IT'S ABOUT 'SPIN'

I don't see how the questioning George W. Bush is presently enduring
regarding his past drug use is any different than the question I get each
year from my high school students: "Mr. Hopper, did you ever do drugs?"

I respond with a smile: "You have asked the hardest question for a teacher
to answer." After they chuckle as if they have cornered me, I say: "If I say
yes, you will all say 'Oooooo!' If I say no, you will say 'liar!' "

And you know what? They instantly get it. They realize just how absurd that
question is, because I cannot win, no matter what answer I give. That's the
nature of the clean-out-the-closet "journalism" that pervades America these
days. It's not about the truth - it's about the spin.

Once I've arrested this spinning, I say to my students, "Now, if you're
willing to believe me - no, I have never done drugs." And those who are
willing to believe me do. Those who don't just sit quietly.

Jeff Hopper, Journalism teacher Madera High School

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