I have delivered The Observer for more than a decade. The Observer is going on 50 years old. Students have worked hard to put out one of the finest daily newspapers. Many people, not all in the Notre Dame community, have told me this. I am an independent contractor, I don't work for Notre Dame or The Observer, but have worked with the students long enough to know the cartoon is not what The Observer is about.
The Observer is about putting out a paper that all of its loyal staff can be proud of. The students work from 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. five nights a week and continue with their class work with a smile.
The Observer consists of 10,000 copies per day and on football Fridays, 15,000. They keep all students posted on all sports and news on and off campus day in and day out. The students have the finest work ethics I have ever seen. I am truly proud to be of service to such a fine group of students. The have implemented many new tools to better your newspaper.
Last month, a Business Today was to be inserted in the paper. The Observer staff found some things that were not representative of The Observer's policy so it was not run. This is one of many. Every insert is sent to the printer, and then I bring them back so they can be edited before they are inserted.
I have made mistakes in my life and I only hope none of them have hurt anyone. I am quite sure none of The Observer staff meant to hurt anyone. Having gone to class all day and then having to edit 20-plus pages of newspaper at night, anyone could easily miss something. Give these students credit for the wonderful job they do.
My prayers go out to the staff of The Observer for all the hate calls and e-mails they have been receiving. It would be much nicer to compliment them for all their hard work and dedication.
I want to thank and compliment you for the very fine job you do.
Jack Radican
Mishawaka, Ind.
Jan. 19
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
