I was recently able to meet and chat with the President and Publisher of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Ed Moss. I was so taken by his dignity, clarity of thought, and basic humility. Even though he had an emergency conference call encroaching on my appointment time, he made me feel unhurried and showed great interest in our conversation. I had followed Ed’s appointment to the top leadership position with the Tribune and his statements following that appointment. I was particularly impressed with a full-page comment he ran basically stating that he and the team were here to stay and that he wanted to hear from the readers. I wondered what some of the ways might be that he would be able to demonstrate that promise. It wasn’t long before I saw how he was fulfilling the promise. He and his team have held open sessions for the public to come and talk with them. He has made sure that he was personally present to talk and listen directly with those members of the public who wanted to express themselves. I appreciated his keeping his promise to his readers and the energy it took to be available to the public.

As our conversation was about to wrap up, I asked for his consideration of two items: 1) to consider an Op ed article I would like to write concerning the federal health care law, as it seems that the law endorses a medical model of health care and that there are many other alternatives that should be available to the public, and 2) to consider an internet site or platform for a greater discussion of spiritual interests for San Diego Union-Tribune readers. In a recent Prayer in Medicine survey, 75%-90% of the respondents provided evidence for positive associations between the strength of spiritual commitment and health.

I hope you have the opportunity to meet the man behind the turn-around of the San Diego Union Tribune, Ed Moss.