For the People, By the People

Looking backward, Looking forward...journalists do both. That's why we decided to start the program with a discussion about the impact of the 1967 Detroit riots (or rebellion or urban uprising, as some prefer). It's hard to describe, if you haven't been there, how the violence scarred the city. Just like it's hard for people to understand how the 1968 riots affected Washington, D.C. The affected parts of these cities almost seem like museum exhibits, frozen in time. One of our guests thinks the relationships in Detroit have been stuck in time, too, and hopes that if discussions about the riots accomplish anything, it will help people focus on what needs to be done, instead of what hasn't been.

And...the CNN/YouTube presidential debate. Did you watch? Tell the truth. Ok, if you don't have cable, you get a pass (although it was also broadcast live on the web), but if you're interested in politics, how could you resist? Here's a question, about education, that didn't make the cut last night:

Interesting one. But I did get a little tired of people talking about how "fresh" the questioning was compared to that of journalists (you know I participated in one of the previous forums, right?) because, let's face it, journalists have different jobs, different responsibilities. No one wants to hear our problems...no one wants to hear a journalist say, "what are you going to do about what I care about? My kids' school, etc." You have to take that outside-in perspective. But, having said all that, there is definitely value to both questions posed by a journalist and those by citizens who "just want to know..."

What do you think?

I loved the questions, and can't wait to see the Republican debate. OK, maybe I can wait (that would mean that summer is officially over and it's already going fast). But I do like the format and am eager to see what people come up with next...

Michel Martin

5:15 PM ET | 07-24-2007 | permalink

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5:15 PM ET | 07-24-2007 | permalink