May 7, 2008
 
Editorials: Why We Do What We Do
 
Following World War II, many people lamented what a shame it was that no one had ever tried to stop the little band of street thugs that became the government of Germany in ten year's time. True, the public was engrossed in its other problems--a very poor economy, wounded pride from the loss of the last war, and a moral drift that was disconcerting to many. So maybe politics was the last thing on most people's minds.
 
But that can be a dangerous place to put oneself as a member of society. No, politics and matters of governance need not be everyone's favorite hobby. Moreover, it would be a dull world indeed if all the other great enterprises and interests were given up in favor of figuring out the intrigues of those who want dominion over us from the highest levels of government.
 
But every now and then, all of us need to show concern for the government and institutions that are supposed to represent US. Certainly, the outside world believes that they reflect upon us. When something controversial happens to the West Virginia Governor or to West Virginia University, the rest of the country only reads "West Virginia" in the news report. And shakes their heads.
 
We at HNN don't bore you with the daily grist of politics and governance in West Virginia. We know that you have lives to lead, families to raise, places to see, and things to do.
 
But we do cover the most important events, the ones that really matter, and we have excellent contact throughout Huntington and the rest of the Mountain State by which to bring you reports and our best analysis so that you can take constructive action at the ballot box or elsewhere.
 
The truth is: there once was a rather heroic band of journalists who tried very hard to alert the people of Bavaria and Germany to the rising, brain-dead, power-hungry lot that was being grown right there in Munich, right under everybody's noses.
 
The journalists and editors of the Munich Post saw it as their duty to deliver the straight truth to their readers, so that they would not allow themselves to be run over by the brownshirts.
 
When it comes to our coverage of controversial events in our city and state, we intend to draw on the same kind of courage in journalism that the writers at the Munich Post possessed. Many of you have told us that you appreciate our candor, our willingness to state the truth as we see it.
 
For that, we thank you and hope you will support the cause of freedom, liberty, and good common sense in the politics and governance of the Mountain State by making your voice heard, either by sharing your concerns and hopes for West Virginia with your friends and elected leaders or by writing us with your letters to the editor.
 
The people of West Virginia are the only hope for West Virginia. But as a famous man once said, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" So we look forward with optimism, hoping that you do, too. But if we want a state that is a good place to raise our children, we must do our part to keep it that way.