Quite frankly, I was angry. Lauren Gibbons, MLive reporter and president of the Society of Professional Journalists Mid-Michigan Chapter, tweeted the follow
jhinkley@thealpenanews.com
“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles.” Proverbs 24:17
“I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” Abraham Lincoln
In my 15 years of newspapering, I’ve interviewed probably hundreds of politicians and political activists.
I’ve learned this: Most people there are exceptions, of course find their spot on the political spectrum because they believe the policies they endorse will improve their lives and the lives of those they love. At least until someone reaches a position of enough influence that lobbyists and political action committees start really spending corrupting money on them, most politicos adopt progressive or conservative positions because they believe progressives or conservatives will make the world a better place.
jhinkley@thealpenanews.com
I put that headline in quotes because it’s a phrase from “Sympathy for the Devil,” by The Rolling Stones, my second-favorite band of all time, and because the point of this column is to tell you, dear readers, a little more about me as I take the helm of The News from Bill Speer.
I’ve met many of you since I and my wife, News Lifestyles editor Darby Hinkley, moved here in July 2018 with our son, Mason.
But, as managing editor, my work hours kept me holed up in the newsroom long into the night, which meant most of my mornings were spent in bed, and I had fewer chances than I’d have liked to get out into the community.
I’ve covered I don’t know how many protests over the years. Luckily, all of them have been peaceful. The wildest scene I’ve witnessed was probably a ne