After 50 years in journalism, a reporter reflects on the limits of facts, logic, and reason

Facts matter. There are many pithy quotes on the subject. “Facts are stubborn things,” future President John Adams argued in defense of British soldiers during the 1770 Boston Massacre trials. “Whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” “Everyone is entitled to their…