Here to provide perspective on reality, not to make you feel good

Gary Lamphier, the business columnist for the Edmonton Journal, has a response to readers who only want him to write positive columns.

Lamphier writes, “Matter of fact, several other readers have given me similar advice of late. They’d like me to adopt ‘a more positive spin’ in my pieces. You know, be a little more ‘constructive,’ and sprinkle some sugar on top of the yucky stuff.

“One reader was a bit more direct. He suggests my skepticism toward the recent stock market rally evokes ‘the scent of manure,’ if not an actual steaming turd. My goodness. I’m touched. Such high praise.

“Well, here’s the thing. When I became The Journal’s business columnist seven years and more than 900 columns ago, I didn’t take the job to seek readers’ praise, or to put a smiley face on the week’s economic news.

“There are plenty of folks on Bay Street, on Wall Street and on the TV talk shows who already do that for a living. If you want inspiration, check out Oprah. If you want glib happy talk, go to CNN.”

Read more here.