EDITORIAL – January 3, 2001
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, January 2, 2001
Our mission, as we welcome the new year
Welcome to the 21st Century, and welcome to the first issue of LObservateurs 89th year of serving the River Parishes.
A new year is usually a time for reflection on past accomplishments and disappointments and a time for rededication toward self-improvement and bettering the lives of others.
We hope every one of our readers takes a few moments to look back on what they have individually done to help their fellow human beings and plan on improving that record with the advent of a new year.
Everyone can find things they can do to help one another – donate blood, give food, or simply be a better neighbor, a more sane driver, a better friend. Sometimes, simply sharing a smile will make someones day. Attitude can make all the difference.
Here at this newspaper, we strive for improvement all the time, in all areas. Never one to rest upon our laurels, each issue is a brand-new product with a level of high quality we must maintain.
From our talented and hard-working advertising staff, working to present our advertisers to the public in the best way possible, to our dedicated news staff, bringing the stories of the River Parishes to your doorstep, we constantly aim to do a better job with each and every issue.
In the words of our founder, Wallace Lasseigne, published in his very first issue: “In presenting LObservateur to the public, we present an up-to- date, clean, free and independent newspaper, a newspaper which will not be controlled by any clique or ring, but will defend the interest of the people within its power.”
It was a rough-and-tumble time in community journalism 89 years ago. Lasseigne himself was jailed twice and physically attacked once for the words he wrote, which demonstated the impact and influence of the written word in those days before radio and television.
However, we are mindful that our words carry weight and plan to continue to use our words responsibly and for the improvement of our community. After 89 years, Lasseignes words in his inaugural issue remain our mission, for quality, fairness and independence. Our biggest reward for our efforts is your satisfaction and continued support.
So, as we stride together into the new century, we will do so as neighbors, partners and, we hope, friends.
This is your community newspaper because just as in 1913, our best source of information is you. Tell us what you want to meet your needs for news, features and advertising, and we will do it. Send us your news tips and ideas and we will aim at meeting the need.
As the new century goes on, we plan to continue to be here for you, providing our loyal readers and advertisers our best work. Its what you deserve from your community newspaper.
LObservateur
