LETTERS

Re “On the Media: A $75,000 conflict of Interest,” Column, May 13

Why did your columnist “dis” Thomas Friedman’s $75,000 fee for an appearance before a meeting of 500 local government officials that was sponsored by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District? Was it jealousy?

The columnist complained that the district could have used the money instead for trees or bike paths. And both are worthwhile. But he missed the point; the district was seeking support from local officials for efforts to improve the environment.

The district brought in a celebrity, Friedman, and he brought in a big, attentive audience for an important message.

Bill Stanton

Garden Grove

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Thank you, James Rainey, for the fine reporting on the important subject of journalistic integrity. As you no doubt know better than anyone, the field of journalism is in grave danger. Some of those threats come from matters external to the field, but some threats come from the practitioners themselves, particularly those who accept $75,000 speaking fees from organizations that represent possible conflicts of interest.

As long as we have honest reporters, however, journalism -- and with it, this crazy thing called democracy -- still has half a flying chance.

Anthony Lux

Cambridge, Mass.