions, plz

[sigma7]

I've noticed more than a few prominent journalists pride themselves on their pledges to not vote -- a stance I can't twist my brain into any shape capable of understanding. Leave Eugene Robinson to be the voice of reason:

Anonymous: Gene, please tell me you voted. Chris Cilizza was asked this morning and he said he doesn't vote because he's a journalist. I think you can be objective in your work and still have personal opinions. Isn't that what a professional is? I am not knocking Chris -- I truly enjoy reading The Fix, and I know he is not the only one who thinks the way he does. What is your opinion on this?

Eugene Robinson: Chris is a great journalist and a good friend. Len Downie, the longtime executive editor of The Post who recently stepped down, is one of my heroes in journalism and also a friend of nearly 30 years. That said, I think that they -- and other journalists who don't vote -- are nuts. Okay, maybe that's a little harsh. But people were beaten and attacked by dogs and murdered in cold blood so that I could have the right to vote. I voted early in this election and try to vote at every opportunity. I'd vote in a local race for dogcatcher. Being a journalist can't mean giving up your fundamental rights as an American. At least, not for me.

Comments

[redmonster.livejournal.com]

I'm really not getting the logic here. If nothing else...it's not like they need to TELL anyone how they voted. It's just you in that voting booth. Nobody needs to know you have opinions about how your country should be governed.

[sigma7.livejournal.com]

I think it's just that some people take themselves -- and their perceived civic role -- too seriously, and that's something I can see Len and Chris doing. If they decide that they don't want to vote, that's one thing. If they try to impress upon journalists that journalists shouldn't vote, they're just stupid.

[vulpisfoxfire.livejournal.com]

I can see the logic involved--they're trying to hold to the fantasy of the 'neutral, un-biased journalist'. Totally *wrong* these days, but I can see the logic.

[aardy.livejournal.com]

Yay, Gene Robinson!

He & Clarence Page have become two of my favorite "voice of reason" journalists.