BITS AND PIECES

7/25/12

FLAWED REPORTING FROM THE LA TIMES

A recent Los Angeles Times story by reporter Molly Hennessy-Fisk has some interesting characteristics. Her story concerns a movement to avoid glorifying the Aurora, Colorado, coward who slaughtered at least defenseless twelve movie-goers. The movement focuses on memorializing the names of the victims, not that of the perpetrator. Most reporting of these kinds of events provide much more about the perpetrator. Self-aggrandizement is usually found to be one of the primary motivators for these acts. Charles Manson once remarked he’s the best known man in the world.

So why bring this story up? Because in reporting on the movement, the reporter managed to insert the name of “Suspect A”-the killer- into the story eleven times. She managed to mention only one victim, twice. I think both the reporter and the LA Times editors dropped the ball here.

SOME THOUGHTS FOR TODAY AND OTHER TIMES

If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."

People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?

POLITICAL DISCOURSE CONTINUES TO DECLINE

A local candidate for the state House of Representatives has distributed a piece that accuses all “career politicians” of being thieves, of having their hands in the cookie jar. That’s popular jargon for stealing. I've complained to local television stations and newspapers about this charge and I’ve been ignored. We’ve become inured to illogical and negative political rhetoric. How does this accusation that my former representatives, at all levels of government, have been stealing from me, backed with zero evidence, help me decide how to vote?  Well, I guess this does. Anybody who makes such wild and sweeping accusations cannot be trusted to represent me at any level of government.

BOOKS RECENTLY ENCOUNTERED

“Trickster’s Point,” by Kent Krueger. coming later this summer. Up to his usual high standards. Recommended.

“False Mermaid,” by Erin Hart. An emotionally complex tale of unsolved family murder, with a connection to the author’s hero, Nora Gavin and her expertise in forensic anthropology. Strongly recommended.

“The Cougar’s Prey,” by Larry D. Sweazy. A Texas frontier western tale with secret maneuverings, undercover missions, the rescue of damsels in dire distress.  Good story, and a fun novel.

“Where Danger Hides,” by Terry Odell. A romantic suspenseful novel. High-end private investigation and protection company embroiled with a women’s shelter. This odd pairing leads to murder, thievery, hot action and a fine novel. Recommended