What a weekend!

It all started Friday. I was the moderator at an event sponsored by the SPJ. This is an excerpt from their press release sent out on Friday.

Panel debates need for federal shield law that would protect journalists, sources
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Since 1984, 17 U.S. journalists have been incarcerated for failing to hand over information to the courts. One of them was Jim Taricani, a reporter at WJAR who was held in contempt for refusing to name a confidential source.
On Friday, Taricani, along with Randall Eliason, a professor from American University; Eve Burton, general counsel for Hearst Corp; and Bruce Sanford, an attorney for Baker Hostetler; debated the need for a federal law. The session, which was moderated by Mike Walter of WUSA, took place during the 2007 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference.
“When you are an investigative reporter…you’re going to come across a story that needs confidential sources,” Taricani said. “And when you are facing jail time, it’s so daunting.
“Journalists in American shouldn't’ face jail time for simply doing their jobs. They simply shouldn’t,” he said.



During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Thursday, the proposed shield law legislation was passed by a 14-3 vote. The measure now moves to the Senate floor, where it is expected to face more challenges. A similar measure also awaits floor action in the House.
In the past year, The Society of Professional Journalists, the nation’s most broad-based journalism-advocacy organization, has raised more than $30,000 to support a campaign for the passage of a federal shield law. To learn more about the proposed legislation, and SPJ’s involvement, visit SPJ's Web site .

I had the chance to meet Jim and the reporters who covered the Balco case. Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams work at the San Francisco Chronicle. They have also been threatened with jail time for their work on that story. I got to share the stage with the attorney that has gone to bat for them. Eve Burton is fiery, energized and right on target in her efforts to get the law passed. She's pictured her with Lance on the far left, and Mark on the far right with the phone. I salute all of them for what they've had to endure and hope the shield law is passed!

Friday night I was the emcee and celebrity auctioneer at the Metro Dc Girls Incorporated Gala at the Four Seasons. It was a great time. I was pleased to help them raise some cash with a lively fun crowd in attendance.

Sunday I was out in Olney Maryland at the urging of Janet Terry. She has worked tirelessly in recent weeks to launch a farmer's market. The people there loved it, and they showed up in big numbers. After our time there we jumped in the car and headed to FedEx Field. The Skins looked incredible! The only downside spending all that time outside in the heat. Can you believe I'm complaining about the heat? Remind me of this blasphemy when the cold weather starts to roll in.