Tag Archives: Publicity
Should leaders keep their good deeds secret?
We have just heard of the calamitous event of Norfolk … [I] take the liberty of inclosing two hundred dollars to you, & of asking the favor of you to have it applied in the way you think best, for the relief of such description of sufferers as you shall think best. I pray not to be named in newspapers on this occasion.
To Thomas Newton, March 5, 1804
Patrick Lee’s Explanation
Tragedy should not be a publicity opportunity for leaders.
A fire in Norfolk, Virginia on February 22 injured or killed many and destroyed more than 250 buildings. The President sent $200 for the relief fund, in care of a Virginia Congressman. Jefferson did not want his donation publicized in the newspapers.
The year before, Jefferson made another disaster-related donation to Portsmouth, NH. He insisted on anonymity then, too.
How many leaders today, do you suppose, deliberately keep their charitable efforts out of the public eye?
