Said Engel: “Just because you carry a camera and a notebook doesn’t make you a journalist. A journalist has the responsibility to seek the truth no matter what it is, even if the story hurts your cause. Journalists shouldn’t have causes. They should have principles and beliefs.”

News gatherers/disseminators in the field, however, have typically been accorded the benefit of the doubt, even if they’re obviously not all Ernie Pyles.

The journalistic hybrid that we are most familiar with, however, is the one much closer to home: the studio-side punditocracy. It’s a reminder–thanks, again, Fox and MSNBC–that it’s no longer journalism when you’re taking sides, even if you’re a former journalist such as Chris Matthews. (The Glenn Becks, Sean Hannitys and Bill O’Reilly’s, of course, never even trafficked in the fact-finding field in the first place.) It’s advocacy; it’s propaganda; it’s, well, show business. When you’re dependent on ratings and advertising, your first priority is ideologically varnished truth. Next is the sort of over-the-top-personality and conflict that appeals to viewers looking to be entertained and validated. Nothing else matters.

Now it’s a slippery partisan slope, a political pop-culture staple that is arguably beyond redemption. As for the Richard Engels reporting from harm’s way, it’s still more of an old-school slog. For now.

*I’m a hockey fan, so when I picked up Saturday’s morning Tampa Tribune, I checked the tease for Stanley Cup playoff results. There it was on page 1 of Sports: “Rangers beat Capitals in overtime to take over momentum with victory in Game 5 of Eastern Conference series.” See page 2 for details. I did. Page 2: “Capitals Defeat Rangers in OT.” Indeed, it’s all in the details.

* Saturday’s Tampa Bay Times trumpeted the bullrushing Dow 30 Industrials hitting another record high: “15,1184.40.” Hey, what’s an extra digit? It’s still a record.

*Saturday’s leading editorial in the Times railed against a lack of transparency in what hospitals charge. In fact, “the ‘stack is decked’ against the working poor” it underscored. In reality, it’s even worse: The deck is actually stacked against those who can’t afford insurance.

*A lot of political glitterati turned out for the Hillsborough County Democratic Party’s Kennedy-King fundraiser in Tampa last Saturday night. The keynote speaker was former Gov. Charlie Crist. The Sunday Times accorded it page-one coverage with a prominent, two-photo spread on the page-5 jump. The cutlines on both photos identified Crist greeting and then dining with former state Education Commissioner Betty Castor. Oops, it was actually former Tampa Mayor Sandy Freedman. Separated at birth?

Thematic ads around Mother’s Day are nothing new. In fact, the Trib worked in three female-oriented ones on the same page last Saturday. Let’s see, there was one stressing breast-cancer ultrasound screening, one addressing ovarian cancer awareness and one promoting a Shooters World special: “Mom shoots free on Mother’s Day.” You can’t make this up; let it go at that.

But it’s wincing to see all those pep-rally photo-ops with teachers and administrators who must surely be aware of their hypocritical prop status. But it’s downright duplicitous to see little kids, such as the fourth- and fifth-graders at Tampa’s Alexander Elementary, who were cued to thank Scott out loud last week.

Yada, yada. Condi Rice could have scripted those remarks. It was a reminder that precious little has changed.

If this were a memo to Crist, it would read: “Why not follow-up with what Congresswoman Kathy Castor has been doing on Cuba? Why not play the Cuba card while it’s still playable? Why not put yourself on the right side of history–as well as the right side of what’s best for Florida outside the sovereign enclave of Little Havana and the vendetta-agenda crowd? Why not become a Florida-first, de facto Washington player by playing up–and lobbying for–the economic, humanitarian and geopolitical benefits of a normalized relationship with Cuba? Why not promote a more progressive standing for Florida in our own Hemisphere? One that is fitting of a ‘Gateway to the Americas.’

“Why not be seen, for example, as aggressively pushing for more Port of Tampa exports and unfettered public university-related travel to Cuba? Why not underscore a commitment with a serious Havana visit and subsequent campaign theme?  Let Ileana, Mario and Ralph call you out. Your opponent will be judged by the counterproductive company he keeps.

“At a certain point, and it’s obviously coming, Cuba will open and capitalizing political wannabes will be too late to get credit for showing guts as well as Florida-first smarts. Timing is everything. You didn’t listen to those hinting at such a strategy when you were searching for a game-changer in that senatorial debacle. This time, go for it. You won’t be flip-flopping, you’ll be helping change history.”

Barber didn’t linger on for another contract–or put the Bucs in a position where they might have to make the call for him–as they ham-handedly did with Derrick Brooks. That’s not the Barber MO. Ronde Barber was that prominent, pro-athlete rarity: a role model on and off the field. An invaluable asset to his team and his town.

* Tampa Bay Rays’ attendance continues to be a challenge. The Rays drew less than 16,000 for a New York Yankees game last month, 9,900 for Toronto last week and only 18,500 for the first post-game concert night last Saturday. The Rays currently rank 29th (out of 30) in Major League Baseball average (18,300) attendance. Cleveland is 30th–and Miami 28th. For those looking for historical perspective, in the Rays initial season (1998), the team averaged 31,000. The figure dropped precipitously to 21,600 the following year and 18,000 in 2000. Best year was 2009, the year after the World Series appearance, with an average attendance of 23,150.

* “We just had an election. And this isn’t Mr. Romney’s Cabinet, or Mr. Rick Perry’s Cabinet. This is Barack Obama’s Cabinet.”–Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., on the deep resistance President Obama’s latest Cabinet nominees are running into from Republican senators.

* “I just don’t buy that this was a couple of rogue IRS employees. After all, groups with ‘progressive’ in their names were not targeted similarly.”–Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, on the Internal Revenue Service’s heightened scrutiny of conservative political groups.

* “Let’s face it, democracy is still a work in progress in this country. Recall: Al Gore’s loss, recent voter-suppression efforts and the inability of 60 senators to agree with 90% of Americans on gun control. To expect ‘democracy’ out of the Muddled East is to misread reality. Stability without brutalizing dictatorship is as high as the bar goes.” –Joe O’Neill, La Gaceta.

* “Investors deserve to know at long last: Are the companies they trust with their hard-earned cash investing it in research and development (R&D) or wasting it to support the two major political parties (R’s and D’s)?”–Ciara Torres-Spelliscy, assistant professor of law at Stetson University College of Law.

* “There’s very little transparency out there about what doctors and hospitals are charging for services.”–Robert Zirkelbach, spokesman for America’s Health Insurance Plans, the nation’s largest association of health insurers.

* “The trick is to make a Gatsby movie that couldn’t have been made by Gatsby–an unglossy portrait of gloss.”–Leon Wieseltier, literary editor of The New Republic.

* “Surprise, shock, disbelief.”–Reaction to the jury’s verdict in the Casey Anthony case by presiding Judge Belvin Perry.

* “We’ll never change the name. It’s that simple. NEVER–you can use caps.”–Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder.

* “We believe the number of crashes involving cell phone use is much greater than what is being reported.”–Janet Froetscher, president of the National Safety Council.

* “Florida is the center of the U.S. travel and tourism industry. This move enables us to be closer to leisure and business customers.”–Mark P. Frissora, chairman and CEO of Hertz, which will move its headquarters from New Jersey to (Estero) Florida.

* “I’ve always been up front about the type of leader I wanted to be: an inclusive reformer.”–Speaker of the Florida House Will Weatherford.

* “In Washington, everyone’s taking notice of his strong stand on the Medicaid expansion issue. … He’s building a reputation as a solid conservative who you can rely on.”–American Conservative Union chairman Al Cardenas referring to Will Weatherford.

* “I have no plans to run (for governor). I have no intention to run. … I’m enjoying being senator. But I must say I’m frustrated. I’m very frustrated. I mean the extremists around here. You can’t get anything done. The filibuster is really being abused.”–Florida Sen. Bill Nelson.

* “No matter how you might color it, amnesty is amnesty.”–U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Fla.

* “Media gimmick.”–Term used by State Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, in describing TaxWatch’s annual list of budget “turkeys.”

* “We live here. This is not our last project here. We need this to be a trophy project for us and for the city of Tampa. This is a labor of love. … We are going to be focused on making Channelside the epicenter of downtown Tampa.”–Punit Shah, one of the partners of Liberty Channelside, the joint venture that has signed an agreement to purchase the Channelside Bay Plaza lease.

* “This is a case of be careful what you wish for.”–Straz Center president Judy Lisi in urging restraint over the ambitious, 36-story, residential tower proposed near the Straz by developers Greg Minder and Phillip Smith.

* “Tampa has been a better franchise and city because of Ronde’s presence.”–Former Buccaneers–and current Atlanta Falcons–general manager Rich McKay on the retirement of the Bucs’ Ronde Barber.

Variations, as it turned out, on a theme.

The Tony Award-winning War Horse was as promised. It was enchanting and moving, a marvel of evocative, period-piece design and spectacular effects–most notably, of course, the equine puppetry. Expertly manipulated and choreographed, the horses fascinated as characters capable of animation as well as nuance. My wife and I exchanged subtle fist bumps for remembering to bring binoculars.

And once more we were reminded of this city’s good fortune in having the Straz–one of the premier performing arts centers in the country. Going there now moves on two levels. First-class performance is a given, but it’s also a night out on your own town, re-discovering that Tampa is, indeed, well into mid-morph.

A decade ago, Tampa’s downtown population was about 600. Now it’s 5,000. And more are coming because urban living with amenities is a big draw to a burgeoning demographic that combines generation, vocation and life style. It’s reflected in high-rise rentals, museums, bistros, colorfully-lit bridges, joggers, bicyclists and a designated place to stroll, chill or check out an outdoor concert.

On this night nothing was as prominent as Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. That’s where “Funk Fest,” a hip-hop and R&B festival that recently re-located from Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg, was entertaining an overflow crowd. It was another reminder that–in the paraphrased words of Gertrude Stein–Tampa finally did have some “there there.”

Not that “Funk Fest” was my kind of scene. But it signaled inclusion and gave the area up-tempo ambience, without imposition. To be candid, I wouldn’t want to impose my own musical tastes–from Philly string bands and doo-wop to Little Richard and Roger Miller–on anyone. But the point is Tampa was sounding like a happening downtown and not one where The Hub was where it was happening. Tampa was no longer a city with a riverfront that was an afterthought–but one with an after-hours venue to hang out with your music.

There was verve; there was a vibe. It was loud, but it wasn’t raucous. You could hear these sounds of the city upon exiting the Straz. You could also sense that traffic would be an issue. It’s why we had arrived by cab. But now we had to find one for the return trip. This was a first.

We crossed Ashley at Cass, then ambled around the Residence Inn to Tampa Street. Within one light change, we were able to flag a United Cab, one of a number that were heading east amid heavy traffic.

Not to sound like Jon Voight’s naive, skyscraper-gazing Midnight Cowboy character, but it had that big-city feel I’m not accustomed to in Tampa. This wasn’t a post-concert or post-hockey game exodus at The Forum. There was generic bustle and energy and activity and sound. I was no longer consumed with getting home in time to let the dogs out and catch the beginning of Saturday Night Live.

I was in the moment, in a cab, in downtown Tampa on a Saturday night. Where War Horse incongruously met “Funk Fest.” It was the place to be.

Dingfelder is adamant in underscoring that the project is not about President Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas. It is about celebrating Tampa’s brush (actually an extended 5-hour visit) with history and what those with memories of the event can share.

While Kennedy’s local appearance pre-dates my relocation to Tampa from Philadelphia, I did have the good fortune two years ago to spend precious time with former Congressman Sam Gibbons, who reflected on the Kennedy visit. Gibbons, who as a state senator had helped the Kennedy campaign in Florida, knew the president well enough to be on the podium for speeches at the International Inn, Fort Homer Hesterly Armory and Al Lopez Field and in his Lincoln convertible through downtown.

Gibbons recalled the Tampa crowds as notably “enthusiastic.” In fact, surprisingly so. “He wasn’t that popular before the election,” recalled Gibbons. “But whole schools got off. Whole families got together. The president waved and shouted back. Even had the limo stop a few times to get out and talk with the crowds. I remember him saying: ‘Sam, you’ve sure got a lot of pretty girls in this city.’”

As for security, Gibbons said he wasn’t privy to details or rumors, although he noted that Secret Service agents rode on the presidential limo’s rear bumper throughout the motorcade, something they didn’t do in Dallas.

But, yes, a required budget was passed and it was, indeed, balanced, as is constitutionally mandated. Gov. Rick Scott, who gave disengaged a bad name, now has 15 days to act on that $74.5-billion budget, which should be enough time to ponder any re-election calculus.

Basically, the Legislature’s biggest priorities were either ignored or passed in diluted form.

Medicaid expansion never escaped the ideological clutches of Won’t Weatherford’s GOP Safe House. In effect, so what if others–such as a majority of voters, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida, the health care industry and the Florida Senate–are in favor of this donor state accepting $51 billion over the next 10 years to help address the acute needs of a million low-income residents? It’s an absolute disgrace that ignores the reality that health insurance correlates with access to preventive care and a more productive workforce.

And speaking of workforce, Medicaid expansion would create thousands of jobs. Moreover, its absence puts business owners across the state in jeopardy of federal penalty costs. Thanks, again.

Nothing, of course, was done on internet sales taxes that remain uncollected, and Stand Your Ground still stands.

Texting-while-driving passed as a secondary offense, voting reforms were mainly a reversal of what the voter-suppressing Legislature did previously and campaign finance law came up half empty by targeting fundraising groups but not slush-fund-enamored political parties. Doing less than you could to save lives, not fully undoing an unconscionable effort to suppress votes and leaving political parties opaque are results well shy of celebration.

But there were also random acts of legislative conscience and common sense. To wit:

* When a child is conceived during a sexual assault, there will be no paternal rights for the rapist.

* Health providers will be required to provide emergency medical care to an infant who survives a failed abortion.

It speaks volumes that a society actually needs to codify such things.