Recently, I sent my former journalism tutor the link to this blog. His response was scathing - "why should anyone care what you think?"
I refrained from calling him a grouchy old fart and conceded that there are millions of us out here in a virtual Hyde Park Corner, pontificating about all sorts of things. But in these troubled times, journalists are finding lots to say and editorial columns are proving to be more than mere outlets for political or social commentary.
Birmingham Mail columnist Maureen Messent took self-expression to new heights when she admitted to administering a fatal dose of morphine to her terminally-ill great-aunt.
Her confession jolted readers, who inundated the newspaper with letters, phone calls and emails. Although most readers supported Ms. Messent's actions, she was arrested last Thursday by police. There is now a possibility that Ms. Messent will face murder charges for the death of her great-aunt 30 years ago.
Ms. Messent apparently knew of the risks involved and wrote her column anyway, in support of euthanasia. She was incredibly brave to do so, since her decision sparked debate and discussion. Isn't that what the best editorial columns and blogs are supposed to do?
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