In search of truths we can all uphold

On every front page of the Cape Gazette, our readers will find the words,"The price of liberty is eternal vigilance," a quote often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although Jefferson scholars have found no evidence that he ever said it. The origin of the phrase is hard to pin down, yet its meaning for journalists and for their newspapers is clear: If we cherish the liberty our nation stands for, we must forever keep watch, especially on those who hold the reins of power.

These words have guided our paper since its inception, and they guide our reporting on everything we cover. While it is rare that we tackle national events, when we do, our primary purpose is the same as when we attend state and county meetings and municipal meetings in Milton, Lewes, Rehoboth and Dewey: we strive to keep a watchful eye on what our leaders and elected officials are saying, doing and voting for. Our reporters are asked to set aside their personal opinions and judgements, and to provide as accurate and fair an account of meetings and events as they possibly can.

It's always a challenging task, and every observer brings personal experience, which basically means bias, to every new event.

Today, producing fair, honest stories has become even more challenging when news and what has become known as fake news – which is not news at all in the usual sense of the term – travel instantly through the same social media channels.

But even in challenging times, we stand by our promise to our readers to produce the clearest, most accurate accounts of the events, meetings and reports that we can. In addition, our editorial pages are open to as many community voices as we can possibly print. We believe it is in giving voice to clashing ideas and allowing a wide range of readers to have their say that truths most of us can agree on will eventually emerge.

Our nation and our communities, and even our newsroom, are as divided as they have ever been. Our challenge as a newspaper and as citizens is to pay the price of our liberty by standing vigilant and seeking truths we can together uphold.