Bluffton, Indiana
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Reporters often find themselves in a situation where someone, for some reason or another, wants to give them something.
New businesses want to give you trinkets for covering their ribbon cutting; board meetings ply you with candy bars and coffee for sitting through their hours of endless discussions — and staying awake.
It starts simple enough: a free bottle of soda here, or doughnut there and the next thing you know you’re hooked. You’re begging to do a story on the local car dealership in hopes they’ll slip you the keys to a new car.
But not me.
I do not accept gifts of any kind. No snack food, baked goods, trinkets or doo-dads.
No knick-knacks, or whirligigs; I don’t even eat from the buffet table when I go to cover a buffet.
I don’t want to create even the appearance of impropriety, so I avoid everything.
I might not even shake your hand if I’m covering you, that’s how seriously I protect my integrity.
However, on Tuesday I did receive a gift that I chose to accept: a tie.
But not just any tie. It was a tie which commemorated the loss of Flight 93 in 2001. It is emblazoned with an image of the American Flag, and since it was just before Veteran’s Day, I felt it important I add this item to my tie rack. In fact, I was proud to wear it.
But don’t get the wrong idea. This tie didn’t come from any person in the community so it did not break my cardinal rule of accepting no gifts.
It came in a plain manila envelope, addressed simply “To: Jerry, From: The Bluffton Moose.”
Being from the Big City, I had no idea, prior to Tuesday that we had any moose living in Bluffton. I thought they were more of a Canadian animal, or maybe Yellowstone Park.
But Bluffton apparently does have its own Moose. And, in fact, he (or she) is literate and has great taste in ties.
And fantastic taste in reporters.
Since I am an animal lover I figured it was ok to accept a gift from the Bluffton Moose though I have no idea how to thank him.
I also don’t understand just how this particular animal came by the tie in the first place.
Did he shop for it at Masterson’s? Use his credit card or pay cash?
Do local merchants accept checks from moose?
And where is this strange and mysterious moose working to earn the money he used to buy the tie?
Judging from the quality of his handwriting, taste in formal wear and belief that I am worthy of receiving such a wonderful gift, I can only imagine the best of this particular Bluffton Moose.
So, if you see a moose wandering through downtown, don’t shoot!
He’s one of my favorite readers. And clearly a fan.
Thanks Bluffton Moose. But, no more gifts, ok? People might talk.
by JERRY BATTISTE
jerryb@news-banner.com
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