The Rules

     "Rule 23" was the title of one of the blogs I wrote about the new revisions to the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.

     The Rules are a reference to a set of rules often quoted by the character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the crusty federal agent played by that heartthrob of my youth, Mark Harmon, on the TV show NCIS. Rule 23 is "never get between a Marine and his coffee." 

     I promised in that earlier blog to explain two other rules and their relevance to journalism.

     Rule 9 is "always carry a knife."

     This could have relevance to journalists for several reasons.

     For one, we find ourselves in sketchy territory -- think New Brunswick after dark. Also, assuming the knife is of the Swiss Army variety, it can come in handy in other ways. 

     After all, we underpaid ink-stained wretches tend to drive our cars (which were not new when we bought them) into the ground and often need quick repairs. I have used the screwdriver feature to replace a door handle.

     And, face it, even in this allegedly enlightened era, men think more highly of women who can use tools.

     Rule 10 is even more relevant. 

     Rule 10 admonishes us not to become personally involved.

     That's a tough one.

     Sometimes we just get sucked in to people's lives and we have to push it aside. And have a drink. 

      It's not always though when you might think it is. The stories of pathos -- illness, injury and death -- may just role off. If that makes reporters sound callous and cynical, well, we develop a hard shell because we have to. 

     But, sometimes what seems like a little thing really hits home. I'm thinking of a fatal fire in New York City some years ago. It was on the TV news. A little boy rs standing to the side of the reporter, just in camera range. He is crying, as are his parents, who know the grandmother has died in the fire. suddenly, the little boy, who is facing the stoop, starts to smile and the cameraman moves his shot toward a fireman coming down the brick steps carrying a big ginger tabby cat. The boy takes the cat and all of a sudden the fireman and the reporter are both getting choked up. It's not that they believe the cat is more important than the grandmother, it's the shift in the atmosphere and the look on the kid's face. 

     That's generally how it happens. It's not the whole story, it's a moment that catches you off guard.

     So, Rule 10. A tough rule to follow.