I know it when I see it, but expressing it is as elusive as catching a fish with bare hands. Journalists are curious, but can keep a secret. They can be deeply cynical about the most innocuous processes, but you won't find more idealistic and righteous people.
Journalists believe they can make a difference.
Sinclair Lewis did. Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein did. Jay Harris did. Harris resigned as chairman and publisher of the San Jose Mercury News last month. The Mercury News is a well-respected newspaper, and Harris' move was significant enough to warrant headlines in newspapers across the country.