DNR played by hate merchants

The Daily News Record was apparently scammed by the merchants of hate and intolerance at the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas. Well known for their absurd assertion that U.S. military deaths are God's punishment for homosexuality, the Westboro bigots told the DNR that they'd protest at the funeral of Army Spc. Brian "Bucky" Anderson in Broadway. The DNR obliged by giving the hate mongers prime space (log-in required) on the front page of the June 22 edition, thereby promoting hate while distracting from Anderson's funeral. Anderson was killed in Afghanistan on June 12.

Mr. Yates and Mr. Hunt... would it have been so hard to wait until after the funeral to then, and only then, report on any protests by the Westboro Baptist gang. Those guys played you like a fiddle, getting free front page publicity, not once but probably twice, for their venom of religious hatred. But, something tells me the DNR is proud of giving the assist!

DNR's bounce back censorship

Now it has happened to me.

I'd been hearing about folks who sent pro-Democratic letters to the editor, via email, to the Daily News-Record only to have them bounce back. These folks told be they'd double checked the address and found it to be correct. Most email delivery failures come back fairly quickly, sometimes within minutes. All of these bounce backs from the DNR are coming back days or even a week or more after the original email was sent. In my case, it was seven days, three hours, and four minutes later.

Given the right wing bias of the editors of the DNR and the fact that I am the third person who I know who has experienced this, and the returned emails come back too late to try again... I have concluded this is probably a case of "bounce back censorship."

Unsubscribe

The call was easy. The person who took it was polite and efficient, quickly finding my info and informing me of the amount of the refund. When asked why I wanted to unsubscribe from the newspaper, there was a muffled chuckle... or was it a gulp... to my words? My response was that I like the news and sports coverage in the Daily News-Record, but that the hateful editorials had bothered me for months. The double entendre in the title for today's editorial had, I said, crossed the line - it was trash. Trash for which I would no longer pay.

I believe in freedom of the press. I also believe consumers can and should vote with their dollars.

Idiots among us

A fellow by the name of David Patterson of Lyndhurst, VA blamed the News Leader's downsizing on that paper's left wing slant. Hum, does this clown have a clue? The News Leader is a far cry from... gasp... liberal. Let's look at recent news to see what's happening in the newspaper business.

The News Virginian, with a right wing editorial slant, has gone through a couple rounds of layoffs and there are rumors it may end the print edition and go totally online. The Daily News-Record of Harrisonburg, off the right edge of the earth politically, has downsized the newspaper. And just today, the Republican... I mean Richmond Times-Dispatch, is reported to be laying off 90 employees. And, as previously noted, the wonderful eightyone is going out of business.

Mr. Patterson, the decline of the News Leader has nothing to do with the opinions expressed on the editorial page, it has everything to do with the changing media environment, TV, the internet, and the collapsing economy inherited from George Bush. Your letter was yet another example of a right wing brain duped and doped by Fox.

Stop the presses

The Charlottesville Daily Progress announced six more layoffs, four in the newsroom. Just across the mountain in Waynesboro, the News Virginian (already a pretty small operation) is laying off one. And a few more miles to the west, a rumor became fact when the News Leader announced it is shutting down its 40 year old Staunton press and will outsource printing to the Daily News-Record in Harrisonburg. The News Leader will cut eight full-time and 15 part-time jobs. Publisher Roger Watson says readers won't see much difference, only the printing will no longer be done in Staunton.

Editor David Fritz noted this is part of a nationwide trend hitting smaller newspapers as well as the large ones. Fritz said he didn't expect the News Leader to stop the print edition all together, but noted,

"I can't tell you the last time I've been thoroughly surprised by something I read in print. It's always a case where I heard about it earlier on the internet or on broadcast. Print has not been the medium for breaking news for quite a long time now."

My prediction - within several years, even if the economy improves, the Central Valley will lose at least one print newspaper (maybe a merger) or the papers will rely on their online edition with perhaps a weekly print compilation of local news with a large advertising section. The challenge will be to actually make money with an online edition - yes, that is much cheaper than running the presses, but will people actually pay for something they are now getting for free?

A bit of irony - newspapers' online editions are getting better and better, have interactive discussions, are more timely in reporting breaking news. Newspapers are helping to write their own obituary for the print edition - as more people get news online, fewer subscribe for the print edition and fewer advertisers buy space. Death by success?

As with most societal and economic changes, the ongoing demise of print newspapers has both good and bad consequences.

• Will newspaper boxes disappear along rural roads? Hardly seems economic or environmentally friendly to have someone driving all the back roads to drop off a skinny newspaper every morning.
• Will I have to use my own paper and ink to print vendors coupons? Will coupons even survive without a Sunday paper?
• What will I start the wood stove with? Just crumple up the laptop!
• Will we have to change laws about legal notices for public hearings? How about hiring a town crier to stand on the courthouse steps?

I grew up in a town with both a morning and an evening paper. Then the evening news on TV killed the evening newspaper. We survived that transition. Now, the internet and 24/7 news on TV is threatening to kill all but the strongest print editions of the daily paper. We'll survive this one, too.

Well, back to the newspaper... I mean laptop. Oh Hell, I'll just grab another cup of coffee and sit in the sun pondering how the loss of another print newspaper may affect my life. Or won't?

Moran visits the 'Burg

Except for a few patrons at the door of the public library, Harrisonburg's Main St. was mostly deserted with a cold wind. But at Clementine's, the mood upstairs was festive with a lively younger crowd. Downstairs is a small bar and large rustic meeting room with sofas and chairs and local art that give it a feel of a living room complete with a large TV. The owners make this inviting space available to a variety of groups - it has become a casual meeting place for a variety of progressive groups like the local Democrats and the Sierra Club.

Clementine's is an important part of the renaissance of the once near-dead downtown. Thirty years ago there was Advance Auto, an A&N Store, Whetzel Seed Co., and a Woolworth's along with furniture, shoe, and clothing stores. Those that didn't die moved to the Valley Mall area or down Rt. 11. For a while, the only thing that attracted me to court square was Jess's Lunch - if you've been there you know what I'm talking about; if not, you should go for a dog and the cultural experience. Now downtown boasts several restaurants, Court Square Theater, small museums and historical attractions. Glad to see the new energy.

Last night nearly 60 people filled the room to meet gubernatorial candidate Brian Moran. He arrived just after the starting time and began shaking hands and taking time to chat with every person. Since the event was hosted by the JMU Democrats, about half the crowd were probably not able to buy a beer - but one young man was celebrating his 21st! Also spotted were House of Delegates candidates Greg Marrow (25th) and Gene Hart (26th), and Harrisonburg Mayor Kai Degner, the state's youngest mayor.

With the frontpage of his website scrolling pictures behind him, Moran talked about clean and green energy, saying NO to a coal-fired generator at Surry, improving health care for all Virginians, job creation, and much more. In response to a question about I-81, Moran expressed strong support for rail as the long term solution. On another question about redistricting, Moran said as Governor he'd make sure there was bipartisan (or did he say nonpartisan?) review of the districts. He praised Senator and gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds who has been the strongest legislative proponent of creating a bipartisan redistricting commission.

Moran stumbled a bit on a student's question about a redefinition of the triggerman rule. Senator Obenshains' SB 961 expands the death penalty by allowing accessories before the fact and others indirectly involved in capital crimes to be eligible for the death penalty. Moran expressed support for the death penalty for the most heinous crimes, but seemed a bit confused about the bill and finally said he wasn't familiar with the legislation from this session. He recovered a bit to talk about the principle - it sounded like he opposes expansion of the death penalty. BTW, while we are on the topic, contact Governor Kaine and ask him to veto SB 961 its companion HB 2358.

With an audience that likely leans to Creigh Deeds (at least the older birds), Brian Moran connected. He spoke about how competing in the primary has forced him to focus on issues and and people while sharpening his positions and words. It is clear Brian Moran has done just that!

More at the Daily News-Record where I shamelessly "borrowed" the pic.

Golden Eggs

At a time when the national economy and the state budget are in crisis, the news coming out of James Madison University seems to send a very mixed signal. According to the Daily News-Record, JMU President Lynwood Rose received a pay raise of 16.9% this year. The increase of $66,000 brings his total salary with benefits to $456,287. Not included are are a large home and '08 Lincoln provided by the university or health insurance and retirement benefits provided by the state.

President Rose has done a fine job at JMU. According to officials, over $310,000 of that amount is funded by the JMU Foundation. University and college presidents make, and deserve, competitive salaries. The DNR article has details about college presidents' salaries at public and private schools around the commonwealth.

The problem is the perception. The perception is the problem. The Governor and General Assembly are trying to plug a $2.5 billion hole, that may get deeper, in the state budget. JMU has already cut $5.4 million from its budget. For President Rose to receive such a disproportionate pay hike sends the wrong message to everyone - JMU students and parents; JMU faculty and staff, especially those who may lose jobs; donors to the JMU Foundation; the entire community; and to every taxpayer.

President Rose found a goose that laid golden eggs. Perhaps he should consider not taking all of those eggs - at least for now.

Trick or Treat?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

For every piece of sweet candy there is something sour. For every beautiful princess there is a scary witch. For every treat there is a nasty trick.

Treat #1

On top of receiving endorsements from The Roanoke Times and The News Leader, Sam Rasoul also raised over $100K through online donations. I'm proud that a few of those dollars, about .001% as it turns out, came from me. I'm also proud to have done some volunteering on his behalf. It is a remarkable achievement for a candidate in western Virginia. Sam's fundraising success is an especially sweet treat because he, unlike his opponent, refused contributions from PACs, lobbyists, and even from the party which nominated him. It is truly a grassroots campaign.

Trick #1

Bob Goodlatte is running an aggressive TV ad campaign. He would not be spending all that money, all across the district, if he didn't feel threatened. There has been little reliable public polling done in this race, but one has to believe Goodlatte's internal polling is telling him something. The ad I've seen most often makes it appear to be "plain folks" are supporting Bob - in reality the people are local GOP activists like Bill Shirley, the Augusta chair. Is that the guy who got it by default after the Michael/Roller bloodletting? Where's Kurt?

Treat #2

Students at Spotswood High School in Rockingham County went narrowly (112-107) for Barack Obama. Student mock elections don't always predict the percentages of how the general population will vote, but they can illustrate some general trends. In this case, it may well reflect that Obama is faring better in this area than the previous two Democratic presidential nominees. Kerry and Gore both got less than 25% in Rockingham.

Trick #2

True to form, the Daily News-Record's story on the Spotswood Mock Election tricked readers by mostly quoted students supporting McCain who questioned the motives (and intelligence) of their classmates.

Treat #3

Nationwide, Barack Obama defeated John McCain 60% to 35.5% in the Youth Leadership Mock Election that is organized by the Center for Politics at UVA. About 3 million students participated in in this nationwide election. In Virginia, it was very similar with Obama winning 59.72% and McCain 35.56%.

Trick #3

About 5% of the students' votes in the Youth Leadership Mock Election went to various minor party candidates and probably to Homer Simpson and Mickey Mouse. So one can wonder how seriously some students took this instructional activity. On November 4 these candidates will probably get 1% or less. But, I've recently spotted Ron Paul and Chuck Baldwin signs in a very Republican area - does this signal conservatives' unease with McCain/Palin?

Treat #4

Chris Saxman says he'd give up his seat in the House of Delegates to serve in a McCain administration.

Trick #4

John McCain would be president. Trick #4.1 Sarah Palin would be vice president.

Now that's some scary stuff for Halloween!

Obama in the Burg

A few random thoughts on the Barack Obama Rally for Change at JMU on October 28. Obama is the first presidential nominee to visit Harrisonburg since Stephen Douglas. Richard Nixon did visit in 1968, but he wasn't yet the nominee.

It is too bad they didn't move this rally to the football stadium which could have handled more than the 8,000 they could allow into the Convocation Center. But, I guess with the Dukes ranked #1 and and needing their field, perhaps fears there wouldn't be enough people to fill the larger stadium (they could have filled it), and maybe weather concerns, the Convo made sense to the university and the campaign.

There was no way we could get there much before 2:00 and with lines forming well before sunrise, it was pretty clear our chances of getting inside were slim... and as it turned out, none. The long lines snaked from the Convo onto the soccer field, zigging and zagging in the chilly wind. There was a little cutting in line or having friends hold spots, but for the most part everyone was enthusiastic and in good cheer. I personally saw many friends who had traveled many miles, but like me got there too late. There was disappointment but no anger; frustration but growing enthusiasm for Obama.

Yes, there were a few Republicans handing out literature and carrying a few signs. Very few and they got little attention from anyone except for Daily News-Record photo gallery.

Suddenly there was excitement and the lines dissolved... Barack Obama was on a stage at the end of the field!!!! He spoke to the crowd for 6-8 minutes giving a condensed version of his 40 minute speech inside. As he left, Obama shook hands with those lucky enough to be up front. According to some reports, Obama passed up a stop at Jess' Lunch to come talk to the several thousand who wouldn't get inside the doors.

We made our way back to the car, which took a while because of areas blocked off by security. We listened to coverage on WSVA which was taking calls on the question "what would you ask Obama?" Their on air guy, Mike Schikman, is pretty much a conservative Republican and got his jabs into Obama and Democrats. But, when the most outrageous callers ask about things like Obama being a terrorist or a marxist, he at least partly corrected them. 

WSVA then covered the entire speech without interruption. Afterwards the guy on-site at the Convo talked about the upbeat speech and enthusiastic crowd, while Schikman did his best to dampen it. For example, at one point he talked about getting 50 calls during the speech complaining about giving Obama the coverage. The on-site reporter noted they'd do the same for McCain he he came to the area. At the end of the segment, Schikman cut away saying Obama had never explained how he'd do the things he wants during an economic downturn. Shouldn't do it, but I'll give Schikman the benefit of the doubt and guess he was talking to one the wingnuts on the phone and missed those parts of Obama's speech. Like where Obama said we'd have to fix the economy first and put off some of those things. Or where he talked about savings from bringing the Iraq war/occupation to a successful end.

Enough typing... other things to do today. A couple of pics from the soccer field. If I were a little taller, maybe I'd have gotten a good zoomed in picture (missed a couple) of the next President of the United States!

Barack Obama (on stage to left) talked to supporters for 6-8 minutes. Most in the crowd appreciated the fact that Obama took time to speak to several thousand who had been unable to get inside.

Two of about a dozen of the the zig zags of the lines on the soccer field. It was an orderly, happy, and enthusiastic crowd although most sensed they wouldn't get inside.

Another account on Cobalt6. Links to blogs, college newspapers, video at hburgnews.com.

Chicken litter

We're 10 days out on the election and both teams seems to pulling out all the stops. A random selection:

The Daily News-Republican endorsed Bob Goodlatte and took a swipe at Sam Rasoul. No surprise in either. Their endorsement could have been predicted a year ago, even a decade ago because the facts and the campaign don't really matter to the editors there. Well, maybe I'll have to eat a little (very little) crow after we find out their views on the Senate race.

Speaking of the DN-R, their letters to the editor frequently are a rehash of libelous BS, many so obvious in their intent and apparent in their stupidity that I think they actually hurt their cause. Then the editors place certain letters in shaded boxes (print edition) or designate it "letter of the day" to, I assume, give them eye appeal and seem more important. Is it just my imagination that this favored treatment is more often given to Obama-bashing letters?

The News Leader has a story about hateful and racist literature showing up in newspaper tubes in the Staunton and Waynesboro areas. Staunton Democratic chair Bob Dickerman referred to the flyers and negative robocalls as "atrocious." On the other hand, Staunton Republican chair Anne Taetzsch denied knowledge of the literature and said it didn't come from the campaign. She said, "my whole thing is the negative approach doesn't work." What? How can she say that with a straight face? After all she's in tight with Chris Saxman the Virginia McCain co-chair whose campaign has used robocalls and mailers spewing the same negative and false information. And isn't Ms. Taetzsch a big supporter of state GOP chair Jeff Frederick, whose racist comments went too far for even the McCain campaign?

On another and more positive front, former Delegate Jim Dillard, a Fairfax Republican, is making calls for Barack Obama. He does get in a jab at McCain/Palin for their negative campaign and lies, but his message is overwhelmingly one of positive support for Obama/Biden. While there has been a lot of news about national Republican figures supporting Obama, there is a groundswell of Republican support among state and local politicians as well.

And the latest counter punch in the sign wars is "You can vote for the chick, but I'm rollin' with Colin." Haven't seen one yet, but understand a few have appeared around Staunton.

Broken Eggs

CCC has often taken issue with the the Daily News-Record's editors. They usually drink, no guzzle, the Kool-Aide laced with right wing chicken crap which they spread across the Valley with reckless abandon. But, every now and then they get it almost right. The editor's call to Release the Report is, for the most part, on target. The public's business should be, well.... public. 

The story began when an investigation into a robbery led to an investigation and revelations that a football player had been selling prescription drugs to teammates. Things got worse when police suggested that some coaches knew about it. Still unclear (except perhaps in the report) is what those coaches and school administrators did in response to that knowledge.

CCC believes that the eggs of secrecy should be cracked open and this story should be brought before the community. These are, after all, serious charges of interest not only to those directly involved, but to parents and the entire community. The DNR, that bastion of the First Amendment and freedom of the press (at least when it suits their agenda), is calling on the Harrisonburg School Board to release the entire report of the investigation it commissioned. And release it now!

However a couple caveats are in order. While the DNR wants all the names and juicy gossip (gotta sell those papers), there are some legal matters to consider. Both the students and school employees involved have legal rights to some confidentiality at this early stage of the investigation. The School Board should respect those rights, as much as possible, when releasing the report. The School Board must also consider how a full release could impact the ongoing police investigation and potential criminal trials. If full release of the report hampers a fair investigation by police or creates an undue prejudice against defendants, it is reasonable withhold parts of it for now.

The School Board's investigation is rightly targeted on increasing awareness of drugs being brought into the schools and on revising administrative policies and procedures to deal with it in the future. If individuals failed in their duties, the School Board should deal with it as personnel issues. Naming names and a public chopping off of heads will not help with those goals. Release the essential findings of the report but preserve some confidentiality, for now. Allow the legal processes time to work. Only then should the full report be released. 

In the meantime, the DNR's crack reporters can dig out the names and gossip and the editors can decide to print or not. But, the School Board does not owe them an assist.

Local Coverage of the Democratic Convention Disappointing

The News Leader had nothing, zero, zilch about the Democratic Convention's nomination of Sam Rasoul. No real surprise there - mostly they cover the "important" stuff like restaurant health inspections and the songs and last dinners loved by locals. Every now and then The News Leader gets brainlocked on a story and wears everyone out - After Hours and local Republican cock fights are the most recent examples. Sometimes I think this paper is only good for catching the droppings of my feathered brethren. I do like McClosky's cartoons, however. Why he doesn't fly the coop?

I don't often peck around in the The News Virginian, but a quick search of their website showed only one recent article about Sam . . . prior to the convention. The focus was on the new young faces taking over local politics. Sam was only mentioned in passing.

The Daily News-Record doesn't do Sundays, so we'll have to wait until tomorrow to see what coverage they do/don't  have. A website search found nothing within the last month.

The Roanoke Times ran an extensive article that began

Democrat Sam Rasoul, who since last spring has been running for Congress, received the official nomination Saturday to face U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke County, in the November general election.

Rasoul, who lives in Blue Ridge, was selected by Democrats in the 6th Congressional District during an uncontested nominating convention at Rockbridge County High School.

He will be the first Democrat to challenge Goodlatte, an eight-term incumbent, since Roanoke Mayor-elect David Bowers tried in 1998. Goodlatte has faced independents since then but won easily each time.

Didn't have a chance to check the Lynchburg and other smaller newspapers. However, the online Augusta Free Press has extensive coverage and webcasts. Perhaps that isn't too surprising since the editor, Chris Graham, is the new Democratic chair in Waynesboro and was present at the convention. Chair or not, Graham and the AFP have long held a reputation for covering stories and getting scoops ahead of the Augusta area print media.

Such beautiful weather and here I am pecking around in political litter. Have a great Memorial Day and please take time to remember the reason for this important holiday.

Peck. Peck.

Daily Slur

The Daily News-Record editorial page is a daily regurgitation of bile flung (usually) at Tim Kaine, Barack Obama, and anyone the editors deem liberals (which is all Democrats and any Republican to the left of Newt Gingrich). At least they aren't so happy with McCain either, especially since, gasp, his "Left Talk Express" has a (inadequate) plan to deal with climate change and environmental issues.

This week, the DNR editors put out this below the belt crap:

Edward Luttwak, writing in The New York Times on May 12, makes a few interesting points about Sen. Barack Obama, the Democrat presdential candidate. Speaking of Mr. Obama's professed Christianity, Luttwak writes that Islam does not recognize Mr. Obama's conversion, which could be problematic for a President Obama.

"Like all monotheistic religions, Islam is an exclusive faith," Mr. Luttwak wrote.

"As the son of the Muslim father, Senator Obama was born a Muslim under Muslim law as it is universally understood. It makes no difference that, as Senator Obama has written, his father said he renounced his religion. Likewise, under Muslim law based on the Koran, his mother's Christian background is irrelevant. ...

"His conversion, however, was a crime in Muslim eyes; it is ‘irtidad' or ‘ridda,' usually translated from the Arabic as "apostasy," but with connotations of rebellion and treason. Indeed, it is the worst of all crimes that a Muslim can commit, worse than murder (which the victim's family may choose to forgive)."

All of which means, Luttwak says, that providing security for a President Obama on a visit to a Muslim country would be ticklish "because the very act of protecting him would be sinful for Islamic security guards. More broadly, most citizens of the Islamic world would be horrified by the fact of Senator Obama's conversion to Christianity once it became widely known — as it would, no doubt, should he win the White House."

This truth, should not, Luttwak observes, affect whether a voter casts his ballot for Mr. Obama. But it does mean a President Obama's miraculously smoothing relations with the Islamic world isn't the certainty some observers say it is.

A sampling of the interesting comments on the DNR's online forum (join in with your own):

"... DNR, racism has no shame..."

"So which is it? Is he a secret Muslim that we have to fear, or a Christian who converted from Islam and we need to fear FOR him? Can't have it both ways."

"'Obama's professed Christianity.' You must be implying that he is some sort of manchurian Muslim candidate. False, wrong, and shame on you..."

"The best part (OK, I'll grant you there's a lot of best parts in this short piece) is how the DNR decides that we Christians should recognize Koran teachings and disregard Obama's mother's faith..."

The Daily News Record is a pretty solid in reporting local and state news. Too bad they have the right wing monkey cage running the editorial room.