Features

Compiled for Councilmember Dona Spring by Leuren Moret. 

“What a wonderful shot of energy the Daily Planet is. Tabloid and spunky, up-to-the minute, with a welcome intelligence and rooted ness running through it.”  

Malcolm Margolin,  

Heyday Books 

“In this critical election year, Americans must raise the expectations they have of their chosen candidate. This means demanding more and not settling for less. Republicans should take responsibility for President Bush having misled the country. Democrats should remember Kerry’s promises. And Independents should bring true opposition politics to American. The Daily Planet can help.”  

Dr. Laura Nader,  

former president of the American Anthropological Association 

“Without independent media, we wouldn’t know that we've been lied into war again. We still need urgently the Pentagon Papers of Iraq.”  

Daniel Ellsberg,  

The Pentagon Papers 

“I think it’s a greatly needed asset to the community. I wish it every success in shedding light on what goes on here.”  

Shirley Dean,  

Former Berkeley mayor 

“The Planet is the one place Berkeleyans can go to find out what’s happening in town and what our astute friends and neighbors are thinking about issues affecting our city. First stop: the op-ed page and the letters to the editor. A civic forum in print! We send it off to our kids and other displaced homesick natives.” 

Linda Schacht,  

UC Graduate School of Journalism,  

and John Gage,  

Chief researcher, Sun Microsystems  

“The Daily Planet is a vital witness in our community to the privilege and responsibility of freedom of expression. Congratulations on a successful inaugural year.”  

Maestro Kent Nagano,  

Berkeley Symphony Orchestra 

“H.L. Menken famously said: “ The average newspaper, especially of the better sort, has the intelligence of a hillbilly evangelist, the courage of a rat, the fairness of a prohibitionist boob-jumper, the information of a high-school janitor, the taste of a designer of celluloid valentines, and the honor of a police-station lawyer.” Say what you want about the Daily Planet, but it is certainly not an average newspaper. Congratulations on your first year.”  

Mayor Tom Bates 

“Congratulations on your first anniversary. In an era where we need to ensure that the media remains independent, The Berkeley Daily Planet represents an important voice in the public arena. Good luck as you move forward into your second year.”  

Congresswoman Barbara Lee 

“We are so fortunate that the O'Malley’s have been subsidizing our community newspaper, which is vital to helping us create and maintain our communication with each other. “ 

Dona Spring, City Councilmember