If you like theater, then check out:
THE EIGHT: Reindeer Monologues by Jeff Goode
December 8-9, 14-16 & 21-23 Sunday-Tuesday Performance Runs!
The Courtyard of Arnold’s Bar & Grill
210 E. 8th Street Downtown 513.300.KNOW
FOR IMMATURE AUDIENCES ONLY!
There is Smoking at the shows except Tuesday Dec 16
EAT AND DRINK AT THE SHOWS!
Dinner available 6:30-7:45 p.m.
Reservations only for 6:30 p.m. dinner/drinking time
Reservations are null and void at 6:50 p.m.
Other tickets will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.
$15 General Admission & $12 Student/Senior
www.knowtheatre.com 513.300.KNOW
I saw it Monday and loved it. Great actors, good food, try the lasagna.
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Student "Protest"
Well, initial reports from WLW at 12:00 indicated that no protest was going on. At 12:30 WLW reports only 4 kids who were "regular" protestors at other prior rallies.
This sounds like PR coup. For what ever reason this story made the local news today. I would say they did nearly everything but just ask the kids to go down so they could have a hot story.
Coverage: Cincinanti Post, WCPO.
UPDATE: While eating lunch I saw the group walk towards city hall at around 12:50 or so. I would guess there were 25 to 30 young people. I don't know if they were high school or college age. There were also 10 to 20 over 25-year-old adults, including Damon Lynch.
Of the "kids" I would estimate that at least half if not more like 75% were "white."
This sounds like PR coup. For what ever reason this story made the local news today. I would say they did nearly everything but just ask the kids to go down so they could have a hot story.
Coverage: Cincinanti Post, WCPO.
UPDATE: While eating lunch I saw the group walk towards city hall at around 12:50 or so. I would guess there were 25 to 30 young people. I don't know if they were high school or college age. There were also 10 to 20 over 25-year-old adults, including Damon Lynch.
Of the "kids" I would estimate that at least half if not more like 75% were "white."
Where Are They Now?
Ever wonder what Cincinnati Council Candidates do after they don't make the cut? Well, one candidate, Leslie Ghiz, was in the news representing someone in an employment dispute with the City of Oxford. What makes this case noteworthy is one of the allegations from Ghiz's client that while working she "found an 11-foot wooden penis statue in a flowerbed that she had gardened for the city of Oxford." Part of the dispute hinders on charges of creating "a prejudiced and sexist work environment directed toward Baxter."
You don't hear of a an 11 foot wooden penis on public property too often. I hate to make light of her case. It sounds like there is something to that case, at least enough to go to arbitration. I must have a few tabloid tendencies in me after all.
You don't hear of a an 11 foot wooden penis on public property too often. I hate to make light of her case. It sounds like there is something to that case, at least enough to go to arbitration. I must have a few tabloid tendencies in me after all.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
There Goes a Billion Dollars
The City of Cincinnati has settled for 1 billion dollars "to address long-standing sewer system violations and bring its aging sewer system into compliance with federal and local clean water rules?" Is this for real? A guess a million on stun guns will not matter much after all.
I hope we have insurance, or some other sources of income to offset this settlement amount.
Further details here.
I hope we have insurance, or some other sources of income to offset this settlement amount.
Further details here.
Jess Jackson on Cincinnati: Lots of Ham
The usual sentiments? Yes. There are too many elements to criticize in this column. Mr. Jackson makes a slightly toned down version of the recurring dogma, 18 black men killed.....what if it was a white man.....97 second gap. This type of unified propaganda rivals that of the GOP. How does the same story get around? The same way it does in the GOP, talking points. An email or a FAX, or a telephone call with the same set of facts that are used to spin the media. It is textbook political spin. The Dems did it for Clinton, the GOP are the kings of it for their deities Reagan and Bush.
Unfortunately Mr. Jackson gets several key facts wrong from his nice home in Chicago. He might do well if he stepped back from the emotional propaganda and look objectively at what is happening here.
Unfortunately Mr. Jackson gets several key facts wrong from his nice home in Chicago. He might do well if he stepped back from the emotional propaganda and look objectively at what is happening here.
Monday, December 08, 2003
New Police Video Released
It is not online yet, but WLW-AM is reporting that not much is seen in the video. In this case the officer hit was black, as was the suspect. That simple fact will likely not make this a situation the "activists" will give a damn about. Not much will come of the tape. The press will run it on the local news tonight, but the national media will likely not give it much attention.
Enquirer Story, WLWT Story, WCPO Story.
Enquirer Story, WLWT Story, WCPO Story.
Local GOPer's Pissed at Bush
Carl Weiser writes that a slew of local Cincinnati area Republicans are pissed at Bush. Ohio Rep. Tom Brinkman, Chris Finney vice chairman of COAST, Jim Urling, COAST chairman, Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich, and Indiana Rep. Mike Pence all have varying levels of anger with Bush fiscal policies. Whether it is Steel Tariffs, Medicare Drug Plans, or the No Child Left Behind law conservatives think Bush has abandoned their cause. Will this keep them from voting for them? Pence and Heimlich seem to be less than enthused with Bush:
How dare they show division in the GOP ranks! Regan's commandment be damned I guess. Thou shalt speak ill of a fellow Republican, when money is involved.
Pence and Heimlich say they will vote for Bush because the Democratic alternative would be even worse. But the worry isn't Republicans voting for the Democrat. It's Republicans staying home.Urling even calls Bush a "fraud." Does that make him anti-American? In a time of war, has Urling committed treason? Where's Ann Coulter? Call the National Guard and lets round them up!
How dare they show division in the GOP ranks! Regan's commandment be damned I guess. Thou shalt speak ill of a fellow Republican, when money is involved.
WB64 News?
The long awaited new primetime "local" news cast finally premieres tonight on WB64. We will all surely be tuned into to watch the Sinclair Broadcasting news packages on the I270 shooting, Snow Storm in the Northeast, and the Scott Peterson Trial Update. Will we see anything new on the Nate Jones situation? Fate put a big story in their lap, and they had all week to prep the story. Will it be worth the wait? I am betting it will be a waste of time. We already have plenty of Raycom Media reports on at 10PM on train wrecks; why not just give us more sitcom reruns? Cut out the middleman, and just go right for the entertainment.
Ken Lucas
Ken, NKY House Rep., has returned from the Dark Side and is now "attacking" the President again. Well, not so much attacking, but just not so lock step with him.
[Via Atrios]
Sidebar: Atrios's post on Bush's past use of the word "Fuck" are most entertaining. This stems from the White House complaints about John Kerry's use of "fucked up" when referring to Bush's Iraq policy.
[Via Atrios]
Sidebar: Atrios's post on Bush's past use of the word "Fuck" are most entertaining. This stems from the White House complaints about John Kerry's use of "fucked up" when referring to Bush's Iraq policy.
Sunday, December 07, 2003
Another Police Altercation
WLWT is reporting that last night at least one police officer was in an altercation with a person while trying to break up a fight. At least one man was arrested. The officer was injured while trying to arrest the suspect. WLWT reports that there is video footage from the cruiser and pictures of the officer's injuries, but the police are holding it back. The alleged reason for holding it back was the anger several council members expressed when they did not get to see the videos before the media. Let's just bet that activists will be pissed once the video is shown and not happy they did not get it sooner.
As of now there are no online stories about this incident and the press has limited information. Will this hit the media big tomorrow or not? It depends on what the video shows. If the cops are beating the man, it will air.
UPDATE: WLWT has posted the story.
As of now there are no online stories about this incident and the press has limited information. Will this hit the media big tomorrow or not? It depends on what the video shows. If the cops are beating the man, it will air.
UPDATE: WLWT has posted the story.
Ignorance & Bigotry
Yes, State Rep. Bill Seitz is an Ignorant man:
This article is typical. We can't afford to pay for homosexual benefits, blah blah blah. It is not traditional, blah blah blah. It will open up people marrying goats, blah blah blah.
Bill, it is simple. You don't care about homosexuals. You don't think they should be treated like everyone else. You want to make them a second-class citizen. You are bigoted to homosexuals.
You even try to play the race card with this comment:
Civil Unions are barely addressed. It is simple. If you want to keep marriage “holy” either make everything secular, or create Civil Unions for only 2 non-related people of either sex. There, done. No polygamy, no incest, no bigamy. What that so hard Bill?
Here is the pro-argument from the Enquirer.
UPDATE: Greg Mann comments.
These facts do not warrant redefining the institution, nor alter the biological fact that heterosexual relationships are, alone, capable of the miracle of natural birth.Bill you seem to negate the fact that you don't need a husband to make a baby. All you need is some sperm. Now, if you don't think that is "natural," well I guess you might just alienate a few voters who can't conceive on their own.
This article is typical. We can't afford to pay for homosexual benefits, blah blah blah. It is not traditional, blah blah blah. It will open up people marrying goats, blah blah blah.
Bill, it is simple. You don't care about homosexuals. You don't think they should be treated like everyone else. You want to make them a second-class citizen. You are bigoted to homosexuals.
You even try to play the race card with this comment:
Gays were never enslaved or subject to the same invidious discrimination as were African-Americans. Reversing the ban on same-sex marriage is thus different than reversing the ban on racially mixed ones.I guess you are counting on the high level of homophobia in the black community to push this over the edge?
Civil Unions are barely addressed. It is simple. If you want to keep marriage “holy” either make everything secular, or create Civil Unions for only 2 non-related people of either sex. There, done. No polygamy, no incest, no bigamy. What that so hard Bill?
Here is the pro-argument from the Enquirer.
UPDATE: Greg Mann comments.
Just Call Me the Amazing Kreskin
Mayor Luken is working to spend 1 million bucks on new stun guns:
My prediction is that once police start using stun guns often, then there will be a call by some of the same people crying for the stun guns to stop using them. Stun guns are a short-term appeasement to squeaky wheels. In the long term people need to do two things. One is accept that police work is not a garden picnic. You can't make so no one gets hurt, unless people stop breaking the law. The other long-term thing people need to do, is stop breaking the law.
The money could come from not filling 34 middle management city vacancies that Luken expects within the coming year, he said at City Hall on Sunday. He said the money should be enough for 1,000 stun guns for the 1,050-officer department.So, we get more stun guns in police hands, but fewer people managing the city. More weapons, less supervision. Gee, that sounds like a "great" plan.
My prediction is that once police start using stun guns often, then there will be a call by some of the same people crying for the stun guns to stop using them. Stun guns are a short-term appeasement to squeaky wheels. In the long term people need to do two things. One is accept that police work is not a garden picnic. You can't make so no one gets hurt, unless people stop breaking the law. The other long-term thing people need to do, is stop breaking the law.
Lazy AP Reporter, Again?
Did the AP's Terry Kinney bother to consider who he/she was quoting when adding this portion of the story listed in several outlets:
So the black separatist/racist Malik Zulu Shabazz comes to Cincinnati to join a "civil rights" cause and the AP reporter quotes him and does not even list his widely known affiliation. Are you just lazy Terry?, Or are you just that ignorant?
UPDATE: If a Cox News Service report can identify Shabazz, why can't the AP?
"We're going right to the doorstep of the criminals," said Malik Zulu Shabazz, a Washington, D.C., attorney and president of Black Lawyers for Justice. "This shows absolutely a pattern of police activity."Terry Kinney seems to be rather lazy not to do a little bit of research on who Malik Zulu Shabazz is. A Google search turns up a few things. Like say Shabazz’s affiliation with the New Black Panther Party. What is the New Black Panther Party you might ask? Well, according to Tolerence.org it is only a hate group. You know, a racist group. The New Black Panther Party has exhibits like this on their website, right along with a profile of Malik Zulu Shabazz.
So the black separatist/racist Malik Zulu Shabazz comes to Cincinnati to join a "civil rights" cause and the AP reporter quotes him and does not even list his widely known affiliation. Are you just lazy Terry?, Or are you just that ignorant?
UPDATE: If a Cox News Service report can identify Shabazz, why can't the AP?
Outside Blogger's View
If you want another view of the Nathaniel Jones case, one I think that is lacking in context and fact, check out Damfacrats. I have been surprised that I have not seen much blogging on this issue, beyond locals.
Saturday, December 06, 2003
ODOT to Close Section of I-270 for Two Hours
A 20 mile section of highway is going to be closed to allow police to investigate the area for what is now listed to be 14 related shootings along that stretch of the highway.
This incident is obviously being compared to the DC area sniper. The person or persons responsible so far have not demonstrated the level of skill that was used in the sniper case from last year. What is lacking so far is any information on how or why these 14 shootings are linked. What type of bullet was used, are they all the same caliber? If they are not, then how do we now they are linked? Do we even have bullets from all shootings? I hope after this investigation takes place the police are able to make public some facts that could help the public to understand the level of the threat (a rifle or hand gun for instance) and to get the public on the lookout for potential suspects.
This incident is obviously being compared to the DC area sniper. The person or persons responsible so far have not demonstrated the level of skill that was used in the sniper case from last year. What is lacking so far is any information on how or why these 14 shootings are linked. What type of bullet was used, are they all the same caliber? If they are not, then how do we now they are linked? Do we even have bullets from all shootings? I hope after this investigation takes place the police are able to make public some facts that could help the public to understand the level of the threat (a rifle or hand gun for instance) and to get the public on the lookout for potential suspects.
Post: Divided
Reading this story from the Cincinnati Post I do not feel like things are going to be getting better in race relations. If one were to only listen to local "black focused" radio and the self professed black "leadership", then it would seem that it is expected or at least acceptable to be bigoted towards white people in the black community in this city. Furthermore it would seem that racism towards white is even tolerated in the black community with little cause of concern.
Pig headed idiots like the FOP leadership do nothing to provide any relief to these concerns.
I really see no improvement possible in the current climate. I see the view of black separatists gaining more tolerance or even acceptance in the black community. I think the failure to oppose all racism, no matter whom it is from, as the goal that has been lost from what remains of the black civil rights movement. When the desire for equality has been replace with the desire for power and revenge, then nothing but strife lies ahead.
Pig headed idiots like the FOP leadership do nothing to provide any relief to these concerns.
I really see no improvement possible in the current climate. I see the view of black separatists gaining more tolerance or even acceptance in the black community. I think the failure to oppose all racism, no matter whom it is from, as the goal that has been lost from what remains of the black civil rights movement. When the desire for equality has been replace with the desire for power and revenge, then nothing but strife lies ahead.
Just What You Might Expect
When you think of Pravda, you might think of propaganda. This commentary does not disappoint. It not only includes falsehoods about the Tim Thomas case, but it has this whopper of an incorrect statement:
The pivotal fact here is that out of 38 deaths at the hands of police of black people since 1995, 15 of those have occurred in Cincinnati.I think there have been far more than 38 black men who have died after altercations with police in the last 8 years.
Where's the National Media?
A man has died after being arrested by Dayton, Ohio Police. Where are the national headlines? No video, no cable news circus.
Bush Hurting: 43% Stay, 47% Go
I was amazed to read this FOX News poll that says 43% of those polled would reelect Bush to another term, while 47% would vote him out. The key news in these numbers is this element from the story:
I am not amazed that this story was released on Friday, but it is on the Website's front page. I don't know how much it is being reported on the TV broadcast. It will be interesting to see how Chris Wallace reports this on his debut as host of FOX News Sunday on the FOX Network.
I have not heard exactly how else Chris Wallace will be featured on FOX News. I hope he is not kept only on the Sunday program and his used for all political coverage, much like Russert is used by NBC.
Independents lean more toward making Bush a one-term president, as 49 percent would give him retirement and only 35 percent say another four years.This poll was conducted on the 3rd and 4th of December, a week after Bush's visit to Iraq.
I am not amazed that this story was released on Friday, but it is on the Website's front page. I don't know how much it is being reported on the TV broadcast. It will be interesting to see how Chris Wallace reports this on his debut as host of FOX News Sunday on the FOX Network.
I have not heard exactly how else Chris Wallace will be featured on FOX News. I hope he is not kept only on the Sunday program and his used for all political coverage, much like Russert is used by NBC.
Friday, December 05, 2003
Amazing Fiction
If you want to most amazing "commentary" that I have read, check out this one from Kenya. I have never read a column so incredibly wrong and fill of falsehoods, misinformation, and what might be lies. The article is by AMBROSE MURUNGA of the newspaper the Daily Nation. This article reads like Mr. Murunga got an eleventh hand oral account of what happened, and did nothing to check the thousands of international news stories on the subject to get basic facts correct. He thinks Mr. Jones was "drunk" and that police "apparently made an offensive remark to the drunken man." The man somehow quotes Charlie Luken from an Enquirer article, but fails to read the part of the article that indicates the man was on drugs, not drunk.
The World Socialist Website had a similar level of fiction in Jerry Isaacs's article as well. This article to me has what could be called libel problems. What lies people tell. I am never more amazed when anyone (in this case socialists) cries for truth but in doing so gives us propaganda at its worst.
The World Socialist Website had a similar level of fiction in Jerry Isaacs's article as well. This article to me has what could be called libel problems. What lies people tell. I am never more amazed when anyone (in this case socialists) cries for truth but in doing so gives us propaganda at its worst.
NPR Coverage of Jones Case
Mayor Charlie Luken was interviewed on NPR's All Things Considered last night. The interview was fairly tame and bland at the same time. I found it very bothersome that one of the interviewer’s questions included the notion that "traces" or Cocaine and PCP were found in Mr. Jones’s body. The Coroner stated that Mr. Jones had "intoxicating levels" of both drugs in his body.
Hipster Friendly Radio Free Newport: We're All Racists
I see Michael at RFN thinks this is a "racist town run by Klan apologists." I guess I missed the memo that the "Klan" had a million local sympathizers. Or is it a million local members?
This town is run by right-wingers. This town is run by religious bigots. This town is run by anti-gay bigots. This town is run by cultural bigots (which everyone is in reality). This town is not run by racists. Most people are not racists. Michael sounds more racist than Peter Bronson. He says that the whites in the town (mostly "those" Catholic Germans) oppress minorities. I love hyperbole. I live and die by it in my blogging, but I can't stand to see this type of fiction played off as anything resembling credible.
Speaking as a liberal: it is not wrong to be of European decent. Western Civilization is not bad. We don't have a caste system in this city oppressing anyone. That would be a Marxist view that if you believe it would be true throughout the country, making this city no worse than anywhere else.
By the way, before anyone starts spewing off on what a liberal is, please don't go into the trite us vs. them construct of linear political ideologies.
This town is run by right-wingers. This town is run by religious bigots. This town is run by anti-gay bigots. This town is run by cultural bigots (which everyone is in reality). This town is not run by racists. Most people are not racists. Michael sounds more racist than Peter Bronson. He says that the whites in the town (mostly "those" Catholic Germans) oppress minorities. I love hyperbole. I live and die by it in my blogging, but I can't stand to see this type of fiction played off as anything resembling credible.
Speaking as a liberal: it is not wrong to be of European decent. Western Civilization is not bad. We don't have a caste system in this city oppressing anyone. That would be a Marxist view that if you believe it would be true throughout the country, making this city no worse than anywhere else.
By the way, before anyone starts spewing off on what a liberal is, please don't go into the trite us vs. them construct of linear political ideologies.
Stumbling Out of the Gate
Chris Smitherman could not have had a worse first few days in office. His statements at this week's city council meeting really make him look like a rookie.
1. Thinking that he and city council were the "boss" of the Chief of Police was forgivable.
2. From the Enquirer: Smitherman demanded the manager obtain an "independent autopsy" and supply the autopsy report "today," as if a city manager and not the county coroner has authority to do autopsies. This is a sign of a ignorance and of cracking under his new found pressure of public office. Emotion seems to be getting the best of him, or he is vesting to much capital in pleasing what he thinks is his "black activist" voting base.
1. Thinking that he and city council were the "boss" of the Chief of Police was forgivable.
2. From the Enquirer: Smitherman demanded the manager obtain an "independent autopsy" and supply the autopsy report "today," as if a city manager and not the county coroner has authority to do autopsies. This is a sign of a ignorance and of cracking under his new found pressure of public office. Emotion seems to be getting the best of him, or he is vesting to much capital in pleasing what he thinks is his "black activist" voting base.
Is it Empiregate or Pettus-Browngate?
Who at city hall is responsible? The city manager is being criticized for altering audit reports involved in the investigation of city department. If this was Washington I would be calling for a Special Prosecutor. When the scandal touches the Mayor's office, the city manager, and member(s) of city council, no one can been seen as independent. I hope the FBI take a bigger role.
More from the Enquirer.
More from the Enquirer.
Talk Radio Part of the Problem, or a Symptom of It?
The Post has a story on what is pretending to be programming on local talk radio here in town. The story states what to any listener is the obvious, the Buzz and WLW are the polar opposites on this issue.
I have been listening to both this week. I usually have on WLW in the morning and the Buzz in the afternoon. This week I have had to turn off the Buzz out of frustration on many occasions. WLW's callers are in general right wing. They have had a whole lot of prejudicial and bigoted callers. There have been very few, if any racist views spouted on the air.
At the Buzz is has been much more of a hate fest. The level of anger towards whites feels to me to be palpable. The only thing topping that is the level of misinformation and ignorance as to what the facts are. Lincoln Ware brought this up:
Bill Cunningham gets the award for being a slime ball. He made many horrid "fat" jokes that was totally disrespectful.
I have been listening to both this week. I usually have on WLW in the morning and the Buzz in the afternoon. This week I have had to turn off the Buzz out of frustration on many occasions. WLW's callers are in general right wing. They have had a whole lot of prejudicial and bigoted callers. There have been very few, if any racist views spouted on the air.
At the Buzz is has been much more of a hate fest. The level of anger towards whites feels to me to be palpable. The only thing topping that is the level of misinformation and ignorance as to what the facts are. Lincoln Ware brought this up:
"I try to put out a true fact and it looks like I'm siding with police and many of my callers don't like that," Ware said. "It's frustrating because some people just don't want to hear the true facts."In the story a nighttime WEBN host was mentioned as crossing the line when talking to some callers. I have no idea what was said, but WEBN has a large percentage of rabid fans who are, or the lack of a better phrase, "poor white trash." I can apply stereotypes and guess at the idiocy let on the air.
Bill Cunningham gets the award for being a slime ball. He made many horrid "fat" jokes that was totally disrespectful.
Bill Cunningham Being Protested
The Enquirer is reporting that the "Concerned Citizens for Justice" will be protesting outside WLW studios in Mt. Adams today between 1:00PM and 3:00PM today. I am torn on this one. The protestors are idiots for giving Cunningham attention, and their motives are at best sketchy. Cunningham is a slimy media whore, who would sell his wife's dildo for ratings.
There will likely be at most a dozen protestors in the rain, if that.
There will likely be at most a dozen protestors in the rain, if that.
MIAMI 49, BG 27
Thursday, December 04, 2003
Jones Funeral Set for Saturday
The Enquirer is reporting the funeral for Nathaniel Jones is set for Saturday when the "wake is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, with services to immediately follow at Allen Temple Worship Center, 7030 Reading Road."
The Enquirer also has a page of reactions for readers across the country on the Jones incident.
The Enquirer also has a page of reactions for readers across the country on the Jones incident.
Cunningham & Lawson on FOX News
Here is the transcript of last night's Hannity & Combs show segment with Bill Cunningham of 700WLW and Ken Lawson, attorney for the Jones family. It reads like an Abbott and Costello routine.
[From comments]
[From comments]
Number 66
We now have 1 more homicide than last year with the shooting death of a woman found in Pleasant Ridge early this morning.
Media Round Up for Thursday
There are almost too many stories to link to, but I will try to locate more commentary on the subject of the Nathaniel Jones Death. The news stories are mostly the same now, beyond the pontifications of lawyers and "activists."
FontPage Magazine has your typical conservative viewpoint.
Rantophilia comments on Peter Bronson's latest column.
Newsday has an analysis of the media coverage which agrees with mine:
We have some more conservative views from the Nation Review Online.
The Dayton Daily News also provides a first hand news story.
Also, comments from Greg Mann.
UPDATE: Delaware County Daily Times (PA) editorial.
FontPage Magazine has your typical conservative viewpoint.
Rantophilia comments on Peter Bronson's latest column.
Newsday has an analysis of the media coverage which agrees with mine:
Experts who study broadcast news doubted the story would have captured the national spotlight without the video taken by a stationary camera on the dashboard of a police cruiser.
"This has been a one-day story for the evening newscasts on ABC, CBS and NBC," said Andrew Tyndall, publisher of the Tyndall Report, which monitors the Big Three networks. "But you absolutely have to have video for this sort of story to get national attention."
We have some more conservative views from the Nation Review Online.
The Dayton Daily News also provides a first hand news story.
Also, comments from Greg Mann.
UPDATE: Delaware County Daily Times (PA) editorial.
Damon Lynch III Reappears
Damon Lynch has been relatively quiet in this mess, but he has spoken out to the media and is calling for a " change at the top of the police force," which means the firing or resignation of Police Chief Tom Streicher. He could however mean Mayor Charlie Luken, and he might be looking to face off against Luken in 2005.
3 Blind Mice?
What makes Reece, Cole, and Smitherman think that getting information sooner will do any good, beyond helping out their image in the “black community?” Councilman Chris Smitherman sounds like he is still campaigning with comments like this:
"I want to make it very clear that I am a newly elected official, and I will not tolerate, ever, insubordination," Smitherman told the chief. "I am one of the members of the board of directors of the City of Cincinnati. Last time I looked at it, I am Chief Streicher's boss."I don't really know what Smitherman is thinking, but he does not manage the police. The City Manager oversees the police, and the City Manager reports to the Mayor. Mr. Smitherman and the rest of City Council are not the boss of the Mayor. The citizens of Cincinnati are however the boss of City Council and the Mayor. We don't tolerate insubordination either. The police don't tolerate it either, unless the FOP president does it on TV.
Morning Show Accounting
I think I heard this morning that some of the Jones family appeared on some of the network morning shows today, likely with Ken Lawson. How many does that make? I think the police chief was on the Today Show Tuesday. Have the morning shows had someone on every day so far this week?
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Cunningham and Lawson on Hannity and Combs?
I missed what surely was great TV. Great in the sense that a car wreck is "great." Rob Bernard has the details.
Appearances
CinWeekly needs to rethink who the choose to interview on some subjects. Who they choose makes them look bad. In this story on "Interview terror" the reporter uses Sharon Potts, a senior associate recruiter for Convergys, as the source on methods about having good interviews. Now, why is Sharon Potts bad? Well, there is nothing wrong with her particularly, the real problem is whom she works for: Convergys. What's the big deal you may ask? Well, you must not remember the biggest election issue, the infamous Convergys deal, worth $52.2 of tax payer's money. Part of that was a promise to add 275 more jobs downtown. Convergys has yet to add those jobs, and has instead laid off at least 40.
CinWeekly looks bad here because the Enquirer was supporting the deal, to the point of holding off on a column with mild criticism until after the deal was passed. What does this CinWeekly story do? Well, it makes the reader very aware that Convergys is interviewing, which must mean they are hiring. If they are hiring that must mean they are living up to the agreement with the city. I am sure the PR folks at Convergys sure hope that what people come away with from the article.
Potts gave some interesting advice in the story:
CinWeekly looks bad here because the Enquirer was supporting the deal, to the point of holding off on a column with mild criticism until after the deal was passed. What does this CinWeekly story do? Well, it makes the reader very aware that Convergys is interviewing, which must mean they are hiring. If they are hiring that must mean they are living up to the agreement with the city. I am sure the PR folks at Convergys sure hope that what people come away with from the article.
Potts gave some interesting advice in the story:
She also suggests researching a company's history before interviewing and preparing three or four questions to ask an employer about the company to show your interest. Potts warns it would be wise to avoid sounding like a know-it-all, however.I would suggest that if you interview with Convergys, don't ask them about the $52.2 million dollar deal and surely don't ask how many of those 275 jobs are really going to just be transfers out of Norwood and into downtown.
Vice Mayor Alicia Reece: Get Over the Whine!
Alicia Reece is pissed SHE was not given information about the Jones death before the media got it. SHE sent this Memo around earlier today and at the Council Meeting today SHE came down heavy on the City Manager and the Police Chief because SHE was out of the loop. SHE needs to be informed about what was going on. SHE had to field "calls from civil rights leaders, African American elected officials, and other leaders from all over the country, " and SHE did not have the information SHE needed to inform those that called HER.
I am so pleased to see a Vice-Mayor so concerned about police issues that SHE wrote this memo. After all everyone knows what an important person SHE is in this city and how SHE adds to debate of council. What on Earth would we do without HER.
SHE sure knows how to drive someone to tears too.
I am so pleased to see a Vice-Mayor so concerned about police issues that SHE wrote this memo. After all everyone knows what an important person SHE is in this city and how SHE adds to debate of council. What on Earth would we do without HER.
SHE sure knows how to drive someone to tears too.
Ken Lawson: Jerk
Lawyers are known as the scum of the earth. That has always been an overstatement. I work for a lawyer, I know several lawyers personally. I hate to see scummy actions or statements from Lawyers to prove the stereotype. Ken Lawson has given me one such statement to prove to me, that he is a jerk and among the scummiest lawyers not only in Cincinnati, but I think the country. From the New York Times:
If either of those men come here, I wonder if Nate Livingston will protest their appearances.
A lawyer for Mr. Jones' family, Kenneth L. Lawson, said the coroner probably called the death a homicide "because he knew we would be getting that body examined by our own coroner and we would keep him honest."Right Kenny, the coroner is so concerned about you getting paid, that gave you the PR headline you need to help push the settlement amount over a million dollars. The more national headlines the "Law Dog" can get, the more pressure he can put on the city to settle. I wonder if Ken had place a call to Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, offering to book them plane tickets to Cincinnati.
If either of those men come here, I wonder if Nate Livingston will protest their appearances.
Shit Has Hit the Fan
The Coroner has ruled that the struggle with police was the primary cause of the death of Nathaniel Jones. This means that the case is ruled as a "homicide" a technical term. The term "homicide" will none-the-less through gasoline onto a tension racked city.
I did not think much trouble was brewing, but after listening to hate spewing from many of the callers to 1230theBuzz today, I fear that if cooler heads don't keep the peace, we might get trouble. The word "homicide" has already been used by Ron Twitty as the term describing the Coroner's ruling. He has tried to explain it what that means, but I fear many will hear only what they want. This afternoon and tonight will need adults out to keep people from letting emotion vent or quelling any opportunists from using a riot as cover for theft.
Move Coverage: CNN, WLWT, and USA Today.
I did not think much trouble was brewing, but after listening to hate spewing from many of the callers to 1230theBuzz today, I fear that if cooler heads don't keep the peace, we might get trouble. The word "homicide" has already been used by Ron Twitty as the term describing the Coroner's ruling. He has tried to explain it what that means, but I fear many will hear only what they want. This afternoon and tonight will need adults out to keep people from letting emotion vent or quelling any opportunists from using a riot as cover for theft.
Move Coverage: CNN, WLWT, and USA Today.
Post's Coverage Shift?
With story title's like these, you would think someone has a skeleton in the closet and the Baptists Ministers Conference knows about it:
Atmosphere tense
Treatment delayed
97-second gap raises concerns
In the last story I am just amazed at the pure speculation that Ken Lawson, lawyer for the family of the Nathaniel Jones. Lawson's tactics of smoke and mirrors is there to build public outcry and attract foolish journalists into printing his manufactured contentions like the claim from the subheadline "Lawson: Tape may have been erased." Yes Ken, and your parents might have been from Mars. It is the job of defense lawyers to confuse possibility with probability. I wish journalists would not assist him.
Atmosphere tense
Treatment delayed
97-second gap raises concerns
In the last story I am just amazed at the pure speculation that Ken Lawson, lawyer for the family of the Nathaniel Jones. Lawson's tactics of smoke and mirrors is there to build public outcry and attract foolish journalists into printing his manufactured contentions like the claim from the subheadline "Lawson: Tape may have been erased." Yes Ken, and your parents might have been from Mars. It is the job of defense lawyers to confuse possibility with probability. I wish journalists would not assist him.
Hot Air, How Apropos
Could a title be more fitting to this section from the Editorial Page of the Enquirer. The writers seem bent on a political reporter misspeaking on a CBS program. Couldn't Ray Cooklis find an instant where Hillary Clinton said Buffalo was in upstate NY, when every good New Yorker knows Buffalo is in Western NY State?
When it comes to misspeaking, I think the Enquirer could fill an entire editorial page with the misstatements of the sitting President. Instead they trump up a load of crap about a well respected journalist. Save the cheap shots for Talk Radio and the Blogging World. A big newspaper attacking another journalist for a mistake, while not even mentioning their own mistake, hmmm sounds like hypocrisy to me.
When it comes to misspeaking, I think the Enquirer could fill an entire editorial page with the misstatements of the sitting President. Instead they trump up a load of crap about a well respected journalist. Save the cheap shots for Talk Radio and the Blogging World. A big newspaper attacking another journalist for a mistake, while not even mentioning their own mistake, hmmm sounds like hypocrisy to me.
Anticipation
I am waiting with baited anticipation for this week's issue of CityBeat. I wonder how they will play the Nathaniel Jones Case. The players in the black community are taking variable paths in this, some predictable, some not. Will CityBeat go the knee-jerk anti-police route, or will they take a different route? The case has some issues. Will they play the racism card, which has no legs to stand on, or will they look at issues of possible bad judgment by the police or paramedics? The issue was not out yet this morning and the website was not yet updated. I am on pins and needles waiting to read it. (Cough, cough)
Which is Worse?
Is the Leader of the Cincinnati Police Union going on TV Sunday ranting about the treatment of police worse than a group of ministers reportedly saying?
But a group of black ministers Tuesday described the incident as "torture'' and called for clergy throughout the city to let their parishioners out early Sunday to attend an afternoon rally and march at City Hall.Both attitudes do nothing but add fuel to the fire of anger. Blame is falling onto its usual suspects, which will lead to the same cries of racism and the same police union arrogance.
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
It Took Long Enough
The Jones family has retained a lawyer, and the lucky winner of a nice shinny new contingency case is.............
wait for it..........
It's obvious, isn't it?
The Law Dog.......KENNY LAWSON.
wait for it..........
It's obvious, isn't it?
The Law Dog.......KENNY LAWSON.
Drugs Found in Jones' Car
The Coroner reports that Nathaniel Jones' car contained .36g of cocaine and:
The cigarettes, which had been dipped in a liquid substance and were slightly odorous, test positively for the presence of phencyclidine.Phencyclidine is better known as PCP or "angel dust."
Tuesday Media Roundup on Police Suspect Death
Hegemo comments on Jimmy Kimmel's show with Dick Gregory and The Great One Wayne Gretzky. Gregory brought up the death of Nathaniel Jones here in Cincinnati. Wayne seemed to be staying out of the conversation. I would have likely done the same if I was him in that situation. Why comment on something you know nothing about on national TV?
While on 1230theBuzz Oscar Robinson complained about Bill Cunningham's comments on the Hannity & Combs show on FOX. I can't find a transcript.
CNN interview with Cincinnati Police Chief Thomas Streicher Jr.
FOX News has an AP report with a bit of recycled news.
I will try to update this later if any additional comments or news pops up. I am surprised so far that the outside of local Cincy area Bloggers, this has not hit the blogosphere much yet. If anyone has seen other blogs out there with comments on this story, let me know.
UPDATE: Wes Flinn provides a full analysis with historical context.
NY Times on Cincinnati trying to quell tension.
UPDATE #2: Post Editorial.
UPDATE: #3 From the Dallas Morning News Blog
While on 1230theBuzz Oscar Robinson complained about Bill Cunningham's comments on the Hannity & Combs show on FOX. I can't find a transcript.
CNN interview with Cincinnati Police Chief Thomas Streicher Jr.
FOX News has an AP report with a bit of recycled news.
I will try to update this later if any additional comments or news pops up. I am surprised so far that the outside of local Cincy area Bloggers, this has not hit the blogosphere much yet. If anyone has seen other blogs out there with comments on this story, let me know.
UPDATE: Wes Flinn provides a full analysis with historical context.
NY Times on Cincinnati trying to quell tension.
UPDATE #2: Post Editorial.
UPDATE: #3 From the Dallas Morning News Blog
Media watch: police vs. 350-pound manYup.
Many no doubt saw the video of the police confrontation with the 350-pound man. My gripe was with the television tease to the late news last night shown repeatedly to lure you into the 10 p.m. news. It showed just the the beating with batons. Yet when more of the tape was rolled -- earlier in the episode -- we saw the 350-pound man lunging wildly at one of the officers.
Quite a different picture that at least threw total doubt on the first impressions delivered by the "tease."
The autopsy shows PCP (notorious angel dust that can cause tremendous mood swings) as well as cocaine in the dead man's body throws even more fog into the incident.
That is media irresponsibility. It made it look like Rodney King II was under way. That's ratings on the cheap.
posted by Jim Frisinger @ Dec 2, 10:52 AM
Big Local News Day
Beyond the big nationalized news story around the police suspect death we have two additional stories that would be big news if not crowded out. A 17 year old girl was reportedly abducted by her armed boyfriend. Also a rookie Bengal player from the practice squad was arrested on multiple charges after being caught urinated in public. The later incident would have been wall-to-wall coverage. The man allegedly ran from police. He was arrested on charges of fleeing police, public intoxication, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and driving on a suspended license. According to the story he fled from police in his car. I don't know why he did not get charged with DUI if he got a public intoxication charge.
UPDATE: Girl abducted now home safe.
UPDATE: Girl abducted now home safe.
Blame Canada!
Looks like I will be moving to Canada at some point. If Bush's America gains dominance over the culture, then I believe the blue and red states will be slipping into a greater conflict than civil rights era ever had.
Relevant Facts?
There are new reported facts about the Police scuffle death. The Post reports two big elements:
1. After the Fire Department called police to deal with Jones, they left.
2. Jones called the police officers "White boy, red neck."
The only point of the incident that looks like poor judgment is expressed in this passage from the article
If you have seen any national news reporters around town, chime in and share who you saw.
UPDATE: A CNN report adds another fact that was new to me, a woman was reported to be with Mr. Jones at the point of the initial call to the paramedics.
1. After the Fire Department called police to deal with Jones, they left.
2. Jones called the police officers "White boy, red neck."
The only point of the incident that looks like poor judgment is expressed in this passage from the article
After detecting a pulse but noticing that Jones was not breathing after officers rolled him over onto his back, a half dozen officers stood around the 41-year-old Northside man for about two minutes without administering CPR or other first aid.This is not untypical for police, but this is where the fire department actions are more of an issue. Race should not be an issue, but a talk radio caller said the fire department paramedics on the scene were black. If this was true, how will it affect the debate? If this story lasts as a national issue into tomorrow papers, then we truly have a circus.
If you have seen any national news reporters around town, chime in and share who you saw.
UPDATE: A CNN report adds another fact that was new to me, a woman was reported to be with Mr. Jones at the point of the initial call to the paramedics.
Bitch Slapped!
Ok, a harsh headline, but Nate was figuratively bitch slapped by Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Norbert Nadel. Not only did Nate loose his case to try and gain entrance to the ceremonial council session, he was told by the judge that he could no longer file lawsuits in the county without paying the standard fee. According to the Post's story, Nate has qualified under a "pauper" classification where he does not have to pay $175 fee usually required to file a lawsuit. Nate, whose employment status is unknown, will now have to raise the fee for each new, what I would call frivolous, lawsuit. I would bet Nate will file a lawsuit against the Judge, but will he have to pay the fee?
I hate to give Nate attention, but in this case, it is just warranted. I am sure I will be attacked on his website later on for doing it. Oh, well.
I hate to give Nate attention, but in this case, it is just warranted. I am sure I will be attacked on his website later on for doing it. Oh, well.
If You Disrupt a Meeting, Will "They" Riot?
Well, another AP writer is giving Nate and his mini-cabal of racists/bigots attention. This time though it is reporting news that happened:
I hope Terry Kinney of the AP understands that Nate represents no one but a handful of racists and bigots in the city. John Nolan of the AP should know this, but seems to want to help indirectly perpetuate hate groups.
I wonder if Damon Lynch has even been interviewed by the AP about this incident. I have seen sound bits from him on television news, so I can only assume he is willing to talk to the press. I strongly disagree with Damon Lynch, and I do think his actions or failure to act in certain instances helped lead to the 2001 riots, but his comments thus far on this incident have been reasoned, respectful, and to a degree fair. I would hope that he can spin the National Activists away from Cincinnati at this point. We don't need Jesse Jackson capitalizing on this event, although he has spoken about it already. I think Al Sharpton may stay out of Cincinnati for now. He seems to be trying to be more "statesmanlike" while running for President. I think he would have been on the next plane otherwise.
Monday night's regular meeting of the complaint panel was disrupted by four activists who demanded quick action.Ok, so what happened? Nate and Company were trying to copy Damon Lynch. Back in 2001 the riots were perpetuated by a group of people, led by Damon Lynch III, who raised a ruckus at a City Council Sub-Committee meeting the Monday after the Tim Thomas shooting. That night and the next two saw riots. It would appear Nate might have been trying to recreate the reaction that led to rioting. The problem here is that, well, no one but Nate follows Nate. Damon Lynch has a following, and packed council chambers 2 years ago. Here it was only Nate and 3 of the usual suspects.
"It's apparent that you don't know what you're supposed to be doing and what your authority is," said Nate Livingston Jr., a member of the Coalition for a Just Cincinnati, which promotes a boycott of the city.
"When they start fighting in the streets, you'll say, 'Why didn't you do it the right way? Why didn't you come to City Hall? Why didn't you trust us? Why didn't you talk to us?"
Police were called to escort Livingston and three others from the room when they continued to shout at the panel.
I hope Terry Kinney of the AP understands that Nate represents no one but a handful of racists and bigots in the city. John Nolan of the AP should know this, but seems to want to help indirectly perpetuate hate groups.
I wonder if Damon Lynch has even been interviewed by the AP about this incident. I have seen sound bits from him on television news, so I can only assume he is willing to talk to the press. I strongly disagree with Damon Lynch, and I do think his actions or failure to act in certain instances helped lead to the 2001 riots, but his comments thus far on this incident have been reasoned, respectful, and to a degree fair. I would hope that he can spin the National Activists away from Cincinnati at this point. We don't need Jesse Jackson capitalizing on this event, although he has spoken about it already. I think Al Sharpton may stay out of Cincinnati for now. He seems to be trying to be more "statesmanlike" while running for President. I think he would have been on the next plane otherwise.
Monday, December 01, 2003
Roundup on the Police Suspect Death
Rob Bernard Comments.
More from CNN.
BET has more of the CJC position, needless to say one over the top.
A recycled AP report in the Independent.
More from CNN.
BET has more of the CJC position, needless to say one over the top.
A recycled AP report in the Independent.
Big Story
Michael at Rantophilia (perma links at blogspot down) asks
This story is fine to make the wires and be carried as back page news in the LA Times or the Dallas Morning News, but not as the headline story on FOX News’s Website. I have not seen the cable broadcasts yet today, but I can only guess how many times they have shown the video. In comments someone indicated that Nate was on Hannity’s radio program. This is about an inch away from a circus. I hope the preliminary results from the coroner are true about the level of drugs in the man’s system. That might justify the police in eyes of everyone in town, minus some of the hardline “activists.”
I don't know if he means to say this, but Brian Griffin over at CB certainly implies that Jones's death is not "a big story." I beg to differ. How is this not a big story?This story is a big story here in Cincinnati, not a big NATIONAL story or rather it should not be one. This is a case of the nationalization of local news that happens every time there is video to go alone with a wire story, and that wire story is pumped up with inflammatory comments from an "activist."
This story is fine to make the wires and be carried as back page news in the LA Times or the Dallas Morning News, but not as the headline story on FOX News’s Website. I have not seen the cable broadcasts yet today, but I can only guess how many times they have shown the video. In comments someone indicated that Nate was on Hannity’s radio program. This is about an inch away from a circus. I hope the preliminary results from the coroner are true about the level of drugs in the man’s system. That might justify the police in eyes of everyone in town, minus some of the hardline “activists.”
Making National Headlines: A Lazy AP Writer Hits the Bottom of the Barrel
The death of Nathaniel Jones after a struggle with police is now the headline on FOX News while not as big a news story on CNN. In the AP article from CNN this tidbit is funny:
More Coverage: ABC, ONN, LA Times.
UPDATE: The AP story has been cleaned up a bit with new information but it still includes a quote from Livingston. The main update includes preliminary autopsy information indicating Mr. Jones had an enlarged heart and his blood contained both cocaine and PCP (Angel Dust).
I am amazed this was the "top story" on the Yahoo Most Viewed story list.
Michael at Rantophilia also comments.
Black activists say the death Sunday of Nathaniel Jones, 41, was another example of brutality involving Cincinnati police. The fatal shooting of an unarmed black man by a white police officer in April 2001 prompted three nights of rioting in the city.Once again we have a local AP reporter who is too lazy to go and get a quote from someone who actually speaks for someone beside himself. Nate gives an inflammatory comment that makes for good copy and Boom, here come the headlines. I would love it if AP reporters always signed their names. What I think is the same story in the LA Times lists John Nolan as the writer. He has personally caused this case to become a big story by giving attention to individuals and groups that are racist and bigoted, who care not about fact, but instead are out to gain attention for their black separatist cause. If you want to quote a black activist whom "most" people would agree to a degree represents the "black community", then why not quote Damon Lynch III? (At this point if "Someone" is on the ball he will be copying my post to his group's website and chiding me without end.)
"How many of our people have to die before the city decides to do something about it?" said Nathaniel Livingston Jr. of the Coalition for a Just Cincinnati.
More Coverage: ABC, ONN, LA Times.
UPDATE: The AP story has been cleaned up a bit with new information but it still includes a quote from Livingston. The main update includes preliminary autopsy information indicating Mr. Jones had an enlarged heart and his blood contained both cocaine and PCP (Angel Dust).
I am amazed this was the "top story" on the Yahoo Most Viewed story list.
Michael at Rantophilia also comments.
Overreaching Article of the Day
From Friday I learned something new. Since Cincinnati has 3 "trendy" clubs: Jeff Ruby's Tropicana, Red Cheetah, and the unmentioned Club Clau, and people don't behave like "angels" while there, our city is not as "conservative" as you might think.
Ahem.
I first have to laugh at this as a news story. This is not a news story, it is a commercial. If the writer wanted to show the city was not conservative, why not talk about the vibrant gay community? Why not talk about the various progressive groups around town?
What I find most funny is that a majority of the people who go to these clubs, if they vote at all, likely vote Republican and considered themselves "conservative." They would just not consider themselves CCV style prudes.
Ahem.
I first have to laugh at this as a news story. This is not a news story, it is a commercial. If the writer wanted to show the city was not conservative, why not talk about the vibrant gay community? Why not talk about the various progressive groups around town?
What I find most funny is that a majority of the people who go to these clubs, if they vote at all, likely vote Republican and considered themselves "conservative." They would just not consider themselves CCV style prudes.
More on Man Dying After Being Arrested
The Enquirer has a full report on the incident including a full quote from Roger Webster, FOP President:
UPDATE: The Post's Story, and their gross speculative analysis.
"My question to the police administration is, what criminal act are you investigating? You are accusing these cops of being criminals," Webster said angrily outside police headquarters. "That is why they don't want to work, because they are treated worse than the criminals they arrest."Webster is not helping quell the situation. His officers are not going to be fired, so he will do more good if he would shut his trap.
UPDATE: The Post's Story, and their gross speculative analysis.
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Hitting the Fan?
A man died early Sunday morning after being in police custody. The information thus far shows no wrongdoing, but for some that will not matter. I hope the city increases police protection at the Council Meeting. There are calls for protests already from the Boycott B.
The FOP President went way overboard with his reaction. His comment "...that’s why they don't want to work..." sounds like conformation of the "slowdown" that occurred after the 2001 riots.
Other coverage: WCPO
The FOP President went way overboard with his reaction. His comment "...that’s why they don't want to work..." sounds like conformation of the "slowdown" that occurred after the 2001 riots.
Other coverage: WCPO
QCF Gets Panned
Greg Mann from Notes from Ground Level is less than impressed with the writing at Queen City Forum, especially the column on the Second Amendment.
It's Alive!
The "Real Life, Real News" initiative appears to be off the ground at the Enquirer. Will there be any hard news columns in the Metro Section anymore? The Enquirer appears to have let some columnists go, or at least reassigned them to other jobs. Denise Smith-Amos and Karen Gutiérrez are the two that come to mind most. Where are they? They are off the columnist roster and have not written for some time. With the retirement of Laura Pulfer there are really few columnists left at the Enquirer. Does this mean they have hired more reporters? Or have the former columnists become reporters? Even John Kiesewetter is no longer listed as an Enquirer Columnist.
The Opinion Page appears to have the most changes. I give you one conservative newspaper with a columnist line up like this:
Sunday – Richard Cohen and Walter Williams
Monday – Leonard Pitts Jr.
Tuesday – William Safire
Wednesday – Richard Cohen and Kathleen Parker
Thursday – William Safire
Friday – Charles Krauthammer
Saturday – James J. Kilpatrick and Kathleen Parker
A rundown
Richard Cohen: Moderate Liberal
Walter Williams: Rush Limbaugh Conservative
Leonard Pitts Jr: Moderate Liberal
William Safire: Old Northeastern Conservative
Kathleen Parker: Moderate Conservative
Charles Krauthammer: Hardline Conservative
James J. Kilpatrick: Conservative who usually has non-political columns appear in the Enquirer.
So we have 10 total syndicated columnist spots in the Enquirer. 3 of those 10 spots are filled by "liberals." That would be 30% of the time for those keeping stats. Ah, yes, that would be fair and balanced for someone looking to provide a conservative editorial page.
The Opinion Page appears to have the most changes. I give you one conservative newspaper with a columnist line up like this:
Sunday – Richard Cohen and Walter Williams
Monday – Leonard Pitts Jr.
Tuesday – William Safire
Wednesday – Richard Cohen and Kathleen Parker
Thursday – William Safire
Friday – Charles Krauthammer
Saturday – James J. Kilpatrick and Kathleen Parker
A rundown
Richard Cohen: Moderate Liberal
Walter Williams: Rush Limbaugh Conservative
Leonard Pitts Jr: Moderate Liberal
William Safire: Old Northeastern Conservative
Kathleen Parker: Moderate Conservative
Charles Krauthammer: Hardline Conservative
James J. Kilpatrick: Conservative who usually has non-political columns appear in the Enquirer.
So we have 10 total syndicated columnist spots in the Enquirer. 3 of those 10 spots are filled by "liberals." That would be 30% of the time for those keeping stats. Ah, yes, that would be fair and balanced for someone looking to provide a conservative editorial page.
Saturday, November 29, 2003
Suckers Born Again
Reading the letters to editor of the Enquirer today demonstrates how people are suckered by PR. The letters gush in pride and pats on the back for Bush. What did he really do? He did nothing. He sneaked into the country and visited some troops at the Baghdad Airport. The country is far to dangerous for him to stay more than a few hours, let alone overnight.
I have no problem with Bush going. It is good for morale. It is traditional for Presidents to visit the troops on Thanksgiving in time of war. His dad did it during the First Gulf War. What I despise is the obvious use of it as a means of Public Relations. The purpose of this event was to change public opinion if favor of George Bush. This really was not about the troops. If this was about the troops, then I think Bush would have made an effort to see a whole lot more than just one small group at the airport.
What adds insult to injury to this is Bush's weekly radio address. Bush tells us of the efforts of citizens to support the troops:
I also want to point out this statement from Bush:
I am just disgusted by how this trip is being trumpeted by the media and by Conservatives as something important or substantial. Nothing has changed. The situation of our troops has not changed at all. Iraq is not any better off than it was before. It was a nice symbolic gesture of the President to take this significant risk to fly into Iraq for 2+ hours. It might be more valuable for Bush to spend his time making it safe for him to spend the night in Baghdad.
UPDATE: Roger Ailes (the good one) comments and they sting.
I have no problem with Bush going. It is good for morale. It is traditional for Presidents to visit the troops on Thanksgiving in time of war. His dad did it during the First Gulf War. What I despise is the obvious use of it as a means of Public Relations. The purpose of this event was to change public opinion if favor of George Bush. This really was not about the troops. If this was about the troops, then I think Bush would have made an effort to see a whole lot more than just one small group at the airport.
What adds insult to injury to this is Bush's weekly radio address. Bush tells us of the efforts of citizens to support the troops:
The courage of our soldiers and their families show the spirit of this country in great adversity. And many citizens are showing their appreciation by helping military families here at home.Why do civilians need to help the troops in the field? Why isn't the military taking care of their own soldiers and the immediate families of those soldiers?
Members of the VFW have started an Adopt-A-Unit program, so veterans and their families can support military units in Iraq and Afghanistan. Volunteers from a group called Rebuilding Together have repaired homes for military families while their spouses are deployed.
Citizens interested in finding volunteer opportunities to support our military should visit the USA Freedom Corps website at usafreedomcorps.gov.
I also want to point out this statement from Bush:
I'm pleased to report back from the front lines that our troops are strong, morale is high and our military is confident we will prevail.Yes, I think Bush can state the troops are strong. What I don't think he can say from first hand experience that morale is high. Bush spent time with troops at one location for a couple of hours. Secondly, no troops is going to say anything to Bush other than that their morale is high. The troops know better and the military brass knows to filter who meets Bush.
I am just disgusted by how this trip is being trumpeted by the media and by Conservatives as something important or substantial. Nothing has changed. The situation of our troops has not changed at all. Iraq is not any better off than it was before. It was a nice symbolic gesture of the President to take this significant risk to fly into Iraq for 2+ hours. It might be more valuable for Bush to spend his time making it safe for him to spend the night in Baghdad.
UPDATE: Roger Ailes (the good one) comments and they sting.
Feeding Frenzy Begins
CNN and FOX News have follow-up stories on the I-270 shootings. What will the gunman's nickname be? The panic may have begun already in Columbus. The UK's Sun gives the story the headline "Sniper on terror road." ITV asks: "Another American sniper case?"
Friday, November 28, 2003
Statewide Indoor Smoking Ban?
This will not happen here in Ohio. The GOP control the state government, and a statewide ballot issue will have to contend with a whole lot of smokers and bar owners.
Internal Probe
The Post reported yesterday that City Manager Valerie Lemmie instructed Cincinnati police to begin a criminal investigation of the City's Community Development and Planning Department. This probe stems from the LaShawn Pettus-Brown/Empire Theater scandal, and appears to be bye-stepping possible roles played by Mayor Luken and Councilwoman Reece. If Lemmie wants to get to the bottom of things, why doesn't she request an FBI investigation into both Luken and Reece? The CPD will not be a credible agency to investigate their own ultimate bosses.
Politics Lacking Linkage
Queen City Forum got a huge plug today from the Enquirer. I will admit, I have never heard of their site before. I will have to look it over and will likely add the link to my site. I do have to criticize one part of their site without hesitation. They list a link called "THE FINEST COLLECTION OF NEWS & POLITICAL LINKS" on the site. If you go to that page you will view a nice list of links on news, political party, opinion, and reference sites. What you don't see, beyond a couple of exceptions, are blogs. Adding insult to injury, they recommend the "Drudge Report." Drudge is a up to speed on politics as my Aunt is on the working definition of "metrosexual." There are at least 50 blogs that nationally push political and current events debate in the country more than nearly any other source. They do that because all of the people who write the opinion columns on those pages, read those blogs.
Not to mention national blogs, but ahem, there are many locally based blogs that cover Cincinnati and Ohio politics, mine of course being one of them. Not to mention XRay Magazine, Cincinnati Tomorrow, and MediaBridges to name of few of news or local resources.
The writing on the site looks interesting. I welcome all of the local coverage of politics as much as possible. I have to ask the question, why can't we read a column like those written on the Queen City Forum in CinWeekly? Just one? Once in a while? A little political opinion, please?
Not to mention national blogs, but ahem, there are many locally based blogs that cover Cincinnati and Ohio politics, mine of course being one of them. Not to mention XRay Magazine, Cincinnati Tomorrow, and MediaBridges to name of few of news or local resources.
The writing on the site looks interesting. I welcome all of the local coverage of politics as much as possible. I have to ask the question, why can't we read a column like those written on the Queen City Forum in CinWeekly? Just one? Once in a while? A little political opinion, please?
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Crazy Nuts Up in Columbus?
No, I am not referring to Ohio A&M fans. There has been a rash of gun fire along I-270 in the same general area which killed a woman this week. Police don't call it a sniper case yet, but there are signs that it might be. This is starting to garner some national attention, even today on Thanksgiving. I will be keeping my eye on this story. Each additional attack will increase the media coverage by a factor of 10. I hope the criminals responsible are caught before we are forced to see FOX News and the usual suspects up in Columbus scaring the OSU parents to death.
Coverage: FOX News, CNN, NY Post, PD, & ONN.
Coverage: FOX News, CNN, NY Post, PD, & ONN.
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Turkey Day
I am off to my Turkey Day Festivities. My blogging will be zero or at best near zero over the next day or two. I hope everyone has a fun and safe Thanksgiving!
Editorial Fact Checking
Sarah at The Hegemo points out a significant factual error in the Enquirer's editorial today on Nick Clooney. This sentence is just a bit wrong:
Jerry Springer was a TV anchor before becoming mayor of Cincinnati.I hope David Wells is getting a bit of scolding from the bossman Tom Callinan. I think Sarah is correct when she posits that nearly everyone on the editorial page must be in vacation mode or already on vacation.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Am I Now Some How With It?
Ok, CinWeekly has a story on the Dubliner's Tuesday night Trivia. I just got back from participating in that event. Our team, "ToFurkey," had 411 points and placed 15th. This was a poor showing, but when you have a full round dedicated to drinks & beverages and a round matching philosophers to the name of one of their writings, our low score makes sense. The winning team had like 575 points. Last week our team had 432 points and I think we were in about 6th place.
The best advice in the story, Arrive Early! We had a back booth and were squeezed in.
The best advice in the story, Arrive Early! We had a back booth and were squeezed in.
Delta's Duplicity
Stephanie Dunlap reports on Delta Airline's conflicting benefits polices. Comair does not offer any domestic partnership benefits to homosexuals and does not have anti-homosexual discrimination protections. Comair's parent company, Delta, does have those benefits.
My only concern is that there is still some reliance on the old Kentucky network of social conservatism. Kentucky is not what I would call Gay friendly, and most of Comair workers are based there. Delta should have made its division comply with corporate policy a long time ago, it should get on the ball and bring them into line with a common policy in all major corporations.
Comair is wholly owned by Delta, which goes above and beyond to demonstrate its commitment to diversity. Delta and its only other wholly owned subsidiary, Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA), both offer domestic partner benefits and an anti-discrimination policy, as do most other "mainline" airlines and their wholly owned connection carriers, Stark says.It is a very bizarre policy to have a different benefit plan for a wholly owned subsidiary. It is ultimately more work to administer, but likely Comair's benefits are not as good and therefore Delta would have to pay more money to bring them into the main plan. That plan merger would allow for bigger bargaining power with the larger volume of participants, but would it outweigh the increase costs of better coverage? I don't think the company is purposely out to stick it to homosexuals in the benefits arena, but I really wonder why they don't have an anti-homosexual discrimination policy? Who at the Delta HQ wants to screw with more lawsuits?
My only concern is that there is still some reliance on the old Kentucky network of social conservatism. Kentucky is not what I would call Gay friendly, and most of Comair workers are based there. Delta should have made its division comply with corporate policy a long time ago, it should get on the ball and bring them into line with a common policy in all major corporations.
Ouch, That Must Hurt
Greg Flannery hits the CJC hard in his Porkopolis column this week:
Having lost most of its members as a result of anti-Semitic and homophobic rants, the CJC has lately specialized in picketing civil rights leaders, progressives and others who support the group's putative goal of police reform and racial justice in Cincinnati."Someone" will surely not like Greg's comments. When a small number of people pretend to be a "large" group, any information to the contrary will surely be meet with childish vitriol. I will expect that this post will make it to the CJC's message board. "Someone" has taken to copying my posts to the CJC website and make it appear that I actually posted it there. I am sure the various posters to that board, most of which are the same "someone" under different screen identities, will call me names for bringing attention to Greg's column, but the truth needs to be said, and I am glad Greg is reporting it.
That might seem self-defeating, but it's entirely consistent with Livingston's modus operandi. For example, the protective order he was charged with violating had been initiated by fellow boycott leader Victoria Straughn, coordinator of Citizens Concerned for Justice.
Something's Missing
OK, this WCPO story indicates:
More from the Post and the Enquirer.
Former Nativity School principal Bob Herring was fired by church parish director Marc Sherlock Monday over "philosophical differences," according to an archdiocese official.The story then describes how 200 protestors, mostly parents and students, lobbied to get Mr. Herring reinstated. Since when are "philosophical differences" a good enough reason for protestors to not come up with the "real" reasons this man was fired. What "philosophies" are in question here? I think something is missing here. There has to be more to this story than a philosophical difference to account for firing a principal during the school year.
More from the Post and the Enquirer.
Monday, November 24, 2003
Cincinnati Hipsters Unite!
I can't comment to much on this story, I was not there, but I have to quote this part:
"These organizations are recognizing that they have to build young audiences," said James Czar, manager of information systems with Enjoy the Arts/Start, an organization that promotes art among young people. "Their older member base is eventually not going to be there, so they need to repopulate it now."I doubt Mr. Czar would call himself a hipster, but I find it interesting this gathering was considered one of "hipsters." I have a negative feeling for the word and I am still unsure if it can apply to anyone in Cincinnati. For the record the dictionary defines a hipster as "One who is exceptionally aware of or interested in the latest trends and tastes, especially a devotee of modern jazz." Now, m-w.com has a more historical feeling of a definition:
Pronunciation: 'hip-st&rThe modern usage from urbandictionary.com is the one that gives me the negative vibe:
Function: noun
Etymology: 4hip
Date: circa 1941
: a person who is unusually aware of and interested in new and unconventional patterns (as in jazz or the use of stimulants)
someone, usually a teenager or 20something, who adheres to a counterculture ranging from indy-rockers to neo-hippies to skaters. they tend to define themselves by the music they listen to, and the outlandish clothes they wear. hipsters are opposed to other countercultures like goths, metal-heads, and gangstas, and they also avoid preps, eurotrash, white trash, and jocksSo who is a hipster out there?
question: why does he only listen to bands that are never played on the radio?
answer: he's a hipster
GOP Eating Their Own?
The Enquirer reports that the GOP has six possible candidates to run for County Commissioner against Todd Portune. The primary is coming up in March of next year, so the battle for money should be going on like a Thursday after Thanksgiving sale.
The real question is who will challenge Kabaka Oba to get the Democratic nomination to run for John Downlin's seat? John Cranley? Alicia Reece? Howard Bond?
The Democrats will be eating their own in the Race for Mayor of Cincinnati. Mark Mallory, David Pepper, and Alicia Reece are all talking about running for Mayor in 2005 as is the current Mayor, Charlie Luken. With an open primary, 2 or more Democrats could be on the ballot. That would be interesting.
The real question is who will challenge Kabaka Oba to get the Democratic nomination to run for John Downlin's seat? John Cranley? Alicia Reece? Howard Bond?
The Democrats will be eating their own in the Race for Mayor of Cincinnati. Mark Mallory, David Pepper, and Alicia Reece are all talking about running for Mayor in 2005 as is the current Mayor, Charlie Luken. With an open primary, 2 or more Democrats could be on the ballot. That would be interesting.
Cincinnati Television News Spawns Another Political Candidate
Ken Lucas will not seek re-election, but Nick Clooney is running in his place. Nick's candidacy will surely garner a lot of attention because he is the father of George Clooney. George has slowly been dipping his toes in the water of political advocacy; I wonder how involved he will be in his dad's campaign.
UPDATE: more coverage from the Enquirer, FOX41, and ONN.
UPDATE#2: AP has the story on Yahoo and it hit the most viewed stories at #13
UPDATE: more coverage from the Enquirer, FOX41, and ONN.
UPDATE#2: AP has the story on Yahoo and it hit the most viewed stories at #13
Sunday, November 23, 2003
The Archbishop Knew?
This report from WCPO indicates that Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk was told about allegations of sexual abuse sometime between 1988 and 1994. If he knew about these allegations, why is Pilarczyk getting away with this?
Smells like 1970
The FBI is investigating anti-war protestors. Will the summer of 2004 election season make 1968 look like a picnic? I once again will predict there will be violence, to some degree or another, at the national political conventions next summer. Also from Reuters.
UPDATE: Wes Flinn comments.
UPDATE: Wes Flinn comments.
MIAMI 49, OU 31
Love and honor to Miami,
Our college old and grand,
Proudly we shall ever hail thee,
Over all the land.
Alma mater now we praise thee,
Sing joyfully this lay,
Love and honor to Miami,
Forever and a day.
A sweet victory against the dreaded BobKittens. I take joy in this win over the Alma Mater of many local journalists. I don't think this will help coverage of Miami in any way.
News Coverage: Enquirer, Post, DDN, & PD.
Our college old and grand,
Proudly we shall ever hail thee,
Over all the land.
Alma mater now we praise thee,
Sing joyfully this lay,
Love and honor to Miami,
Forever and a day.
A sweet victory against the dreaded BobKittens. I take joy in this win over the Alma Mater of many local journalists. I don't think this will help coverage of Miami in any way.
News Coverage: Enquirer, Post, DDN, & PD.
Friday, November 21, 2003
Mike Allen's Failure
From Mike Allen's Statement yesterday:
Mike Allen stated that his office was confident that there were no priests active in Archdiocese of Cincinnati who has been accused of wrong doing as part of this scandal. He failed to assure the public by not considering two important questions:
1. Are any priests (or other staff) who have been accused of wrong doing active in any capacity in ANY church or organization ANYWHERE in the world that involves interaction with children?
2. Are any priests (or other staff) who knew about or covered up any wrong doing still active in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati?
If those questions were answered, I missed it.
The media coverage locally has been heavy, but restrained. The Enquirer has covered many angles of the story, but failed to raised or at least report the questions I asked. I figured if the crime was any other organization those questions would have been asked, investigated, and reported. In Cincinnati, a Catholic stronghold, the Enquirer knows its place and knows not to push the limits on criticism on the local Catholic Church and its leaders. The Enquirer editorial especially reeked of hollow repudiation of the Catholic Church and seemed to shift all of blame to the "tiny minority of pedophile priests to victimize so many." Read it Here: Editorial, Wells Column, Story1, Story2, Story3, and Story4.
Mike McConnell from WLW took a much more strong stance against the church. He refered to Mike Allen's attitude towards the Catholic Church as a "bow down respect," where it gets 1,000 times the usual benefit of the doubt. Mike, a life long catholic, even stated that he would not attend a church in the Cincinnati Archdiocese until Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk resigns.
Other Coverage: Post1, Post2, Post3, Post4, Post5, WCPO, WLWT, WKRC, NY Times, Plain Dealer, DDN, CNN/AP.
Hold them accountable.Mr. Allen's failure is exemplified by not answering the plea from the public who wanted "them" to be held accountable, instead he went after "it." Allen let individual priests who knowingly protected rapists and molesters go unpunished, not even releasing a list of names of those who were involved. He did this to help keep civil lawsuits from being filed against the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
Make sure this doesn't happen again.
I cannot tell you how many times or how many people have said that to me over the last year. But they were not talking about a serial rapist, or a multiple murderer, or the vicious rioters who brought our city to its knees.
They were talking about one of the most respected and revered institutions in our county - the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
Mike Allen stated that his office was confident that there were no priests active in Archdiocese of Cincinnati who has been accused of wrong doing as part of this scandal. He failed to assure the public by not considering two important questions:
1. Are any priests (or other staff) who have been accused of wrong doing active in any capacity in ANY church or organization ANYWHERE in the world that involves interaction with children?
2. Are any priests (or other staff) who knew about or covered up any wrong doing still active in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati?
If those questions were answered, I missed it.
The media coverage locally has been heavy, but restrained. The Enquirer has covered many angles of the story, but failed to raised or at least report the questions I asked. I figured if the crime was any other organization those questions would have been asked, investigated, and reported. In Cincinnati, a Catholic stronghold, the Enquirer knows its place and knows not to push the limits on criticism on the local Catholic Church and its leaders. The Enquirer editorial especially reeked of hollow repudiation of the Catholic Church and seemed to shift all of blame to the "tiny minority of pedophile priests to victimize so many." Read it Here: Editorial, Wells Column, Story1, Story2, Story3, and Story4.
Mike McConnell from WLW took a much more strong stance against the church. He refered to Mike Allen's attitude towards the Catholic Church as a "bow down respect," where it gets 1,000 times the usual benefit of the doubt. Mike, a life long catholic, even stated that he would not attend a church in the Cincinnati Archdiocese until Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk resigns.
Other Coverage: Post1, Post2, Post3, Post4, Post5, WCPO, WLWT, WKRC, NY Times, Plain Dealer, DDN, CNN/AP.
Thursday, November 20, 2003
Deal with Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Reports are coming all over that the Prosecutor Mike Allen has made a deal with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk is beating the rap. There were several scenarios where Pilarczyk was potentially guilty of covering up multiple felonies. I think Mike Allen has let down the public. He should have gone forward with a full prosecution of specific priests for the cover-up of known rape and molestation incidents. Slapping the wrist of the church is about as harsh a treatment as Enron is getting. It is ironic that the plea agreement that is out there is being referred to as the "Flynt plea." Mike McConnell came up with the idea that is should be called the "Flynt-Pilarczyk plea" from no one. It is surreally that a church would basically admit to breaking the law. That is a blow to it stature in this city. It will be interesting how they will ever be able to preach on "morality" again without being laughed out of pulpit.
Coverage: Post, Post2, WLWT, and WCPO.
Coverage: Post, Post2, WLWT, and WCPO.
Bigot Bronson Rides Again
Reading Peter Bronson makes me wonder, Does he wear a Kaiser Bill moustache? Would he have voted to convict Scopes? Has Peter ever though about how ignorant he sounds?
You skirted around your opinions here and it is most sickening. Why don't you just make your bigotry clear so everyone can be sure? You don't want gays accepted or respected or treated equal because of your religion and your religiously rationalized views on what is "biologically natural."
I have news for you Peter. Your religion has no place in law. I hope you know this, and I wish you would accept it. Also some news for you, a Penis and Anus, and a tongue and Vagina are all biologically natural. You are just homophobic. You fear gays. I don't think you fear lesbians, but that is likely a whole different story.
Get specific on what is wrong is with Gay Marriage or even Civic Union. What harm will it cause and HOW will that possibly happen? Nothing much would change. Those gays living together now would still be living together if they were married. The only difference is that they would be in a more stable relationship.
You bring up the "children." Oh, it is always about the children. Peter, why don't you just say it: you fear kids might be "turned" gay. Get off the stupid bigoted myths. Homosexuality does not rub off on you. Peter you sound like an anti-miscegenationist from 1922 or 1952 or 1962. It is disgusting to hear you relegate a group of human beings to a sub-class.
I would hope that those who fear gays so much might seize on a compromise. Try out Civil Unions and tell me what is wrong with those? If you find something wrong, I challenge you to tell me what is wrong beyond your trite religious dogma.
UPDATE: Other Bloggers weigh in: Rantophilia and Greg Mann.
You can say marriage is defined by God or biology. Defying either one is just asking for trouble.Peter, marriage was created by MAN. No Gods were involved, and biology was not a factor. Marriage was created to reduce or stem conflict between tribes and between competing suitors. Marriage is a social contract.
You skirted around your opinions here and it is most sickening. Why don't you just make your bigotry clear so everyone can be sure? You don't want gays accepted or respected or treated equal because of your religion and your religiously rationalized views on what is "biologically natural."
I have news for you Peter. Your religion has no place in law. I hope you know this, and I wish you would accept it. Also some news for you, a Penis and Anus, and a tongue and Vagina are all biologically natural. You are just homophobic. You fear gays. I don't think you fear lesbians, but that is likely a whole different story.
Get specific on what is wrong is with Gay Marriage or even Civic Union. What harm will it cause and HOW will that possibly happen? Nothing much would change. Those gays living together now would still be living together if they were married. The only difference is that they would be in a more stable relationship.
You bring up the "children." Oh, it is always about the children. Peter, why don't you just say it: you fear kids might be "turned" gay. Get off the stupid bigoted myths. Homosexuality does not rub off on you. Peter you sound like an anti-miscegenationist from 1922 or 1952 or 1962. It is disgusting to hear you relegate a group of human beings to a sub-class.
I would hope that those who fear gays so much might seize on a compromise. Try out Civil Unions and tell me what is wrong with those? If you find something wrong, I challenge you to tell me what is wrong beyond your trite religious dogma.
UPDATE: Other Bloggers weigh in: Rantophilia and Greg Mann.
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Hegemo's Coffee Fix
Sarah at the Hegemo gives us her Cincinnati coffee hotspots. She does need to check out Kaldi's as she notes, and she also needs to check out Sitwell's Coffee House on Ludlow in Clifton.
Am I Missing Something?
I am not a fan of Eminem, but the folks at Source Magazine seem to be gunning for him. How do they really think he is a racist? The guy records some racially offensive slurs after he breaks up with this black girlfriend. (Yes, his black girlfriend) This makes him a "racist?" A white man who dates black women is a racist? I guess once again the term "racist" is being twisted, or redefined. I will remember that the next time I hear "cracker" used on 1230 the Buzz.
A White rapper is infringing on the "black man's" world, so he must be taken down, I guess. From this article it sounds like the guys from the Source are the ones who are "racist." This quote I think is filled with what some might call code words:
A White rapper is infringing on the "black man's" world, so he must be taken down, I guess. From this article it sounds like the guys from the Source are the ones who are "racist." This quote I think is filled with what some might call code words:
"Bringing this tape to the public is the latest chapter in The Source magazine's ongoing effort to expose influences corrupting hip-hop, including racism."Who or What is corrupting hip-hop one might ask? I think the folks from the Source would say: "White Culture" or just "The White Man." I wonder how much they are rooting out racism in hip-hop directed toward non-blacks.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Domestic Terrorism
The CANDLES Museum in Terre Haute, Indiana was victim to arson and bigoted vandalism. "Remember Timmy McVeigh" was written on a wall of the museum. This is terrorism. This story is getting limited coverage. Tabloid stories like the Scott Peterson Trial and the police search of Michael Jackson's ranch are getting the cable news coverage.
CANDLES stands for "The Children of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Lab Experiments Survivors."
CANDLES stands for "The Children of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Lab Experiments Survivors."
New Blog
Give SadGirlSeven a try. She has some choice words about CinWeekly in a post from last week. One suggestion that I think she needs to take under advisement: Permalinks.
Monday, November 17, 2003
2000 Hamilton County Presidential Results
I was just reviewing the 2000 vote totals for President in Hamilton County and they are not what one would have thought. I would have guess that Hamilton County would lean 60/40 Conservative to Liberal. What happened was significantly closer than that.
George W. Bush, GOP*******197,339 54.46%
Al Gore, Dem**************153,227 42.28%
Ralph Nader, Green*********8,871 2.45%
Harry Browne, Libertarian****1,187 0.33%
Pat Buchanan, Reform*******1,042 0.29%
John Hagelin, Natural Law****520 0.14%
Howard Phillips, Const. Party**195 0.05%
TOTALS*******************362,381 100.00%
Right Leaning 199,763 55.13%
Left Leaning 162,618 44.87%
362,381 100.00%
This makes me realize one big factor; Hamilton County is by far the most "liberal" of all of the surrounding counties. Bush got over 60% of the vote in all surrounding counties. I wonder how the city gets the conservative flack when outside the 275 loop has the bulk of the hardcore conservatives. I guess the local conservative control on nearly everything with an iron fist methodology keeps us liberals quiet.
George W. Bush, GOP*******197,339 54.46%
Al Gore, Dem**************153,227 42.28%
Ralph Nader, Green*********8,871 2.45%
Harry Browne, Libertarian****1,187 0.33%
Pat Buchanan, Reform*******1,042 0.29%
John Hagelin, Natural Law****520 0.14%
Howard Phillips, Const. Party**195 0.05%
TOTALS*******************362,381 100.00%
Right Leaning 199,763 55.13%
Left Leaning 162,618 44.87%
362,381 100.00%
This makes me realize one big factor; Hamilton County is by far the most "liberal" of all of the surrounding counties. Bush got over 60% of the vote in all surrounding counties. I wonder how the city gets the conservative flack when outside the 275 loop has the bulk of the hardcore conservatives. I guess the local conservative control on nearly everything with an iron fist methodology keeps us liberals quiet.
Cranley for Commissioner???
The Business Courier is reporting that Councilman John Cranley is "pondering" a run against John Dowlin for Hamilton County Commissioner in next year's election.
Is it to soon for John to move on? His showing in the recent council race was fairly good, but council's reputation in the rest of the county is horrid, and he one of main faces getting press from council. He did well against Chabot back in 2000, but is there enough support? I guess John's support of the Elkington "Plan" will be a top priority with all of the extra time he will have next year running for office again.
Is it to soon for John to move on? His showing in the recent council race was fairly good, but council's reputation in the rest of the county is horrid, and he one of main faces getting press from council. He did well against Chabot back in 2000, but is there enough support? I guess John's support of the Elkington "Plan" will be a top priority with all of the extra time he will have next year running for office again.
IME Recap
Well, I did not deliver on the level of coverage I had hoped to provide. I was able to attend two sessions on Friday and only my own session on Saturday. I attended the Minority Voices in the Media and the Art of the Interview sessions on Friday. I was impressed with Kathy Wilson. I disagree with many of her stances, but she is really good in this kind of setting.
The most interesting element of the event was Kathy Y. Wilson's revelation that she was asked to take over Laura Pulfer's column a few years back. She obviously turned that down. This I am sure is old news to some, but was news to me.
My session on blogs and webzines went fairly well. I was not a total idiot, but I was not very well spoken. I hope everyone got something from it, but I am not sure if I provided much. I think the time was limited to the point where we did not have a ton of time to answer questions. I guess our presentations went on too long.
I was shocked to read that there was a theft of a camera and TV monitor. That sucks. It sucks that someone had to ruin a good event. I hope this theft does not put a damper on this event, and it is able to grow bigger next year.
For a fuller recap, check out XRay's recap.
UPDATE: In my haste to post this, I failed to comment on Stacey Recht and Amy Eversole's "The Art of the Interview" Session. I was impressed at how prepared Stacey and Amy were. Stacey especially had everything organized, including an excellent web page with examples of interviews she had gotten previously as well as a full audio recording of the session. I myself am not good at interviewing people, so I learned quite a bit on the best practices for giving interviews. If you listen carefully you might hear my questions on the audio recording.
The most interesting element of the event was Kathy Y. Wilson's revelation that she was asked to take over Laura Pulfer's column a few years back. She obviously turned that down. This I am sure is old news to some, but was news to me.
My session on blogs and webzines went fairly well. I was not a total idiot, but I was not very well spoken. I hope everyone got something from it, but I am not sure if I provided much. I think the time was limited to the point where we did not have a ton of time to answer questions. I guess our presentations went on too long.
I was shocked to read that there was a theft of a camera and TV monitor. That sucks. It sucks that someone had to ruin a good event. I hope this theft does not put a damper on this event, and it is able to grow bigger next year.
For a fuller recap, check out XRay's recap.
UPDATE: In my haste to post this, I failed to comment on Stacey Recht and Amy Eversole's "The Art of the Interview" Session. I was impressed at how prepared Stacey and Amy were. Stacey especially had everything organized, including an excellent web page with examples of interviews she had gotten previously as well as a full audio recording of the session. I myself am not good at interviewing people, so I learned quite a bit on the best practices for giving interviews. If you listen carefully you might hear my questions on the audio recording.
Local Recounts
The Post reports that there will be a recount in the Cincinnati Council race because it fell with in the statutory requirements, where David Crowley beat Damon Lynch for the last seat by 738 votes. The Norwood Mayor's race, which was decided by only 24 votes still did not meet the .5% threshold for an automatic recount. Challenges can still be made, but the challenger might bear the expense of such a challenge.
The more interesting news from the story was that two difference races ended up in ties locally. One was the Lincoln Heights council race were two people were tied for the third seat. If the recount does not change the vote, then a coin toss will choose the winner. The other was an income tax issue that ended in a tie. If that tie is not broken the increase will fail. I can't find in Ohio law how ties are handled, so I will have to take the Post's word for it.
The more interesting news from the story was that two difference races ended up in ties locally. One was the Lincoln Heights council race were two people were tied for the third seat. If the recount does not change the vote, then a coin toss will choose the winner. The other was an income tax issue that ended in a tie. If that tie is not broken the increase will fail. I can't find in Ohio law how ties are handled, so I will have to take the Post's word for it.
Friday, November 14, 2003
IME Coverage
I will be providing coverage of the 2003 Indy Media Expo tonight and tomorrow from Media Bridges in Downtown Cincinnati. It is not to late to attend. Just show up and you should have no problem attending most sessions. For more information check out XRay Magazine.
Missed Conclusion on Traffic Stop Data
Well, no one can prove much of anything from the analysis of the traffic stop data made public today. One point that this story reports sums up one conclusion that was missed from the beginning:
The positive quote from the article that I hope everyone read and strives to keep as a reality
I wonder why people in Damon Lynch's camp wanted this keep under wraps before the election? Is it because the report was not the smoking-gun they hoped for and the lack of a zinger to hit the police with would have been a political blow to his campaign?
UPDATE: Wholly Shit. Did the Post read the same report? If you read their story we are headed towards a race war. What gives? I can't find the actually report online yet.
Move Coverage: WCPO, WLWT, and AP.
Scott Greenwood, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, said the report wasn't intended to provide the yes-or-no answer many Cincinnatians have looked for since the 2001 riots put police-community relations at the top of the city's agenda.The bold was added for emphasis. I think this point is not clear to most people. The ACLU never claimed there was a "racist" plot to target blacks. I think some of the folks on the Buzz should be reporting this fact and not do what I think they were doing this afternoon, which had been a bit of race bating. Jay and Emmanuel are in my opinion pushing their unsubstantiated claims that the real problem is racism. This report clear proves one thing. There is not a grand "Elder/KKK" plot to target blacks in this city. If there was a huge plot, one might think the numbers would show this grand plot without question.
"The issue is not, and never has been, whether white officers deliberately discriminate against African-American motorists out of racial animus," he said. "The discussion is whether race is used inappropriately - at whatever level - in policing decisions."
The positive quote from the article that I hope everyone read and strives to keep as a reality
Other findings suggested no unequal treatment: Stop durations were almost identical, after factoring in that vehicles driven by African-Americans were more likely to have more passengers. Black and white motorists were equally likely to have their cars searched, and the probability of finding drugs or guns was almost identical.If this element was not reasonably balanced, then we would have a real problem.
I wonder why people in Damon Lynch's camp wanted this keep under wraps before the election? Is it because the report was not the smoking-gun they hoped for and the lack of a zinger to hit the police with would have been a political blow to his campaign?
UPDATE: Wholly Shit. Did the Post read the same report? If you read their story we are headed towards a race war. What gives? I can't find the actually report online yet.
Move Coverage: WCPO, WLWT, and AP.
Thursday, November 13, 2003
Rule of Law Prevails
I have to tip my hat to the Alabama Supreme Court and State Attorney General for upholding the rule of law and removing Chief Justice Ray Moore from office. Theocracy has taken a small blow and I am very thankful. I wish people would stop following his brand of religious politics, but this will froth up the fundamentalists into a stupor worthy of Benny Hinn.
MIAMI 45, Marshall 6
Love and honor to Miami,
Our college old and grand,
Proudly we shall ever hail thee,
Over all the land.
Alma mater now we praise thee,
Sing joyfully this lay,
Love and honor to Miami,
Forever and a day.
Coverage: Oxford Press, Enquirer, DDN, more DDN, Buffalo News, Post, CDM, PD, goHerd.com, HJN.
All I can say it that the game was damn cold! I am glad we had a blanket, but I wish I had worn gloves. This victory was extra special for Miami Fans. Winning the MAC East with a win over Marshall is sweet revenge for years of falling short to them. Miami is almost a cinch for a bowl game this year, no matter if they win the MAC Championship game or not. I am one proud alumnus today.
Our college old and grand,
Proudly we shall ever hail thee,
Over all the land.
Alma mater now we praise thee,
Sing joyfully this lay,
Love and honor to Miami,
Forever and a day.
Coverage: Oxford Press, Enquirer, DDN, more DDN, Buffalo News, Post, CDM, PD, goHerd.com, HJN.
All I can say it that the game was damn cold! I am glad we had a blanket, but I wish I had worn gloves. This victory was extra special for Miami Fans. Winning the MAC East with a win over Marshall is sweet revenge for years of falling short to them. Miami is almost a cinch for a bowl game this year, no matter if they win the MAC Championship game or not. I am one proud alumnus today.
Wes Nails It!
Wes Flinn comments on the letter I referenced yesterday by bring up the Showtime "Movie" DC 9/11: Time of Crisis. How much of this contained "factual" quotes? How much was the content fictionalized to provide a clear theme to fit the overall concept of the movie, or just something more entertaining? Based on all accounts there were many historical facts left out of this production and surely some that Bush does not want known for various reasons. Some of those missing facts are being sought by Congress in its attempt to investigate the 9/11 intelligence, with little assistance from the Administration.
Where's the outrage on the Bush Movie? How many quotes were not valid? Why did Viacom let this on the air if it was not absolutely true? Hmm... ya think it might have just been a movie, and most people did not care about it? I guess the all-powerful "liberal media" was sleeping when that movie was made.
Where's the outrage on the Bush Movie? How many quotes were not valid? Why did Viacom let this on the air if it was not absolutely true? Hmm... ya think it might have just been a movie, and most people did not care about it? I guess the all-powerful "liberal media" was sleeping when that movie was made.
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