Friday, October 10, 2008
Commentary: Caller 'Ed'
By Jun Sula
A MILDLY peeved reader, he identified himself as Ed (I won't reveal the last name, for the sake of confidentiality), called up to get pent-up emotions off his chest.
"The governor is Sun Star's favorite," he opened up, after a short courteous introduction.
What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers
"Not really," I replied, "I myself am not his fan."
"I can see why he comes out negative, all the time" he teased.
"Can't help it," I remonstrated. "That's how he projects himself."
"Actually, I think that's how you want him to look like," he asserted, this time with more bravado.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you," I cleared my throat, tension starting to act on my calm nerves. "We have no script or agenda against the governor."
"I don't believe that," he fought back gamely, probably sensing I was provoked enough.
"It's your perception, not exactly the reality," I tried to turn him around.
He was unmoved.
"You see a newspaper is much like a mirror," I began to enlighten him, sensing he was up to ruin my day. "You may not like what you see in the mirror, but it's the truth," I said emphatically.
"Only yours is a one-way mirror," he cut me off with such impudence I wished he was close enough I could bite off his ear, like what Mike Tyson did to Evander Hollyfield.
"If it were," I said, "you wouldn't have a chance running roughshod over our reputation with such fun."
I thought he was having the time of his life at my expense.
"It's unfair for you to make a judgment on Sun Star's treatment of the governor," I lashed back.
"I could say the same thing about your paper," he said.
My, this guy was prepared to pull his man by his bootstrap, I thought.
"If you want to put down in writing how you feel about the way the governor is treated by Sun.Star, you can email us," I urged him. "We will print it in full."
"No thanks," he said. " If have the money, I prefer to put up my own paper."
"Oh."
"Thanks," he said and signed off.
Another day at the office, I guess.
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. (October 10, 2008 issue)
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