Sunday, September 28, 2008

Rotary Club reneges on promise

On September 25, the Intelligencer Journal published "Corbett talks issues at Rotary Club meeting."

Despite past assurances from Rotary Club officials that NewsLanc would be included in invitations to the Lancaster Newspapers to cover events and despite NewsLanc's written request, Rotary did not invite NewsLanc to cover last week's address by Attorney General Tom Corbett.

Considering that from 4,000 to 5,000 Lancastrians read NewsLanc each week, Rotary's action (which is in defiance of national Rotary Club policy) suggests that it has come under the sway of those who resent a popular and candid alternate press. To their credit, the local newspapers have criticized Rotary for restricting coverage.

It is a sorry sight indeed when a civic organization that is normally considered a pillar of civility and fair play is reduced to such undemocratic, small minded actions.