Text of email sent to ODE board 3/4/09
Good morning,
When it comes to unwise and futile gestures, I take a back seat to no one. So I can’t in any way criticize the staff of the Daily Emerald for taking a stand on behalf of principles in which they believe even though I think they are being shortsighted.
I love the University of Oregon and I love the Daily Emerald. I have done my best throughout my career to show support for both institutions. Finding myself in conflict with the paper’s student editors is personally painful.
So, it is clearly in the best interests of all involved that I withdraw my offer to work with the paper in the coming year.
Perhaps with the field clear, the board and the staff can focus on the one issue that matters, the paper’s survivability.
I am going to ask the Emerald to reimburse me for non-refundable expenses incurred in advance of my trip to Eugene next week, something less than $300.
Thanks for your consideration and support during this difficult time. Please know that I wish you and the staff all the best.
steve
For more conversation and comments on the situation see Steve’s blog.
stillanewspaperman.com