I am a freelance journalist in Oak Ridge, TN. I am also a medically retired deputy sheriff and disabled combat veteran. I hold a degree in English and have so far published two books. I tend to the conservative in my political views but I make all efforts to keep them out of my journalism. This is because I have a strong belief that journalists should report the facts, that we have a duty to report the facts and we should allow readers to form their own opinions. I feel that journalism should challenge and shake some beliefs and make you think. As members of the press we are often called the fourth estate. This refers to our position in shaping public policy and holding public entities accountable to the voters who elected them. We are best at this when we adhere to our ethics and keep our opinions to ourselves or on the editorial pages where they belong.