Like many industries, the newspaper business has struggled recently. It's gotten to the point where some have wondered if newspapers are still necessary.

Today, a collection of thoughts on the importance of newspapers, from some folks who are a whole lot more articulate than this typist:

"When someone tells me they get their news from the Internet, I want to say: 'Oh yeah? So, tell me again, how many reporters does Yahoo have at City Hall? How many correspondents from Google are risking their lives in Iraq?' "

- David Zeeck, executive editor, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash.: "The difference between blogging and reporting is like the difference between songwriting and karaoke. ... The blogosphere is a symphony - a cacophony - of tunes. But you need someone to write the original notes. That is what reporters do."

- Journalist Chuck Raasch, USA Today: "As a conservative who believes in limited government, I believe the only check on government in real time is the freedom of the press." - U.S. Rep. Michael Pence, R-Ind.: "Each one of you who forsakes your role in keeping our democracy alive by either inaction or, perhaps worse, by action based on ignorance, threatens all the rest of us. So, read a newspaper and build a community."

- Arthur O. Sulzberger Jr., publisher, New York Times: "The founders never held the view that if rich guys can't make money off journalism, then we just won't have journalism. The nation was built on the idea that we have to put in place policies that guarantee journalism no matter what."

- Robert W. McChesney, professor of communications, University of Illinois: "A democracy is not a democracy without an informed electorate."

- Walter Cronkite, former anchor, CBS News: "The press should not be regarded only as a check on inefficient or dishonest government. It is important that it also be viewed as a powerful vehicle for the effective functioning that by definition is democratic in nature."

- James Oakes, U.S. appellate judge: "We journalists don't have to step on roaches. All we have to do is turn on the kitchen light and watch the critters scurry."

- Writer P. J. O'Rourke: "For all its flaws, the ancient art of print journalism still drives our democracy. At its best, it provides information and insight, and knits the community together. It even makes us better people - a recent study found that newspaper readers are more likely to vote, volunteer and make charitable donations. (We're also smart, talented and good-looking)."

MIKE KIRBY is editor of The Sun Chronicle. His commentaries appear in this space each Sunday. He can be reached at 508-236-0344 or at mkirby@thesunchronicle.com.