Feel Good Story or Election Reportage?

The 87 year old world war II veteran lost his home, lost everything when his house burned to the ground. All he had left were the pajamas he was wearing and his WWII medals.

He made the prime time news.

The veteran looked a little dazed by all the media attention, but was handling it admirably. An unpretentious man, well spoken, he said he was humbled by everyone's kindness and generosity. His daughter had arrived almost immediately with new clothes, to take care of him. In front of a cluster of media The NSW premier handed him, the very next day, keys to a new home. Big name stores gave him gifts of furniture and food. He was thankful to the "Fireys" who rescued his medals.

The man looked good for his 87 years. His left ear was a little deformed, probably the result of battle scars. This was a man who had fought for Australia, and we respect war veterans in this country.

"Jack Chant put his nation first and on behalf of the people of NSW to make a small gesture in return is the least we can do," NSW Premier Kristina Keneally said in a statement.

And then the ABC news journalist shoved a microphone in the man's face and asked if he thought that everyone's motives were pure.

"You don't think it's anything to do with the election that there are so many politicians here?"

The look on the man's face, his clipped and brisk "No, no." said it all.

You had to go and ruin it for me didn't you, he was thinking. Bloody journalist.
I've just lost everything in a fire, and now I'm having a special day, I'm a hero, everyone's rallying around to help and make me feel better.
And you have to go and ruin it. I'm not special at all. I don't deserve a new house from the Premier of NSW. They're only doing it because they want to win an election. People aren't naturally kind and generous are they.
Bloody journalists. I'm not going to say anything more to you, I'm going to go over there now and shake the firey's hands and thank them again. And gawd, no, I'm not going to tell you which way i'm going to vote. Geeze. Fair suck of the sauce bottle.

Journalists gotta do what they gotta do. They have to shine the light on our pollies and their questionable motives.

But wouldn't it be good if they could teach a little compassion, tact and diplomacy at journalism school?