I have two points about the article. George, you’re right about the advocacy journalism. I wouldn’t say the article edges the border of advocacy but embraces the concept of a dental school at ECU with open arms. This is poor journalism, but is sadly par for the course for what many in today’s schools of journalism consider good journalistic practices.
You’re right about the argument of people will go where the jobs are regardless of education. The statements people in support of the ECU dental school are using are similar to what is made to graduates of many rural colleges and universities. Regardless of where you attend school, you are going to go where your talents and abilities are most competitive in the market. It seems as though many in state government and the UNC system forget this concept that many advocate in their own lives when they look for new positions.
The only thing I’ll add is if the people of eastern North Carolina believe there is a true need for more dentists then where is the private investment for such an endeavor. Private investors thought there was a need for more lawyers and build a school in Charlotte. Why can’t those same principles be used in Greenville? They can, but people are more willing to risk taxpayer money than their own cash.
