Journalist Paul Pringle tells a riveting story that is really two in one. It is about the misdeeds of Dr. Carmen Puliafito, who was the head of the USC Medical School, and it turns out had a penchant for drugs and young, vulnerable women. It is also about Pringle’s struggle to publish this bombshell of a story in the LA Times, whose management seemed both beholden and subservient to the USC administration. It is a story about terrible abuse of power (at both institutions) and willful ignorance of dire warning signs (at USC) until the scandal is actually breaking, and action must be taken.
We rely on our media to show us the truth behind façades, and the truth behind powerful people. Pringle’s story is stark, but sadly, not surprising. Although we know that Pringle ultimately succeeded, there is not a lot of suspense. But he never let’s the reader know that this is a foregone conclusion. And it is horrifying to see how long (over a year) the story is delayed by LA Times management. Nevertheless, it is also satisfying to see the bad actors at both USC and the LA Times get what is coming to them.
We rely on our media to show us the truth behind façades, and the truth behind powerful people. Pringle’s story is stark, but sadly, not surprising. Although we know that Pringle ultimately succeeded, there is not a lot of suspense. But he never let’s the reader know that this is a foregone conclusion. And it is horrifying to see how long (over a year) the story is delayed by LA Times management. Nevertheless, it is also satisfying to see the bad actors at both USC and the LA Times get what is coming to them.