"Bomb bandit caught" with a head shot of the accused was the Dec. 30th headline at www.LancasterOnLine.com .
WATCHDOG: What ever happened to the words "alleged" or "suspect"? Once so portrayed, how would an innocent person ever retrieve his or her reputation? How many would ever know about the exoneration?
Sloppy journalism harms people.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
On Dec. 27, Jeff Hawkes railed: "For those trying to make this place better than they found it, two events in particular came as blows.
"Bowing to the howls of their constituents, the [East Hempfield Township] supervisors precipitously scuttled a sorely needed land-use planning process...
"As for the second setback? It arrived in November when voters followed the wishes of Republican party leaders and crushed hopes for a home-rule charter crafted to achieve greater financial controls, transparency and accountability in county government."
WATCHDOG: NewsLanc, hardly the 'cats paw' of the local Republican Party, editorially opposed both the proposed change to the East Hempfield zoning code and the home-rule charter.
The advantages of the Village concept can be achieved under current planned residential development, and the proposal opened the door to rampant commercial development unrelated to the immediate neighborhood.
The home-rule proposal had several failings, the chief the abandoning of the current de facto arrangement for two commissioners from the majority (Republican) party and one from the minority (Democrats.) Also, home rule with its part time commissioners would create a county administrator that could evolve into a czar.
"Bowing to the howls of their constituents, the [East Hempfield Township] supervisors precipitously scuttled a sorely needed land-use planning process...
"As for the second setback? It arrived in November when voters followed the wishes of Republican party leaders and crushed hopes for a home-rule charter crafted to achieve greater financial controls, transparency and accountability in county government."
WATCHDOG: NewsLanc, hardly the 'cats paw' of the local Republican Party, editorially opposed both the proposed change to the East Hempfield zoning code and the home-rule charter.
The advantages of the Village concept can be achieved under current planned residential development, and the proposal opened the door to rampant commercial development unrelated to the immediate neighborhood.
The home-rule proposal had several failings, the chief the abandoning of the current de facto arrangement for two commissioners from the majority (Republican) party and one from the minority (Democrats.) Also, home rule with its part time commissioners would create a county administrator that could evolve into a czar.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
SUNDAY NEWS
Their Dec. 21st editorial "Gift exchange" states "Earlier this month, the commissioners learned that an unexpected reimbursement of farmland preservation funds from the state, for two farms the county had already paid to put on the preservation rolls, would add almost $1.08 million to the general fund. It would be fitting, and a good Christmas gift, if the commissioners could give a little of that to the library system."
WATCHDOG: At last week's Commissioners Meeting, our reporter posed the question of using the funds to replace budget cuts across the board. He was told the $1.08 million was for reimbursements of prior county outlays that enable the county to carry forward un-utilized current State grant money for farm conservation purposes into 2009.
It is good to both attend meetings and to seek clarifications! We cannot recall a representative of the Lancaster Newspapers asking a question at a public meeting. NewsLanc does so all the time, which results in more informative and provocative reporting.
WATCHDOG: At last week's Commissioners Meeting, our reporter posed the question of using the funds to replace budget cuts across the board. He was told the $1.08 million was for reimbursements of prior county outlays that enable the county to carry forward un-utilized current State grant money for farm conservation purposes into 2009.
It is good to both attend meetings and to seek clarifications! We cannot recall a representative of the Lancaster Newspapers asking a question at a public meeting. NewsLanc does so all the time, which results in more informative and provocative reporting.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
The article of Dec. 18 leads "County holds tax in check. Commissioners pass an 'austere' budget that will leave the property tax rate at 3.416 mills for 2009."
WATCHDOG: News articles are expected to give voice to all sides.
We can understand the incomplete New Era report because it was posted within half an hour of the end of the meeting to meet the deadline for the afternoon edition.
But the article by P. J. Reilly the morning afterwards in the Intell was devoid of public comments concerning the budget, which suggests that either it was a re-write of the New Era article (in which case, why the 'by-line'?), the reporter didn't attend or wasn't paying attention, or an editor deleted parts of the report.
We relative amateurs at NewsLanc should not be providing better reports than the pros. But it seems we usually are.
WATCHDOG: News articles are expected to give voice to all sides.
We can understand the incomplete New Era report because it was posted within half an hour of the end of the meeting to meet the deadline for the afternoon edition.
But the article by P. J. Reilly the morning afterwards in the Intell was devoid of public comments concerning the budget, which suggests that either it was a re-write of the New Era article (in which case, why the 'by-line'?), the reporter didn't attend or wasn't paying attention, or an editor deleted parts of the report.
We relative amateurs at NewsLanc should not be providing better reports than the pros. But it seems we usually are.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
SUNDAY NEWS
The Dec. 14 editorial "Citizen victory" boldly proclaims: "Rejection of shopping center is testament to the will of neighbors who took on the developer. Drumore Township supervisors should follow their example."
WATCHDOG: We propose that the Sunday News follow its own example of urging support of neighbors. It should call for Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster General Hospital to respond to neighborhood requests to commission an independent study of potential alternative rail yard sites.
Of course this would mean editorializing against the interests of two of their fellow Big Five, the exclusive club to which Lancaster Newspapers, Inc; Fulton Bank, and the High Group also belong.
WATCHDOG: We propose that the Sunday News follow its own example of urging support of neighbors. It should call for Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster General Hospital to respond to neighborhood requests to commission an independent study of potential alternative rail yard sites.
Of course this would mean editorializing against the interests of two of their fellow Big Five, the exclusive club to which Lancaster Newspapers, Inc; Fulton Bank, and the High Group also belong.
SUNDAY NEWS
"Editor Marv Adams is on vacation. His column returns next Sunday."
WATCHDOG: Marv's absence isn't that much of a bother, but we sure miss daughter Abigail!
WATCHDOG: Marv's absence isn't that much of a bother, but we sure miss daughter Abigail!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
NEW ERA
The Dec. 13 editorial was headed "Armstrong served state and city well" and goes on to say: "The job's important, but the day you leave office you'll be forgotten pretty quickly, easily." The New Era went on to say "That won't be true of Armstrong. He served eight years in the House and 24 in the Senate and accomplished more than most of his peers."
WATCHDOG: If it weren't for the need to sell the naming right, we would propose "The Gibson Armstrong Convention Center." Then, over the years, Armstrong would be assured of the recognition that he merits.
Talk about poetic justice!
WATCHDOG: If it weren't for the need to sell the naming right, we would propose "The Gibson Armstrong Convention Center." Then, over the years, Armstrong would be assured of the recognition that he merits.
Talk about poetic justice!
NEW ERA
Dec. 13: "If you know a good-news story in your neighborhood, call New Era Editor Ernest Schreiber and let him know. Dials 291-88750 weekdays."
WATCHDOG: Viewers may want to give Schreiber a call and tell him that the "good-news" is that the Watchdog is looking over his shoulder. For example, since exposed by NewsLanc in print and through radio spots, Schreiber is no longer publishing titillating reports and pornographic news stories. And the New Era seems more responsible concerning the reporting of sex crime accusations.
WATCHDOG: Viewers may want to give Schreiber a call and tell him that the "good-news" is that the Watchdog is looking over his shoulder. For example, since exposed by NewsLanc in print and through radio spots, Schreiber is no longer publishing titillating reports and pornographic news stories. And the New Era seems more responsible concerning the reporting of sex crime accusations.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
NEW ERA
"Auto companies: repair yourselves" is the heading to a Dec. 10th editorial. It goes on to opine: "The $15 billion is only a down payment of what General Motors, Chrysler and Ford will request to get through the financial crisis." It then sagely states: "Bankruptcy might benefit the bloated auto industry. It might require executive to do more than give up their salaries and private jets. It might force them to restructure the industry. It might force them to design cars that American really want."
WATCHDOG: Two observations:
(1) On Dec. 11, Bloomberg.com reports: "Senator Bob Corker, a Tennessee Republican, is offering an alternative that would require bondholders to take 30 cents on the dollar and would set wages similar to foreign companies such as Volkswagen AG. It also would give the United Auto Workers union half of the $23 billion it's owed for health care as GM stock instead, and eliminate a program in which UAW workers are paid not to work if there's no work for them."
When the Watchdog went to bed late Thursday evening, the report was that a Corker sponsored compromise bill calling for mutual sacrifices ('haircuts') had been accepted by all of the stake holders, thus promising to put GM and Chrysler on a fairly sound financial footing and much better able to compete. Alas, upon awakening, the unions had rejected the arrangement. They insisted that their benefits not be reduced until 2011, probably reasoning that even under Chapter 11 or the Bankruptcy Law that reductions would not take place much earlier.
(2) In these troubled times which are a virtual 'perfect storm' for newspapers, we hope that the Lancaster Newspapers, Inc. is heeding its own good advice.
WATCHDOG: Two observations:
(1) On Dec. 11, Bloomberg.com reports: "Senator Bob Corker, a Tennessee Republican, is offering an alternative that would require bondholders to take 30 cents on the dollar and would set wages similar to foreign companies such as Volkswagen AG. It also would give the United Auto Workers union half of the $23 billion it's owed for health care as GM stock instead, and eliminate a program in which UAW workers are paid not to work if there's no work for them."
When the Watchdog went to bed late Thursday evening, the report was that a Corker sponsored compromise bill calling for mutual sacrifices ('haircuts') had been accepted by all of the stake holders, thus promising to put GM and Chrysler on a fairly sound financial footing and much better able to compete. Alas, upon awakening, the unions had rejected the arrangement. They insisted that their benefits not be reduced until 2011, probably reasoning that even under Chapter 11 or the Bankruptcy Law that reductions would not take place much earlier.
(2) In these troubled times which are a virtual 'perfect storm' for newspapers, we hope that the Lancaster Newspapers, Inc. is heeding its own good advice.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL / NEW ERA
In "County recalls the end of Prohibition", the Intelligencer Journal / New Era recalls "It was Prohibition, a 13-year experiment in regulating the nation's morals, which ended 75 years ago Friday, leaving a legacy of violence and bloodshed."
WATCHDOG: It is an informative and fun look at Lancaster's past that merits reading.
Today a large portion of the population fails to make the connection between failed alcohol prohibition and our current prohibition against marijuana, a far less dangerous drug.
If, through the same approach of local option, we regulated and controlled marijuana as we do alcohol, we could raise much tax revenue, reduce incarceration rates by about half of a million, and free up ample funds for the prevention and treatment of drug dependency and addiction.
Incidentally, it was not illegal to consume alcoholic beverages during prohibition; only to sell them. So alcohol prohibition was not a means for massive incarceration of minorities.
Full disclosure: Our publisher is the co-founder of Common Sense for Drug Policy (www.csdp.org).
WATCHDOG: It is an informative and fun look at Lancaster's past that merits reading.
Today a large portion of the population fails to make the connection between failed alcohol prohibition and our current prohibition against marijuana, a far less dangerous drug.
If, through the same approach of local option, we regulated and controlled marijuana as we do alcohol, we could raise much tax revenue, reduce incarceration rates by about half of a million, and free up ample funds for the prevention and treatment of drug dependency and addiction.
Incidentally, it was not illegal to consume alcoholic beverages during prohibition; only to sell them. So alcohol prohibition was not a means for massive incarceration of minorities.
Full disclosure: Our publisher is the co-founder of Common Sense for Drug Policy (www.csdp.org).
Thursday, December 4, 2008
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
As reported in the Dec. 4th edition and on radio and TV, Jim Press, Vice Chair of Chrysler, proclaimed yesterday: "We're on the brink with the U.S. auto manufacturing industry...If we have a catastrophic failure of one of these car companies, in this tender environment for the economy, it's a huge blow. It could trigger a depression."
WATCHDOG: NewsLanc has as much confidence in these over paid and under competent auto executives as we do in their used car salesmen on their lots.
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code is precisely what is needed to make them immediately credit worthy (all new debt has precedent over old debt) and bring about better management and true sacrifices from the various 'stakeholders'. The process would put the manufacturers on their way to recovery. Anything else is tax money down the drain.
Editor's note: Our publisher operated auto distributorships for several years. His revelations concerning General Motor's disastrous investment in Fiat were prominently (and we suspect gleefully) published by Auto News.
WATCHDOG: NewsLanc has as much confidence in these over paid and under competent auto executives as we do in their used car salesmen on their lots.
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code is precisely what is needed to make them immediately credit worthy (all new debt has precedent over old debt) and bring about better management and true sacrifices from the various 'stakeholders'. The process would put the manufacturers on their way to recovery. Anything else is tax money down the drain.
Editor's note: Our publisher operated auto distributorships for several years. His revelations concerning General Motor's disastrous investment in Fiat were prominently (and we suspect gleefully) published by Auto News.
Monday, December 1, 2008
INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL
In his "Bird's-Eye View" column headed "Gray not about to tip his hand on candidacy", Dave Pidgeon opines "No rival, either Democrat or Republican (and is there such a thing these days as a city Republican capable of running a successful campaign?), has yet to emerge. However, if there are rancorous public hearings related to the budget, that could change."
WATCHDOG: We think Pidgeon wrong on two accounts: (1) The big issue by November, 2009 may be the performance of the Convention Center Project. If it falls far short of sponsor expectations and the costs to the City become more apparent, the public will remember that Rick Gray promised to bring parties together and vet the issue if elected. Instead, within days he threw his full support behind the project. (2) R. B. Campbell for one.
WATCHDOG: We think Pidgeon wrong on two accounts: (1) The big issue by November, 2009 may be the performance of the Convention Center Project. If it falls far short of sponsor expectations and the costs to the City become more apparent, the public will remember that Rick Gray promised to bring parties together and vet the issue if elected. Instead, within days he threw his full support behind the project. (2) R. B. Campbell for one.
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