The newspapers have been agog lately over the death of journalist Peter Newman. Curious it is that all comments, reminiscences and obituaries were by writers with journalistic background. And not one word from historians who on occasion took issue with Newman's treatment of historical events.
Were none asked to comment on Newman's passing? One such University of Toronto history professor, the late Michael Bliss, author of two dozen books on Canadian personalities and events, expressed opinions on Newman's approach to history, opinions contrary to the journalist's liking.
Newman's reaction was the lowest form of argumentation: the personal ad hominem reply, a hoary and unimaginative pun on the historian's name.
Could it be that Prof. Bliss did not care to see "facts dance" as Newman told his helpers to produce but preferred the academic approach to history?
There is still time for the common media to elicit professional comment on possibly contrary interpretation of events in our history. Balanced reportage is the motto, is it not?
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