Viking - one point, then may I elaborate a bit...
Journalists - true journalists - report fact. That is our job. There is no hidden agenda. Simply to report the who, what, where, when and why as accurately as possible. What is on TV is not journalism. That's political punditry on a set dressed to look like news.
I'm somewhat offended by your remark. I take extreme care to make sure my subject understands that he is speaking on the record, and if we go off the record or on deep background, that is just that: OFF THE RECORD. Look at the Valerie Plame case to see the degree to which we defend our right to accurately report the news double- and triple-sourcing anything unattributed, or attributed to an anonymous source "close to the [fill in the blank]"
Sure, journalism is not a perfect science. People do make mistakes, and retractions are issued. Reporters who often get caught up in the story or enter into an assignment with a pre-concieved angle are not practicing the science of journalism. They are simply acting as pundits for their own bias.
That said, your first bit does make a good deal of sense. However it's important to remember that, in the position of the person who says "wear sunscreen," we must refrain from becoming upset when our advisee returns home looking like a lobster. No amount of foot stomping will make somebody do something. Only those who've learned to control the minds of others can do that; otherwise our choices are our own, and the consequences are our own to bear. Blaming others simply leads to self-delusion. Take care of yourself, and be an example for others. As for mind control, I've yet to read anything in the journals about that working out too well.
Otherwise, I agree with most of what you're saying. Yes-men are only good for those who wish to reinforce their own delusions, and shouting simply wounds.
I would add something: Refrain from passing judgement on others, lest ye be judged. You are far more likely to be the person called in a crisis - and be the person to genuinely help - if you're able to accept the basic human faults in our bretheren; harping on past mistakes never helps. Suggesting a solution to minimize consequences of a mistake almost always helps. Especially if these suggestions are framed from one's own experience, and not simply dolled out as a "do this, do that." At least that's how I've found things to work in my experience.
Be true to thine self, and honesty and trust will come naturally.
It's only a problem if you have a solution.
Work on yourself, and the rest will follow.
(Three sides to the story is fantastic; we are prisoners to our own flawed perceptions and our inbred inability to easily judge conflict from the eyes of our advisory. Never go into battle without accurately assessing the motives of your enemy from the perspective of your enemy. We naturally bury our own mistakes and anxieties, leading to weaknesses others may exploit. But it is we who bury our anxieties, and it is only through total, honest self-introspection that we may gain enlightenment. With that, comes the realization that fighting is, by and large, a total waste of time and energy.)
To quote Blake: I was angry with my friend; I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe; I told it not, my wrath did grow.
Here here on the penultimate concept:
Do unto others as we would like done unto ourselves.
Be a good neighbor. Because sometimes the girl next door is a total hottie.
