In a recent exchange with County Attorney Glen Eisen, a serious accusation was levied against Big Bend Times and my integrity as its publisher. Eisen claimed that we print lies, a charge I take very seriously. I responded unequivocally, stating that I do not publish anything I know to be false or even deliberately out of context, and I always make every effort to correct errors or add necessary context when I err. To underscore my commitment to journalistic integrity, I even invited him to “sue me for libel” if he believed he had grounds, to litigate the veracity of every word I have ever published about him.
His response was telling: “That would not be practical.” This admission suggests that despite his harsh rhetoric, Eisen recognizes the impracticality of such a lawsuit, likely due to the lack of substantial evidence that would support his claims of falsehood. This interaction highlights a crucial issue: when challenged to prove the alleged inaccuracies, the response indicates that there are no solid grounds for such claims.
Moreover, I reiterated my longstanding practice of seeking comments from the individuals and offices we report on, including Eisen’s. His rationale for not responding was that “we know that it will be twisted,” a statement that not only evades responsibility but also unjustly discredits our journalistic process. I once again extended an offer to make any corrections of errors or to publish any statements he wishes to make, affirming our commitment to balanced reporting and transparency.
This situation reflects a broader challenge faced by journalists everywhere: the struggle to maintain public trust in an environment where officials may use accusations of bias or fabrication as a shield against scrutiny. At Big Bend Times, we understand that our role as a watchdog is not to serve the interests of the powerful but to serve the public by reporting the truth. Our “megaphone” will continue to amplify facts, demand accountability, and foster an informed community, regardless of the obstacles we face.
As we move forward, I remain dedicated to upholding the highest standards of journalism. Our doors—and our pages—are always open to corrections or responses from those we write about, including Glen Eisen. It is not only part of our ethical obligation but a cornerstone of our commitment to fairness and accuracy in the pursuit of truth.
Photo: Jeff Davis County’s refusal to release documents, despite spending over $14,000 in legal fees, ties into ongoing challenges highlighted by Big Bend Times’ publisher, David Flash. Flash’s integrity in reporting was questioned by County Attorney Glen Eisen, who claimed the publication prints lies, yet admitted that litigating such claims wouldn’t be practical. This context raises further doubts about the motivations behind the county’s secrecy and legal expenditures.
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