Journalist was within her rights

This week in class we discussed whether journalist Elise Ackerman of Oakland had the right to write a letter to the mayor of her city and send it not only to the mayor, but also to the editors of the newspaper she works for and other local newspapers.

I think that Ackerman had every right to send that letter. As a concerned citizen of her community, she should be able to express her beliefs regarding the mayors handling for crime in Oakland. She does not lose that right simply because she is a journalist.

I think it could be argued that she has a responsibility to speak up if she feels something is wrong. She gave sound evidence in her letter of issues that need to be addressed. She gave examples of times when the police have not been able to act accordingly to crimes.

Ackerman was not the only resident of Oakland to create an anti-Dellums website. According to an article in the Alameda Times-Star, at least two other similar domain names had been purchased with the same intent.

I understand that Ackerman needs to check her feelings at the door when she goes to work. It is important for her to remain objective. However, Ackerman covers technology for the Mercury News. Such a beat relates little to Ackerman's feelings as a concerned resident of Oakland.

It might not have been in Ackerman's best interests as a writer to create such a firestorm, but she still has that right, and she will have to take responsibility for her actions.

I don't think it would be any different than if say a local store owner published a similar letter. He has every right to do so, and people who disagree with him have every right to stop shopping at his store.

People who disagree with Ackerman have every right to stop reading her articles. If the Mercury News' ratings begin to fall as a result of her speaking out against the mayor, they might have reason to take action against Ackerman. Until then, she has every right to speak her mind, especially about an issue as important as this.