Praise and Censure for the Press

     The final issue of this millennium of the World Press Review is devoted to articles dealing with the next millennium. Again we are impressed by the thoughtful, informative, good writing in newspapers all around the globe. More power to the press! And thanks to the World Press Review!
     One of the reasons why the press is criticized is use of so-called "gotya!", questions such as "Who is the president of Pakistan? " to make political leaders look silly or ignorant. Likewise much fun was made of the fact that President Bush asked a clerk at a checkout counter how the product code works.
     It was in fact a very sensible question. The Smithsonian is staging an exhibit to mark the 25th anniversary of the universal product code, which has changed the world. Smart-aleck reporters should visit it.

Ronald Hilton - 11/23/99