There are real people behind the publication of this newspaper.
The shooting at the Capital Gazette newspaper in Maryland which left five staff members dead is an all too sobering reminder of that fact.
Five people, all of whom were someone’s neighbors, friends, family members and coworkers, were murdered because of the work they do. The response from Chase Cook, a Capital Gazette reporter posting reports to social media from the scene wouldn’t surprise anyone who has spent time working in news.
“I can tell you this: WE are putting out a damn paper tomorrow,” he posted to Twitter.
Journalism isn’t an industry known for great wages. The hours are long and the work itself can be emotionally draining.
It also isn’t uncommon for journalist to be subjected to harassment and intimidation over what they’ve published. Their personal property vandalized, their physical wellbeing threatened or worse.
A T-shirt seen on the 2016 campaign trail had a simple, vicious message printed on the back:
“Rope. Tree. Journalist. Some assembly required.”
We have a president who has referred to journalists as the “enemies of the people” and often dismisses news reports as fake news in an attempt to undermine everything but the most glowing reports about his work.
Others dismiss journalism a product of a lying media, dismissing everything they read if it doesn’t conform to their beliefs.
It’s enough to wonder why some of us continue to show up to the newsroom day in and day out.
For us, our motivation comes from the community. We love Green River and we love Sweetwater County. The thoughts shared on this page come from a desire to see the best in our community, to see it become better than it already is.
Week in and week out, we take pride in working hard to provide our readers an accurate snapshot of the people and events shaping our area. We record the triumphs and tragedies of a small Wyoming town near the Red Desert.
The employees at the Green River Star are not just names and photos seen on the right side of this page, either.
We’re seen enjoying a meal at local restaurants. We’re seen talking with residents at Golden Hour Senior Center or City Hall. We’re seen shooting photographs during Flaming Gorge Days or a Green River High School sporting event. We are a part of this community and strive to produce a newspaper that serves our community well.
There are real people behind the publication of this newspaper. Our love for this community is just as real.
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