At the risk of repetition let me say again that my plea is…
“At the risk of repetition let me say again that my plea is not for immunity to, but for the most unsparing exposure of, the politician who betrays his trust, of the big business man who makes or spends his fortune in illegitimate or corrupt ways. There should be a resolute effort to hunt every such man out of the position he has disgraced. Expose the crime, and hunt down the criminal; but remember that even in the case of crime, if it is attacked in sensational, lurid, and untruthful fashion, the attack may do more damage to the public mind than the crime itself.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Exposing corruption must be truthful; sensationalism can harm public perception more than the crime itself.
In simple terms: Expose truthfully; avoid sensationalism.
Key Takeaway
Seek honest accountability.
Themes
integrity
politics
media responsibility
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- journalism
- political reform
- legal action
- public education
Key Concepts
truth
corruption
public trust
Questions to Reflect On
- How can media balance exposure with accuracy?
- What safeguards prevent sensationalism in investigations?
A Different Perspective
Sensational coverage may distract from systemic issues.