The power of commitment

January 13, 2003

I have seen many instances of commitment during the last year. Francisco Toro who used to work for the New York Times and wrote in his Caracas Chronicles blog, was told by the NYT that there were significant conflicts of interest. For a few days, Francisco made access restricted to aliviate the conflicts, today he resigned. Here is the letter, he has all my respect.


So how come Caracas Chronicles suddenly isn’t password protected anymore?


Dear Pat,

After much careful consideration, I’ve decided I can’t continue reporting for the New York Times. As I examine the problem, I realize it would take much more than just pulling down my blog to address your conflict of interests concerns. Too much of my lifestyle is bound up with opposition activism at the moment, from participating in several NGOs, to organizing events and attending protest marches. But even if I gave all of that up, I don’t think I could muster the level of emotional detachment from the story that the New York Times demands. For better or for worse, my country’s democracy is in peril now, and I can’t possibly be neutral about that.

I appreciate your understanding throughout this difficult time, and I hope in the future, conditions will allow for me to contribute with the World Business page again.

Sincerely,

Francisco Toro

[Part of me is certain I’ll live to regret having sent that email, but the rest of me is just relieved. -ft]

This entry was posted on January 13, 2003 at 11:31 pm and is filed under Venezuela.

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