\We have to tell both sides of the story
A conscientious news organization reflects its community — the whole community.
It puts before its readers stories about topics they wanted to know, information they needed to know and stories they were surprised to discover as they turned the pages or flip through the screen.
The Butler Eagle works to bring that coverage to you.
There are stories most of us find enjoyable. We cheer our sports teams, applaud the work of our clubs and nonprofits, and find inspiration from the profiles of our neighbors who have bested a life challenge or overcome adversity.
The articles that can split us apart are rooted in deep passions, unshakable convictions and sometimes anger.
Military action in Vietnam started in 1950 when the United States sent advisers to help the French fight a war in Indochina. In June 1950, the only mention of Vietnam in the Butler Eagle was a brief on Page 5 about 100,000 Vietnamese refugees, followers of Ho Chi Minh, fleeing to Thailand to avoid the fighting.
Through the administrations of Presidents Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard M. Nixon, the story unfolded. Public opinion changed — from support on defeating communism to shock as the casualties mounted and finally outrage at the government’s deception.
By the end of the U.S.’s involvement in 1973, the Office of the Secretary of Defense tells us 40,934 soldiers were killed in action, thousands more died of their wounds or missing in action, 116 died in captivity. In addition, the $168 billion spent on military operations impacted domestic projects and created a federal deficit.
Seventy-five years later, some readers and their families and neighbors still have strong reactions when we write about Vietnam War and talk to the soldiers who fought there.
Today it is a political divide such as never been seen in several lifetimes. Both sides — Republican and Democrats — demonize each other. And both sides are making news that affects and will affect residents of Butler County.
And we plan to cover it — both sides of this story.
Fans and supporters of President Donald Trump, who received the presidential nod by 60% of our county voters, are angry when we run articles about those who demonstrate against his policies.
Those who are violently against Trump’s actions and policies, among the other 40% of our county residents, are angry when we publish articles about the 47th president’s plans, public appearances and the pronouncements of his high-level appointments.
The editorial page, where opinions are shared, also can easily spark a firestorm.
In letters to the editor, county residents share their thoughts. Letters always have been edited for clarity, length and checked for facts. More often than not, now they are also edited for courtesy and kindness.
Now more regularly is someone threatening by letter or Facebook post to stop reading the Butler Eagle saying that the coverage is too liberal or too conservative. Please don’t.
We all need to hear each other even when it is uncomfortable or maddening.
Where does the Butler Eagle stand? We pledge to bring you both sides of the story — especially when it’s hard or uncomfortable to do so.
Donna Sybert is the managing editor of the Butler Eagle. The Mars High School graduate has worked at the Butler Eagle since 1982.
