Relpy from City Beat on My Post regarding an Article by Doug Trapp
Subj:
Date: 09/05/2002 1:37:46 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: gflannery@citybeat.com
To: CincyBlog@aol.com
CC: dtrapp@citybeat.com
Dear Brian,
I am writing to correct your statements about Doug Trapp's article on Stonewall Cincinnati.
If the use of the terms "uprising" and "rebellion" qualify a person for your journalism hall of shame, it is I, not Mr. Trapp, who deserve the nomination. Fact is, Doug used the term "riot"; in editing the article, I changed the word to "uprising" and "rebellion."
Mr. Trapp's article describes the reaction of some Stonewall activists to what happened in April 2001, saying they were "energized" by the events following the police shooting of Timothy Thomas. I think it safe to say that what the activists found "energizing" was not property damage or physical assault, but rather the spontaneous expressions of moral outrage that filled the streets. In the context of the article, "uprising" and "rebellion" are more informative and more accurate than "riot."
But perhaps more to the point, the actual violence in April 2001 was a relatively small part of what happened in the streets; far more people participated in nonviolent, albeit noisy, street protests than in any kind of activity that would qualify as "rioting." Use of the term "riot" unfairly denigrates the legitimate anger prompted by police brutality, just as Charlie Luken's use of the term "terrorists" to describe the civil-rights boycott of Cincinnati unfairly characterized their movement.
Thank you for allowing me to respond to your commentary.
Sincerely,
Greg Flannery
News editor
CityBeat
I will have a response later on tonight.
Thursday, September 05, 2002
Defense upset that city lawyer headed grand jury
The defense is not upset; the defense is out tainting the jury pool. I think Sharon Zealey will be looking to get as many black people on the jury as possible. It appears she is going for a nullification defense. She will scream about a conspiracy, show no evidence of one, defame many people, and hope for a hung jury. This will end up being a mini-OJ trial, and I would not be surprised to see some of it on Court TV.
The defense is not upset; the defense is out tainting the jury pool. I think Sharon Zealey will be looking to get as many black people on the jury as possible. It appears she is going for a nullification defense. She will scream about a conspiracy, show no evidence of one, defame many people, and hope for a hung jury. This will end up being a mini-OJ trial, and I would not be surprised to see some of it on Court TV.
Wednesday, September 04, 2002
Queen City Soapbox: Grand Jury Follies
Chris has summed up the fracas over Stephen Fagel better than I did or could. I have just been amazed at talk radio host Jay Love's demagoguery on this entire issue. You would think Twitty has been lynched on Fountain Square. I am not sure, but I think the "Black Fist's" racist propaganda might actually be starting to sink in.
Chris has summed up the fracas over Stephen Fagel better than I did or could. I have just been amazed at talk radio host Jay Love's demagoguery on this entire issue. You would think Twitty has been lynched on Fountain Square. I am not sure, but I think the "Black Fist's" racist propaganda might actually be starting to sink in.
CityBeat: Stonewall Decides
This "news" article is horrible biased. I know City Beat is a progressive-populist publication, but their revisionism on recent history is not even close to objective journalism. This section of the article demonstrates this quite clearly: "McCleese and Bruins were energized by the social movement that followed the April 2001 uprising in Over-the-Rhine. From the rebellion emerged two new groups -- the Coalition for a Just Cincinnati and Citizens Concerned for Justice -- that joined the Black United Front in a boycott of downtown businesses. "
If Doug Trapp instead used "Civil Disturbance" or maybe "unrest" in place of "uprising" and "rebellion,” I would not be chastising him. Calling the April 2001 riots an “uprising” and a “rebellion” is nothing short of revisionist propaganda right from the playbook of the boycott groups. I would understand not using “riot.” I would disagree with not using it, but it is in the realm of reasonable journalism. Doug has moved away from journalism. He is nothing more than a propagandist. Doug’s story is otherwise reasonable, but placing those terms as a matter of “fact” is horrid journalism. Doing such is a form of imposing a false “truth” on his readers. Any honest reporter would shun him in a NY minute. He has made my Media Hall of Shame.
This "news" article is horrible biased. I know City Beat is a progressive-populist publication, but their revisionism on recent history is not even close to objective journalism. This section of the article demonstrates this quite clearly: "McCleese and Bruins were energized by the social movement that followed the April 2001 uprising in Over-the-Rhine. From the rebellion emerged two new groups -- the Coalition for a Just Cincinnati and Citizens Concerned for Justice -- that joined the Black United Front in a boycott of downtown businesses. "
If Doug Trapp instead used "Civil Disturbance" or maybe "unrest" in place of "uprising" and "rebellion,” I would not be chastising him. Calling the April 2001 riots an “uprising” and a “rebellion” is nothing short of revisionist propaganda right from the playbook of the boycott groups. I would understand not using “riot.” I would disagree with not using it, but it is in the realm of reasonable journalism. Doug has moved away from journalism. He is nothing more than a propagandist. Doug’s story is otherwise reasonable, but placing those terms as a matter of “fact” is horrid journalism. Doing such is a form of imposing a false “truth” on his readers. Any honest reporter would shun him in a NY minute. He has made my Media Hall of Shame.
CityBeat: Your Negro Tour Guide "Can You Hear Me Now?"
I can hear, but this literary representation of a spoken word hip-hoppy poem just lost me. It might work in a coffee house, but I am not impressed with in on paper.
I can hear, but this literary representation of a spoken word hip-hoppy poem just lost me. It might work in a coffee house, but I am not impressed with in on paper.
Action Agency to go against boycott
This was a big blow to the boycotters. It is unfortunate that this story broke the day after the Twitty Indictments. I can't emphasize enough Judge Nathaniel Jones report that the CAA board members where threatened and being intimidated by boycotters. I wish these statements were made to the police, but I don't know to level the actions reached. The next test will be the AFL-CIO dinner, followed by the Boss's concert.
This was a big blow to the boycotters. It is unfortunate that this story broke the day after the Twitty Indictments. I can't emphasize enough Judge Nathaniel Jones report that the CAA board members where threatened and being intimidated by boycotters. I wish these statements were made to the police, but I don't know to level the actions reached. The next test will be the AFL-CIO dinner, followed by the Boss's concert.
SMITH AMOS: Opening lines
She brings up a good point. An indictment does not a conviction make. If Mike Allen does not have proof that Twitty's account is false, he will have to fight through a racially charged jury. One black jurist could utilize jury nullification on behalf of his/her "oppressed people" and that would send this to overtime, and conflict galore.
She brings up a good point. An indictment does not a conviction make. If Mike Allen does not have proof that Twitty's account is false, he will have to fight through a racially charged jury. One black jurist could utilize jury nullification on behalf of his/her "oppressed people" and that would send this to overtime, and conflict galore.
The Cincinnati Post Editorial: The presumption of innocence The Post gets it right except for this part: "Twitty, for his part, has maintained his innocence" Lt. Col. Twitty has never said he was innocent. His lawyer has stated such, or nearly such. That piece of this case makes me emotionally loose trust in his story. The facts make me lose most of my trust, but Twitty not having the guts to say anything himself, knocks him down a few more pegs in stature.
City official headed panel
Well this is going to be the battle cry for Twitty backers. Jay Love apparently is going to make this the topic for his show this afternoon. This is a jury-tainting tactic from Twitty's lawyer. I would like to know how this information was determined. Who made it public? Is the identity of grand jury members’ public record or secret?
This story will breed ignorant conspiracy theories that will run wild on the Buzz all day and the rest of the week. Will this be a ratings boost? I am sure they are trying to make it one.
Well this is going to be the battle cry for Twitty backers. Jay Love apparently is going to make this the topic for his show this afternoon. This is a jury-tainting tactic from Twitty's lawyer. I would like to know how this information was determined. Who made it public? Is the identity of grand jury members’ public record or secret?
This story will breed ignorant conspiracy theories that will run wild on the Buzz all day and the rest of the week. Will this be a ratings boost? I am sure they are trying to make it one.
Iron Bars Won't Silence Boycott (pdf)
I see that on this press release from the Coalition for a Just Cincinnati that Nate Livingston has been removed as a contact. I wonder why he has been removed as a contact. Could it be that he will soon be incommunicado at the county pokey? What is the most funny thing about this case is that these the other two contacts are women and this women compare Nate to past Civil Rights leaders like MLK and Mandela. How can you compare a man who has been in court for Domestic violence charges more than OJ Simpson to one of great men of the 20th century? Is that how domestic violence is rewarded in the activist community, a slap on the back in congratulations for being "elected" as co-chair of a bigoted boycott group? The same group calling Chief Streicher a wife beater elects a domestic abuser to be one of their leaders. I guess what is good for the goose is not good for one racist bigot about to be put back into jail.
I see that on this press release from the Coalition for a Just Cincinnati that Nate Livingston has been removed as a contact. I wonder why he has been removed as a contact. Could it be that he will soon be incommunicado at the county pokey? What is the most funny thing about this case is that these the other two contacts are women and this women compare Nate to past Civil Rights leaders like MLK and Mandela. How can you compare a man who has been in court for Domestic violence charges more than OJ Simpson to one of great men of the 20th century? Is that how domestic violence is rewarded in the activist community, a slap on the back in congratulations for being "elected" as co-chair of a bigoted boycott group? The same group calling Chief Streicher a wife beater elects a domestic abuser to be one of their leaders. I guess what is good for the goose is not good for one racist bigot about to be put back into jail.
More of the same, black leaders say
From the Article: “We say "No justice, no peace,' but peace is not even on the horizon,” said the Rev. Damon Lynch III, president of the Cincinnati Black United Front. “It's just no justice. Justice remains as elusive as ever for black people in Cincinnati.”
This kind of attitude bodes well for more violence and more racism on the part of Lynch's self declared constituents.
From the Article: “We say "No justice, no peace,' but peace is not even on the horizon,” said the Rev. Damon Lynch III, president of the Cincinnati Black United Front. “It's just no justice. Justice remains as elusive as ever for black people in Cincinnati.”
This kind of attitude bodes well for more violence and more racism on the part of Lynch's self declared constituents.
Reactions to Twitty Indictment
These reactions seem to be very one sided. I do not see much diversity in the comments chosen from area officials and "activists".
These reactions seem to be very one sided. I do not see much diversity in the comments chosen from area officials and "activists".
Cincinnati gears up forbig weekend
This is good press from Columbus. This weekend should be grand for the Downtown. All of the hotels are booked or nearly all booked. The games are sold out and Oktoberfest will be ready. The boycotters can do nothing to change this. I wonder if they will try, since they seem to only target Black events and entertainers, except for the Boss.
This is good press from Columbus. This weekend should be grand for the Downtown. All of the hotels are booked or nearly all booked. The games are sold out and Oktoberfest will be ready. The boycotters can do nothing to change this. I wonder if they will try, since they seem to only target Black events and entertainers, except for the Boss.
Tuesday, September 03, 2002
Queen City Soapbox: A Game of Chicken
Chris's analysis is on target, except for one issue. A second possible scenario that was raised on the radio today includes Twitty having his car towed from the park to his house. This could still fit with the theory of Twitty covering for someone else's crash, but it still leaves open the possibility he wrecked the car himself. In my opinion it is not really a crime if you hit a wall and then leave the scene. I don't think that would require a police report, unless the wall was damaged. That might explain why no indictment for hit-skip or leaving the scene of an accident. I of course could be wrong on the issue of hit-skip. The question that was not asked or not answered was, were those charges available to the grand jury. I do not know the answer, but that is the question that needs to be addressed.
Chris's analysis is on target, except for one issue. A second possible scenario that was raised on the radio today includes Twitty having his car towed from the park to his house. This could still fit with the theory of Twitty covering for someone else's crash, but it still leaves open the possibility he wrecked the car himself. In my opinion it is not really a crime if you hit a wall and then leave the scene. I don't think that would require a police report, unless the wall was damaged. That might explain why no indictment for hit-skip or leaving the scene of an accident. I of course could be wrong on the issue of hit-skip. The question that was not asked or not answered was, were those charges available to the grand jury. I do not know the answer, but that is the question that needs to be addressed.
I like Chris Anderson's Chris Anderson's take on my Evolution post. He agrees with my view that Evolution should in the public schools, and Intelligent Design should not. He does have a few doubts on Evolution in general, but that is a different discussion.
Hagan will back video slot machines to close deficit
I am pro-gambling, so this is positive to me, but I wonder if will get the independent libertarian vote? The religious will not vote for this, but Hagen would not get their vote anyway, excluding the minority religious vote, which will stay with Hagen in most areas.
I am pro-gambling, so this is positive to me, but I wonder if will get the independent libertarian vote? The religious will not vote for this, but Hagen would not get their vote anyway, excluding the minority religious vote, which will stay with Hagen in most areas.
Taft campaign takes issues on the road
Taft only got 100 people at a Cincinnati rally? That is a weak rally. An old man urinating in the middle of Fountain Square could get 100 people.
Taft only got 100 people at a Cincinnati rally? That is a weak rally. An old man urinating in the middle of Fountain Square could get 100 people.
Radio Callers Sound Off
This article does not indicate the racism and the conspiracies brought up on the Buzz. That is not a surprise, since FOX19 is a partner to the Buzz. I wish the Buzz was more responsible in how it handles racist and nutty callers. They do not seem to screen anyone out, and they should consider do so.
This article does not indicate the racism and the conspiracies brought up on the Buzz. That is not a surprise, since FOX19 is a partner to the Buzz. I wish the Buzz was more responsible in how it handles racist and nutty callers. They do not seem to screen anyone out, and they should consider do so.
New Clear Channel radio chief staking lower-profile path
I hope this new guy does change the horror that is commercial radio today. I doubt he will change a thing. Talk radio will continue to be the mindless right wing drivel Clear Channel likes. More intellectual gruel for the ignorant masses.
I hope this new guy does change the horror that is commercial radio today. I doubt he will change a thing. Talk radio will continue to be the mindless right wing drivel Clear Channel likes. More intellectual gruel for the ignorant masses.
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