Sound Politics: Viewer Mail

January 04, 2005

Viewer Mail

A well-known reporter for one of the local daily newspapers e-mails:

Just wanted to say you are doing a good job asking tough questions about the election. I don't always agree with your conclusions, but mining the data for inconsistencies is a public service. If nothing else this is a good start toward election reform. Thanks for doing it!

I accept the reporter's compliments in the gracious spirit in which they were extended.

I also remember fondly the days when newspaper readers wrote to newspaper reporters to thank them for their tough investigative exposes of government malfeasance and not the other way around.

Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at January 04, 2005 12:17 PM | Email This

Comments

1. KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT AND NECESSARY WORK. HOW IRONIC YOUR SECOND PARAGRAPH WAS. THAT REPORTER INDICTED HIMSELF AND HIS WHOLE (JOURNALIST?) PROFESSION. I ALSO REMEMBER THE DAY THAT A REPORTER WOULD NEVER HAVE TURNED OVER (OR ADMIT) THAT SOMEONE (NOT IN HIS) PROFESSION WAS DOING HIS JOB.
DENNIS
ANACORTES

Posted by: DENNIS COLE on January 4, 2005 12:32 PM

2. Before biting the hand that might feed you, recognize that reporters are human -- meaning that they, too, have no crystal ball or paranormal ability to find the facts without the assistance of people who are out there digging for all they're worth.

The reporter should be thanked for looking to see what Stefan was digging up, rather than ignoring his work.

Investigative journalism works like that -- it depends on the efforts of people other than the reporters themselves, especially on a fastbreaking story.

Posted by: Micajah on January 4, 2005 12:45 PM

3. Micajah, what you say may be true, but unless this reporter shows that he's really on the story and publishes the findings, then the sarcasm and cynicism are justified.

Posted by: Rob on January 4, 2005 12:59 PM

4. Yes, talk about irony!

Posted by: Michele on January 4, 2005 01:15 PM

5. Micajah,
What are you trying to say. A bunch of senseless ramblings

Posted by: DENNIS COLE on January 4, 2005 02:01 PM

6. I think Micajah is the reporter in question covering his butt.

Posted by: mavrik on January 4, 2005 02:01 PM

7. Mav, now that makes sense!

Posted by: DENNIS COLE on January 4, 2005 02:03 PM

8. Jeez Dennis Cole, have a little grace.

Remember reporters don't get to write whatever they want. And they are not 'publishers'. And if a conservative leaning reporter is out there somewhere she is probably going to keep that in the closet.

Posted by: johnnymc on January 4, 2005 04:49 PM

9. I find it fascinating how the liberal media is being forced to deal with the public unrest over this election!

I can almost imagine them in the editors office trying to brainstorm a spin to it all! "How are we going to make all of these requests for a revote or investigation go away???"...."Ummm...What if we just ignore it and run a story on Gregoire's inauguration plans?...You know..her dress? etc..?"..."But Jim....our own poll results showed 79% in favor of a revote!"......."Okay...Let's run the front page about the Tsunami relief efforts and bury the poll results in the opinion page - along with all of the liberal write-in's for the week! And put a spin on the story title....you know..the usual!"....

It would be refreshing to read something pure and unspun for a change regarding this election fiasco....Let me know where (other than a blog) I can find such a news source!

Posted by: Deborah on January 4, 2005 07:51 PM

10. JMC,
GAIN A CLUE!!! YOU MISSED THE WHOLE!!! POINT. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE CONSERVATIVE TO BE A DECENT REPORTER (OR A JOURNALIST). ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS OPEN YOUR EYES!!!!!!! WITNESS: WSJ/ FNC: IT SHOULD BE REQUIRED READING/ VIEWING FOR ANYONE THAT WANT S TO BE IN THE BUSINESS.
DENBNIS

Posted by: Dennis on January 4, 2005 08:38 PM

11. I wanted to echo the reporter. I have been following what you are doing and I think the tireless efforts to establish exactly what's so about the vote tallies, the voter rolls, and the integrity of the counting processes is an important civic contribution. However this plays out, I hope you know that you are doing good work and that it is recognized.

Posted by: orcmid on January 6, 2005 10:41 PM