Category: News

Talking about journalism and new media

Next Wednesday, Sept. 16, I’ll be moderating an all-star panel on journalism, blogging and social media. Titled “Are Blogs and Twitter Improving the Dissemination of Information and News?,” the panel will feature:

With that many bright minds in the room, I may have to wear shades.

The program will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Vilna Shul, located on Beacon Hill at 18 Phillips St. Please join us.

All-important food-related update: Doug Levin, who’s organizing the event, asks that you send an e-mail to doug {at} vilnashul {dot} com if you’re planning on coming so that he can order enough food. If you’re not looking to eat, you could show up at about 6:45, when the program will begin.

The life of Sgt. Jared Monti

Media Nation recently participated in a fundraising drive for a scholarship named after U.S. Army Sgt. Jared Monti of Raynham, who was awarded the Medal of Honor after giving his life to save a fellow soldier in Afghanistan.

On Sunday, the Boston Globe published a terrific front-page article on Monti’s life by Bryan Bender. What makes it especially powerful is that Bender presents Monti as a real human being rather than as an improbable saint. Bender writes:

Everything went wrong for Monti and his patrol. The unit was left on that narrow ridge longer than intended, exposing it to a much larger enemy. And while Monti’s display of “extreme personal courage and extraordinary self-sacrifice,” as the Army described it, helped turn the tide, disaster struck again when the soldier Monti tried to save was killed in a freak accident while being airlifted out. Including Monti, four soldiers died.

“True valor is not defined so much by results,” an Army general wrote in recommending Monti for the medal, “as it is by the depth of conviction that inspires its expression. On rare occasions, the actions of men are so extraordinary that the nobility rests, not in their outcome, but in the courage of their undertaking.”

Bender’s piece is both inspiring and heartbreaking, and I urge you to take the time to read it. And yes, you can still give to the SFC Jared C. Monti Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Reminder: Bloggers unite for Monti Scholars

The radio talk show “Pundit Review,” on WRKO (AM 680), will devote the 8 p.m. hour tonight to raise money for a scholarship fund in honor of SFC Jared C. Monti, killed while trying to save his comrades in Afghanistan. You can donate now by clicking here, or on the small graphic in the upper-right-hand corner of this blog. Here’s my earlier item explaining what it’s all about.

Monday update: Kevin Whalen, the host of “Pundit Review,” reports that the effort raised nearly $3,000. You can still give.

Bloggers unite for Monti Scholars

Monti_bigThe conservative blog Pundit Review and the liberal blog Blue Mass Group are sponsoring a fundraiser for the SFC Jared C. Monti Memorial Scholarship Fund. They’re asking other bloggers to add a link. It’s a worthwhile cause, and I’m happy to do so.

The small box in the upper-right corner of the page will remain live through Sunday. You can make a donation by clicking on it or on the large graphic accompanying this item. (Or here.) There’s an on-air component as well, with Kevin Whalen of the “Pundit Review” radio program raising money this Sunday on WRKO (AM 680) from 8 to 9 p.m.

Pundit Review seems to be down at the moment, but BMG explains it all. SFC Monti, of Raynham, was killed on June 21, 2006, in Afghanistan while trying to save the life of a comrade, showing “immeasurable courage and uncommon valor.” President Obama will present the Medal of Honor to his parents next month.

You might also want to peruse this series of clips on SFC Monti’s life and heroism.

Update: Pundit Review is back up. Here is its take on the fundraiser.