Wednesday, September 04, 2002

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BRONSON: Lt. Col. Twitty
Unfortunately, Peter is correct. I must now take a shower, I feel dirty!
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.