I wonder what Edward R. Murrow would have thought about this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner—or about the state of journalism today?

I suspect that he would be unsettled and confused. How can we distinguish journalism from propaganda if there are no standards of objectivity, civility or respect for the truth? How can we serve the cause of freedom if there are no self-imposed restraints and anything goes?

I’ve served as a columnist for Catholic newspapers for 30 years. I only rarely venture into politics and I work hard to be objective in my writing. That doesn’t mean I have no point of view. In fact, I stand with the Church on all issues even when I have questions or doubts. To suggest (in any way) that I know better than the pope or 2000 years of Catholic teaching would be arrogant—and foolish—in the extreme. I admit to being confused sometimes, but I think and pray about it, talk to people I respect, and if necessary hold my tongue. I’m far from being perfect, but I do not engage in slander, gossip or character assasination regardless of what I think about other people. 

This is such a simple standard—no slander, gossip or character assassination—that I wonder what today’s journalists are thinking. Do they really believe they serve their readers or our nation by communicating half truths, questionable information or outright lies? Do they honestly think we’re all better off when the lines that were once drawn between reporting, opinion and sensationalism are completely blurred?

I try not to fall into the trap of negative thinking, but it’s hard to be objective  (let alone positive) when confronted with a constant barrage of propaganda from the left, the right and everywhere in between. 

I pray for the day when there is a genuine reform of journalism and politics. Until then, I guess I’ll  have to settle for being unsettled and confused.