The e-mails these days read partly like wakes, partly like a group therapy
sessions.
Across the country over the past couple weeks, too many editorial writers
are leaving this profession we love to practice. They're either layoff
victims or unwilling participants in budget-driven newsroom reassignments.
On the National Conference of Editorial Writers' e-mail listserv -- the
ongoing online chat that connects a skeptical and curmudgeonly editorialist
community -- there is no consensus about whether to mourn or vent or question
what's going on. So people are doing a little bit of everything, with a
heavy dose of industry-bashing.
Given that editorial writers are supposed to second-guess the way
presidents, mayors and CEOs handle tough decisions, you can well imagine
what happens when that critical eye is fixed on our own industry.
Many are wondering why newspapers are throwing aside some of their most
talented people. One predicted that the industry is heading for a plane
crash -- and the "black box" will reveal the cause as the industry's
collective response to recent declines in revenue. Another writer
encapsulated what I consider the big question. Across TV, radio and the
Internet, audiences are demonstrating a clear craving for more comment and
analysis. Why in the world would newspapers want to cut back on commentary
and opinion?
I haven't a clue. And yet some are.
For example, the News-Journal in Daytona Beach, Fla., laid off 99 employees
last week. Among the changes in the product: the paper jettisoned its Sunday
opinion section, moving editorial pages to its front section.
I don't to look clear to Florida to find troubling signs of change. Two
hundred fifty miles from here, the Lewiston Tribune recently went from two
full-time editorial writers to one. Tribune editorial page editor Jim Fisher
and I don't agree on everything, but my heart sank a bit when I heard his
news. Then I cast a very nervous eye around my own two-person office.
I consider myself fortunate in an industry where good fortune seems in scant
supply.
When assistant editorial page editor Jennifer Swindell left the Statesman in
May -- taking with her 20 years of experience and a wealth of institutional
knowledge -- my bosses moved quickly to fill the vacancy in-house. Dave Bomar
moved over from the news desk to take the assistant's position, bringing
along his talents for page design and his sharp news judgment. Meanwhile,
I'm specializing in editorial and column writing and blogging, which is what I
like to do most.
I'm grateful to remain part of a two-person team, because it demonstrates
that my bosses, and this paper, recognize the value of a vibrant Opinion
section. This is where we stir up debate. We advocate change. We criticize
important and self-important people. We scrutinize ideas and endorse
candidates. Then we open the doors to let you come in and have your say
about almost everyone and almost everything. Especially us. You want to tell
us we don't know what we're talking about? Come on in.
We'll make you mad some days. We'll make you laugh some days. I hope, every
day, we make you think.
Now admit it. If we didn't do this, wouldn't you think a little bit less of
us?
I'm not blind to the reality, and neither are you. I know newspapers are
facing tough times. Many papers, including this one, are trying to do a very
demanding job with fewer people. It's difficult. It's also frightening.
I've long believed that Opinion pages reflect a newspaper's conscience -- but
I also believe they represent our future. In a virtual sea of instant
commentary and opinion, an editorial page stands apart. We think locally and
independently. We strive to provide careful analysis and a clear action
plan, on the issues that matter most to this community. We buy ink by the
barrel and let you have the last round. And we employ the same model online.
Relevant? Viable? No doubt in my mind. We need to make that case to you
every day, but I'm game to that challenge.
In more whimsical moments, I feel like my employers have set me loose with a
blank sketch pad and one of those big boxes of Crayolas -- the ones that just
smell like the first day of school. These days, I'm not feeling quite as
whimsical. Just stubborn about fighting for a profession I love.
When I read e-mails from colleagues -- saddened, outraged and determined -- I
know I'm not alone.
P.S.: This is the last blog post from me for the next few days, as I take a little bit of vacation time. Have a good week and a great Fourth.
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You DON'T, but it's so convincing and passionate it's...
endearing ;-0
Make sure you don't meet bad bug who want your juice OR People in campers with too much Bug Juice.
Come home DEBATABLE!
Readers will Ignore Weak Editors
It seems to me, good UNBIAS editorials are missing from today's newspapers.
What is the print media? Liberal or conservative? Would anyone answer that as conservative? Should there even be an exact answer either way?
The recent Supreme Courts are what the editorial pages should be- a balance- and depending on the topic the political slant may change, but regardless there is good content and good reasoning. I think that is missing in the Statesmans' opinions. So if one were to "read between the lines", or read "the writing on the wall".... well, a well written resume is better than a poorly written opinion.
Editorials are supposed to BE ABOUT SOMETHING???
If you want unbiased, try this...
A
-fin'
Make it Easier to Read
On the topic of bad editorial pages--
PLEASE PLEASE change the editorial pages to move the political candidate endorsements to a separate section. They are NOT worthy of Letters to the Editor. Please do not put them under that umbrella. Perhaps a new section Candidate Letters.
During election season, I don't even bother with the Letters because of all the krap endorsements.-- Oooh, I guess that means one less reader of your hard copy section.
Editorials are not necessary
They are just newspaper people trying to tell us what to think. The space is better used for actually reporting the news, not telling us how we should think about it.
Not "necessary" but good to have
The newpapers aren't trying to "tell us what to think." They are simply giving us one take on a particular issue. That begins the discussion - not ends it.
It's all AP stuff 90% of the time...have to differ on something.
Like a blog posting.
Think whatever you want, it's just another view. If it makes sense & is backed up with facts it may be informative with no final decision such as a law. Feedback from readers may prevent or initiate a law or decision by our lawmakers before they do something we never have any say in.
Good or bad, editorials no doubt influence the way people might think. So does religion. Would you hire a priest to babysit you 8 year old son yet listen to the same priest about abortion or birth control?
Very sad
"...editorials no doubt influence the way people might think." That's a sad commentary GG.
They really only influence the way non-thinkers "think" except in the instance we call learning. Sometimes I am influenced by new ideas, or different ways to look at an issue. But the editorial writer merely tapped MY thinking by her or his writing. I believe that to be a good thing.
I don't understand your connection with editorials and religion. One adopts a Faith as a truth, and pays their pastor or priest to help them learn and understand that "truth." Opinion writers don't even purport to write a "truth."
The five years I was a syndicated columnist - opinion writer - I wrote many columns putting forth ideas that I didn't even believe in - but thought they needed to be brought to the people for discussion.
Might be sad but is it true?
How many people think like you do or really think at all until a subject is brought up? If they haven't thought much about it they haven't formed an opinion. If they haven't formed an opinion & you come along with all the sounds good to me ideas, people are influenced. Until theyhear better ideas. Being a former teacher, I would think you had enough students who just went along, no life experience, so what ever you said was gospel.
Speaking of gospel, how many people go for whatever the preacher tells them? Got to get to hevean & drank too much with the neigbor's wife Saturday night to skip church & still expect to be blessed. Way too many people would rather be told something is good or right & just go long with it then have to make the decision for themselves. Look what's going on in Iraq & the Middle East, all those nut cakes blowing themselves up. Forty virgins, yada, yada, yada, boom.
Religion has been used to take dvantage of people forever. People are so afraid of living & more of dying that they do what they're told by a man of God or pretending to be. How many people are approached by the preacher, asking for money, while in their death bed? In many cases it's more about the money than God.
Jim Jones, that nut in Waco, Charlie Manson, or anybody with the desire can con some people into doing really dumb things so I would have to imagine an editorial has influence over some people. Maybe your editorials just didn't have what it took to get it done. You still haven't convinced me that our government could run this nation. All evidence leads one to believe total & proficient incompetence from the White House, Congress, Senate, all the way down through state, county, & city government.
Sorry mtomlin but if you can't convince me, a 50 year old, born & raised US citizen, that America is being run any better than a 15 year old kid could do it, I'm guessing some of your former students are in charge of the entire mess. You won't get any thanks for that job well done. I'm kind of thankful that you got out of teaching, wouldn't want all those students you would have taught, to be an influence on the 85% & 75% of Americans in their right mind, those who think the President & Congress aren't doing a good job, to believe as you 15% & 25% people do.
Why do you think...?
GG, why do you think everyone else thinks like you do?
Why do you think everyone else views religion as you do?
And this post was about "opinion" pages and writing. Why did you make it about Jim Jones, the President and Congress, and the government running this nation? You seem like a one-trick pony.
Not everybody does.
I encourage everybody to think for themselves unlike the manipulation & republican control freak mentality Bush & co. took US to war in Iraq with. Bush & co. were telling the world all about WMD, nukes, & terrroist who weren't in Iraq until Bush sent out invitations? The rest of the world didn't go for it but here We the People are paying billions & dying to do so. It's all good through the glasses you look through but reality tells a different story.
Let's have a look at the Bush family income through oil over the last seven years, not just Dubya but the entire family. What do they have to hide? I'll put my income & investments out for the world to see if my representatives do the same. Seems fair enough since they work for me. They take campaign contributions from anybody & everybody so let's see the numbers. Where has the money been made since free trade agreements, NAFTA, war in Iraq, & who made it. Nothing to hide, no fear. I wouldn't feel it was wrong if my representatives made money on anything if they never took money to promote it then made it happen. They're allowed to invest just like the rest of US. Seems a little strange to me that so many of our representatives are millionaires. What percentage are wealthy & how can they determine what's right for the working class making less?
Religion is viewed by millions of people in millions of ways. So what? I point out that people use it to take advantage of others to get money & kill. Some do & some don't but you suggest it doesn't happen? It's in the news, & history books. You were a teacher, didn't you ever read about religion, influence, Salem witch hunts? Now with terrorist killing in the name of whoever their God is? I'm not saying religion is bad, it's abused, & used to make money. Religion is all well & good, I don't care who or if anybody has faith & goes to church. Leave the rest of US out & let the church pay it's own way. I shouldn't have to pay taxes evaded by the church or any corporation that can afford to by my representation through campaign contributions.
Do their rights include my representation? Let's put it all up for a vote, ask the people if they would like to see the money. Quick skirting around everything with excuses.
Religion seems to have a lot of influence in government while people who aren't religious are stuck with the end result. Laws are passed & taxes evaded by those who can afford to influence our representation. Does the Mormon religion have any influence in Boise? If you don't think so you're not paying attention. Go buy a car on Sunday, lots are closed, or go to a strip club, bikini dancers. Why should religion, which can build palaces worth millions of $ need tax cuts? Don't they get enough $ from people, 10% of income? Why be afraid of dying/going to heaven after a life of sinning. I don't think you can suddenly buy in just because some guy say's it's all ok like blowing yourself up.
Everything in the world is a trick or shell game, & government is as bad if not worse than religion. Everyday I point out manipulation by our government due to $, influence through campaign finance, & you suggest I'm would take your rights away. The world is an ediortial, read it & weep. One trick pony? As if you don't suggest how well it's all working so as to benefit yourself just like contributing? A millionaire every 22 minutes & yada yada. You're quite the salesman. How many virgins can a guy get in your game?
You're just upset because your wrong 85% & 75% of the time according to the approval ratings of the people you vote for. Seems I'm of the percentages of people that believe 75% & 85% of the time. Don't blame me or the other people who disagree with you for thinking for ourselves. If we ever go to the horse races together, keep your bets to yourself. I'll bet on the percentages I'm right about & you do the same. You might win on a long shot but the majority of the time you seem to be be hitting about 15% or 25%. The approval rating your representatives are getting according to the American people. You said you could ride the pony but you could not ride. Put your money down, which shell is it under today? Your's is the trick pony & you can't twist it. You're a little too transparent in trying to turn it around.
Salem witch hunts?
GG, how old are you? You should be over that by now. It was wrong, we learned, time passed, we moved on. I am sooo sorry it is still bugging you. I know now why you'll never get over Bush - you're still fretting over Salem. Oh my.
You write: "Religion seems to have a lot of influence in government." Well duh. 29 of the 56 Founding Fathers either were clergy or went to seminary. Duh. The first Continental Congress began its first meeting with a 3 hour prayer vigil, praying for devine inspiration in building our nation. Duh. Religion is indelibly etched into our government, and intentionally so. I'm sorry that you don't like it but it was the best they could come up with.
You write: "Everything in the world is a trick or shell game..." Everything? Really? Come on GG, that is a nonsensical statement.
You write: "You're just upset because your (sic) wrong 85% & 75% of the time..." Why do you think I'm upset? Is it because you think other people think like you think? I cannot recall the last time I was upset. Other people thinking differently does not upset me or I could not be in the business I am in.
And I'm guessing from your comments you have no idea what a one-trick pony is.
Duh, duh, duh,? You can do better.
How old am I? Did you suspect maybe a couple hundred years? Oh my? Bounce, don't go off half cocked on some wild ride. Is it nap time, come back after when you're well rested & thinking more clearly.
I'm not hung up on witch hunts, used it as an example & that's it. I think if anything your attitude toward witch hunts & religion should be the red flag in this post. So what if all the people in the first contitutional congress began with a prayer? Was it church or government? Obviously religion had a little too much influence. Should government be influenced that way? I don't have a problem with people believing in God or being religious but it's just strange to me that government would be dictated by religion. Maybe that explains the problems in Iraq, so hung up on religion that common sense is non-existant. We can't change for the better? They stopped the witch hunts because it became painfully obvious the real problem weren't witches but the nuts obsessed with hunting witches. People jumped on the wagon & burned witches to prevent being burned as witches. Sounds like a republican thing. Terrorist, terrorist, under every rock, on the phone, with WMD. Torture them & get the truth? It's amazing to me how people will go along wth something for so long even though they know in their hearts how wrong it is.
If the average American can't get past religion in running America we're in a little trouble. Didn't I point to terrorist blowing themselves up because someone is suggesting 40 virgins & all that crazy nonsense? The religion I grew up with didn't suggest virgins as a reward for dying in some crazy cause. Does your religion? Who in their right mind would allow religion to dictate how a country is run after all the witch hunts way back when & now Bush going on about terrorist today? Bush has that reborn thing going on too. Believing in God is one thing but running a country according to whatever religion the person in office is all about?
Religion has the commandments & governments have laws. Should laws passed by government, elected officials, be decided according to their religion & if so which religion is right? Is the Catholic religion right in 2000 & Mormon is 2004, & Muslim in 2008, because whoever we elected was of that religion in those years? Why isn't their religion all over the ballot? They all have different beliefs. Some religions have been around thousands a years longer than christianity, does that make them right?. What if Obama is Muslim & is elected president? Are we changing everything to fit the religion in office? Is his religion going to decide if he's elected when the nut in office now, all about religion is all about war & killing?
Bounce, Bounce, Bounce, you really need to look at what you just wrote. You make it sound as if your's is the word of God. You're so perfect you never get upset? That's quite a trick, which shell is it under? Why are there so may questions you never answer? There are doctors, medicines that can help. I'd suggest religion or God but I think you are getting enough of that influence already. You might want to tone it down a little, too many followers in white robes, waiting for the next falling star might make your readers suspcious. Don't worry, I won't let on. You're little secret is safe, what you post on the blog stays on the blog. The word of Bounce, has a ring to it though. That's scary. Boise hasn't had one of you crazy people who thinks they're Jesus, have we? While I have you on the line here, any room left in heaven? I guess I'm just out of luck, again.
Obvious?
You wrote: "Obviously religion had a little too much influence." That would be your opinion. It is not obvious to all. Again, everyone does not think as you do, or as I do.
You wrote "...it's just strange to me that government would be dictated by religion." All of the worlds' governments have been. Why do you find it strange? Did you just discover this? When JFK ran my parents opposed him because he was Catholic and they knew he would subserviate to the Pope... Religion in government is not Bush's fault. It has been this way since religion and government were invented. You seem surprised...
I'm not perfect by not getting upset, but I enjoy seeing different beliefs and opinions. It's all good. That is my point. You and I disagree, and I'm still happy and life is good. Bush is President and I am happy and life is good. When Bush is no longer President I will be happy and life will be good.
My fear is that Bush leaving office will not help you. Since all government is evil, all businesses are evil, etc. You don't actually accept money from an evil business do you...or is your employment with the only honest employer on the planet?
Jumping Jebus! Both of you SHUT UP!
Aieeeeeeeeee.
Money itself isn't evil, people who use it for evil
or promote evil with money on the other hand. You suggest I'm wrong in everything I say about government & yet you say the same as I do about government but it's directed toward me. You're like Bush, a terrorist attacking terror in hopes of? Can you win a war against yourself.
The paper printed a good article today, {Why we do what we do} about the Guantanamo seris they recently printed. Many people wrote in accusing the paper of treason & all kind of crap over that series. In that article was printed something by Jefferson. "The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right: & were it left to me to decide whether we should have government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter."
Jefferson later wrote:
The only security of all is in free press. The force of puplic opinion cannot be resisted when permitted freely to be expressed. The agitaion it produces must be submitted to. It is neccessary to keep the waters pure.
It seems mtomlin that while you claim to be so happy, I agitate you a little.
If not mistaken I have written on this blog, not in these exact words, people like myself stir it up & in doing so help to keep our government in check. In my opinion this helps keep the waters pure by holding our representatives accountable. What is amazing to me is that some people, people in many cases who have served in the military to protect our rights would suggest we not have an opinion, say or print that opinion, or in fact suggest we're wrong in our opinion. It is apparent that the same people claim our government is right about doing what ever is deemed right by an elected official even when the majority of people disagree & it is obvious through approval ratings of low numbers. You seem to suggest the rights you fought for should only be enjoyed by some & not all.
I was born on July 5th, I believe in order to remain free, & everyday is a revolution starting the day after a revolution is won in order to keep that freedom. To become passive to the point we allow government to do as they want according to who has the money & influence to buy our representation is a fools game at best. You have become what you fought against while defending America & you don't realize it. Communism, terrorism, socialism, aren't threats so much as the loss of freedom in your own mind to the point you believe government is all good & right no matter what. Campaign finance is as much a threat as communism & you promote it so you can purchase representation belonging to all of US.
I don't work for the government, government works for me. You keep going on about how unhappy I am, look at yourself. You're in denial to the point you believe you never get upset? Anybody can tell themself it's a great day, the sun is going to shine either way. You're afraid to admit people like myself are more in line with people like Jefferson while you're more in line with people like Bush. Like Bush, you would dictate what American individuals have the right to do or not.
Before today I never knew of the words above which Jefferson wrote. Funny how I seem to think along those same lines while you suggest government should be the rule & what I write is wrong. Why did we have that little revolution? I'm every bit as happy as Jefferson & if you are suggesting I not continue in the same fight as he in keeping America free, forget it. You can't have America without a fight, she isn't your for a few dollars.
I'm happy as can be, love the fight for freedom. Happy birthday America! I'm here for you baby in keep terror, members of our corrupt government in line & the waters pure!
So silly GG
I sent that Jeffersonian quote to KR weeks ago and posted it on another site. As a member of the Idaho Press Club I fervently support and protect the First Amendment - eh, the very one you would restrict and dictate what I/we have the right to do or not. You would not allow me to buy a full-page ad in the paper supporting my candidate, and you would not allow the paper to accept freely my business. I find your positions contradictory.
I usually only point out where you are factually wrong - wrong on the crime rate, wrong on Bush's salary and earnings, wrong on NAFTA, etc. I have no real argument with your opinions - that's just debate. But many times you cite something as fact that just is not so. Provably not so.
Hope you feel better after the spin.
Good for you bounce, you always tell everybody how it is & you are always the only one who knows what is really right. The rest of US are just blogging & you can't stand it that someone else has an opinion, have to change it to fit your perfect world. Just the other day you were writing that opinions don't influence & today you're telling US you sent a quote from Jefferson about the opinion of people being so important. You really need to go back & verify things before you contradict yourself as you suggest I do myself.
You come on this blog & cry about some of US not putting our name on things, you correct everybody on everything from who is American, North or South because we don't specify, to what government is reponsible for such as federal $ for schools. You're Mr. perfect. This isn't a court & you aren't the judge & jury. I'm still not impressed with the spin, in fact it takes away from any credibility you might have. Trying to make others look less knowlegable with all your eductation & Idaho Press Club stuff is silly.
I like that, I did it before you line. My fish was bigger than yours, I'm better, faster, smarter. Didn't that old routine teach when anything you were a kid.
You always get the last word & always right? I notice most people on this blog don't come back when you correct them. I get a kick out of you, always right, always know more, & you try so hard to impress.
I never wrote that you couldn't buy an ad for you candidate & I never suggest the paper not do business, just the opposite which you would realize if you read half as well as you suggest others don't. I point out that campaign finance is killing US & you take it personally. You admit yourself the damage to the rail system through poitics, power, & yet the rest of the world is fine through campaign finance. As long as you get what you want? I wouldn't have any problem with campaign finance if tax cuts weren't handed out while the nation's infrastructure is trillions in need & taxes are raised on individuals. Otter can't get $240 million for roads but how much did legislature hand out in tax cuts to contributors? With all that education your math seem little fuzzy.
I don't think you want to understand anybody else. You like to use what others say or write, for your benefit, twist it like Bush does to get what you want. You know what I mean when I suggest campaign finance is killing US & you turn it around to try & impress others. I believe most Americans think government works for US taxpayers, suppose to anyway. You come in & tell them they're wrong & for some reason expect them to respect you.
There is a hugh difference between an individual buying a full page ad & a corporation giving a million $ to the GOP & a million $ to the dems. They can't lose in a two horse race with money on both horses. Corporations then pay lobbysist who pay line standers to get to the front? Why? If you can't see that or won't admit it you are only fooling yourself. Would you buy a full page ad for a candidate of each party? Why? The rest of US can see through it while you use it to get what you want.
You know where you are wrong? Coming on this blog & trying to impress people with all your education by putting people down. I don't imagine too many people read your column & I suspect you get many of your ideas from others from this blog as well as anyplace else the information can be had. After reading your column once I never had the urge to go back. Sorry but it just didn't do anything for me. I'm only an average American so I suppose I wasn't your target reader.
You need to impress someone of more importance. Why do you come on this blog? Are you practicing on average Americans, fine tuning your game so as to be more when in the eyes of those who matter most to you, politicians? You're entertaining, I'll give you that.
You worry a lot about me...
You again bring up my "education." Sheesh GG, work on your self-esteem. My education has nothing to do with you. Show me exactly where I have told you what degree(s) I have and why it/they make my opinions more important.
I have said numerous times that opinions are just that - mine and yours. I have only told you that you were "wrong" when you gave "facts" that were not true, and usually I researched the truth to make the point.
You ask: "Would you buy a full page ad for a candidate of each party?" If I were rich and wanted to why not? What if I wanted to buy an ad for R's in 500 newspapers across the U.S. and for D's in 500 other newspapers? Your campaign finance reform would say no - that I do not have the right to spend my money to say my piece in newspapers.
There is no difference between one paper and 1,000 papers when it comes to freedom of speech.
Editorials have an opinion by definition!
udapimp: Journalism 101: A reporter reports and is supposed to be without bias - just the facts, ma'am. An editorial writer is SUPPOSED to have an opinion - that's what an editorial IS.
By definition, an editorial can't be "unbias" (did you mean "unbiased"?) or it would be a report.
Keep those resumes updated
Unfortunately, to the corporate executives who increasingly run newspapers, magazines and other publishing outlets, the opinion of a well-informed, experienced editorial writer is no more important than the opinion of the average blog writer or the people who comment about them. So with that mindset, there's no reason for the suits to pay staffers when they can get what they consider the same product for free. These days, the best thing anyone in journalism or publishing can do is keep our resumes updated and be glad there are still PR jobs out there...
Someone asked for one opinion...
Where is oneopinion's one opinion?
Self-important
"We criticize... self-important people."
Then why aren't you writing more on yourself, Kevin? There's no one more self-important, now is there?
You're wobbly on that, honestly.
Kevin Richert+YankeeDoodle = 1st Amendment&Independence Day 2008
[Amendment I]
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
The free press has functioned well in the USA for the past 232 years. Some would say that the free press is really the fourth branch of government.
Could you cite the work of the Washington Post/Woodward & Bernstein during the Watergate Era as a high water mark for the free press?
Wasn't it a fact that their source, "Deep Throat", was just another Famous Potato?
And Kevin Richert, you continue to carry that flame of freedom to your readers. So CARRY ON! Write like the country depends on it. Because it does.
Happy Independence Day 2008!
Deep Throat was a 1972 adult film that was insanely popular...
for some reason (and YES I've actually seen some of it and it can be HUMOROUS even and has 1/2 a plot even) and was actually shown in some respectable joints and packed the houses. That the informant chose this title is reflective of the important status it has as a porn crossover to the general public (who really were not as wiped out and unimaginative as you think).
The fact that the adult video industry ever took off beyond 8 mm loops in seedy bookshops is owed almost entirely to the director of the movie and Lovelace's (Linda Boreman) previous boyfriend/director, also known for introducing the SECOND legend of PORN, Marilyn Chambers....
IMDB will tell you all of this.
The Statesman reported that
The Statesman reported that 22 speakers at BSU were liberal,a much smaller number were conservative. A common ratio on campuses nationwide. The left leanings of modern education are showing up on editorial pages everywhere,as well on the "hard "news pages. Which picture shall a paper run about presidential candidates? The Statesman prefers Obama. The selection & placement of stories can reflect an agenda too. Americans are seeing this & the decline in the newspaper industry is a result. Most glaring example is the NYTimes, I suppose. Looked at it's stock lately?
Apetolla
You have a very vivid imagination. I have yet to see anything indicating that the Statesman prefers Obama. Could you please support that statement with some kind of evidence?
I cannot think of one Statesman editorial that has even contemplated the Presidential election.
The NY Times is the last newspaper in America that can be considered independent. The Washington Post has just been purchased, the L.A. Times has been purchased, - and the media in this country is now corporately owned. I think that is scary- no more independent thought.
I personally do not care which way the Statesman leans- but as far as I am concerned- their editorials tend to be insipid and straddle the fence. They seldom take a stand on anything. When they finally do, they do not support their opinion by facts or analysis.
Why do the institutions of educations lean "left?” Because any time someone questions outdated theory- the conservatives yell "leftist" or "socialist.” New ideas are "left-winged.” The Conservatives will destroy this country; their inflexibility to entertain new ideas while world the rest of the world is changing will bring about its destruction.
Assuming the labels are correct...
the purpose of bringing speakers to a campus is expose the audience to new ideas and information. The majority of university students in Idaho need the exposure to "liberal ideas" because they are drowning in neocon and pseudo-conservative rhetoric.
Hey mtomlin, down here.
Maybe you don't have a degree, just a pretender? Maybe you're on Bush's payroll, on this blog just to support the criminals in DC. I don't know & don't care but you always come off telling the world how things are done. You seem to be upset because I'm not impressed. If it does that much ofr you, fine. Damn you're good, I wish I was as half the man you are. Why are you attacking my self esteem & happiness if you're so accomplished? Just because I mention your education? I would think you might be all wet over the fact that someone acknowledged it.
Suggesting you would buy full page ads for a candidate in both parties just because you have the money? Why buy ads for either, defeating the purpose isn't it? Seems to me spending no money on either would accomplish the same as spending $ on both. Are you going to vote for both candidates in an opposing race? Maybe just a chip in the game no matter who wins is the reason? That's the point I make about campaign finance. Why contribute to both parties? To have influence no matter who wins? Must be a reason & I doubt that just because someone has the money they would spend it that way. I don't understand why you suggest I would be taking your rights if it's ok with me if you buy ads, I didn't mention ads, you did. I mentioned campaign finance & you turned it into ads. I just don't think it's completely honest to contribute to both sides when only one will win, unless you need influence with which ever one wins. Is that what democracy all about?
Fine if someone wants to buy ads in papers. Like seven year old kids contributing to campaigns, I don't think to many average Americans are buying ads in support of a politicians, we vote. If most if US did buy an ad it would be for one or the other. When someone is elected we pay them, provide health care, & retirement to represent US. Why would I spend money on the campaigns of opposing politicians if not to win favor no matter who wins the election? I thought my vote is what counted but you make it clear the money contributed has more influence than the pay, health care, & retirement. You're my best arguement against camapign finance in suggesting buying into opposing poiticians in the same race.
Campaign finance is getting so much influence that individuals are being manipulated into supporting politicians other than the two favorites. People are so sick of the way politics are manipulated they have no choice but to do the same thing corporate unAmerica does or their candidate, if not a republican or demcorat, doesn't get in.
Did I say you can't buy an ad? You did, you twisted what I wrote about campaign finance into an ad in the paper to support your arguement in favor of campaign finance. I don't care if individuals support or how they support a candidate they are going to vote for. I made the point on another blog where people were giving millions to Ron Paul, {$25 each because that's all they could afford,} that they were wasting their money. The few million individuals were giving compared to corporate & agri corruption only took their money, Paul would never be able to compete with corporate $. Do you think Ron Paul is going to be the next President? He might have better ideas for America but the money, millions more contributed by the corporate world to the two controling parties will influence more votes, the outcome of the election.
Corporate unAmerica & agri corruption are getting a little more in return for millions, {$280 billion farm bill} contributed than an individual is getting for $25 or $500. You might be rubbing elbows, get invited to the ball in your pretty red dress for your $500, a picture on the wall to show off to your friends & wife's family, but how does it hold up against $1,000,000? Good, your important now & you look nice in that dress standing next to Dubya. Now I'm impressed, you got a date.
Does an individual have a jet to offer travel so they can influence our captive representation with information/research which those representatives would never see otherwise or verify as true? If they don't get our representatives there they have a backup plan with lobbyist who make millions, offer golf in Scotland, after pay linestanders so as to get up front. How much time is my representative going to spend on those numbers that look so good if not on that corporate jet or playing gold in Scotland? Is this why millions of pages of legislation are never are read yet bills & laws are passed? Thousands of $ in contributions didn't hurt & flying in comfort rather than coach without the TSA hassels didn't hurt. The difference between flying first class as mentioned in another blog post not so long ago in which you gave credit to one politician who flew coach, received a little attention. You thought highly of one individual for flying coach if I remember correctly. There's a difference between first class & coach but no difference between your ad in the paper & the jet ride plus a $10,000 check?
You know what Bounce buddy? I don't care what everybody else says about you, you're alright. See, you can't even take a joke. You'll come back with some rediculous thing like, how would I know what others say about you & not everybody thinks like me. We've all seen your reaction to Lilly Tomlin jokes & you just don't have a sense of humor. You talk about how unhappy I am but you wouldn't recognize humor if you told the joke. Loosen up Bounce, don't take eveything so personally. I never attacked you & yet you keep telling me how sorry I am? What's up with that? Why do you keep going with the so unhappy & low self esteem thing? I have a wife, boat, plane, the dogs, & three jobs. What more could one guy ask for.
Will I be happy when Bush is out of office? Yes but I'll still be after crooked politicians because like Jefferson wrote, we need to keep the waters pure. I've made the point that people like myself keep politicians honest by doing the things we do, keep a spot light on them, but you take it personally. Does my telling the world that politics in America is crooked bother you that much? I'm not the only one against campaign finance & kicking crooked politicians. I'm of the majority disapproving or our representations performance. You're telling 75% & 85% of US we're wrong because we don't think our representatives aren't getting the job done & I'm the bad guy?
Don't take it all so personally, I don't wish anything bad on you & I don't attack your way of thinking like you do mine with the sad, silly, duh, duh, duh, you don't read well stuff on every post. I'm not worried about you Bounce but I am trying to help you understand the average American. I realize you high society, influencial people need to be right all the time, need re & self assurance. Don't worry, if you need to be right about everything, think of yourself as the winner in all the debates, I can handle it. It's all good, you the man.
By the way, happy birthday, hope it was a good one. See, isn't it great to be an American in the 21st cenruty?
"...playing gold in Scotland"
I truly don't know how Scotland and their gold got into the discussion. That is one thing I struggle with - you bring in things that I cannot even relate to the topic.
You write: "We've all seen your reaction to Lilly Tomlin jokes..." GG, what has been my reaction? I've written that my aunt and I are not real close, that I've not seen her sinse the big arts fundraiser in Jackson Hole last fall. FO made a big deal about it and I told him I could get him a signed picture if he wanted one.
What was wrong with my reaction about Lily?
I think it was golf in Scotland
& it was about campaign finance. Abramoff, Cunigham, & the problems with campaign finance. I thoink golf in Scotland came up when that was all in the paper. I have to believe with all your years in teaching & writing, you would have caught onto the need to use imagination to follow the course. My guess is you may have taught students to do so.
How is Golf in Scotland any different than you suggesting a full page ad in the paper by an individual as being the same thing as campaign finance? I've never considered a full page ad by an indivdual as campaign finance. I never thought an individual would do something like that & until now never knew of anybody who has. That must be the difference between you & I. You'd buy that ad to get your guy elected & I'd vote for who I thought would do the best job for US, not just me. According to approval ratings, Congress & the President aren't doing the best job for US.
If you think everything on a blog is going to stay on the orignal subject, that subject isn't going to around long. Look what we've brought into this & I don't see it as a bad thing. It would be over if you & I weren't going at it. Opinions were the topic & you as well as I have been off that for a while. I think it went from opinions to religion, Jefferson & campaign finance.
OK, I made the point you don't go with a joke very well, my bad. There was nothing wrong with your reaction, it just didn't seem to get the humor in the Lilly thing or other things I put out there. I don't go with humor well sometimes either, I might have told FO to, well, you know. It may not have been handled as well as you did.
It seems to me that you've been away from the same working class Americans you correct. I say American & you correct me with which, there are several. The American people I work with know which Americans I'm talking about. Maybe you're more of the mindset of politicians, white collar rather than blue collar folks? You tell me. Have you been pouring concrete, landscaping, or welding the last twenty years or rubbing elbows with people in other professions? Who do you relate best to? When they say American Im guessing you all think about which, South, North, Central, & so on. Funny how that would come to mind but golf in Scotland when talking about campaign finance doesn't. Politics, golf, & Scotland all seem to have something in common. Isn't Scotland a hot spot for golf? I don't play the game.
You suggest you want people to think about things you post, editorials, but thinking won't get a person off the original topic? Sorry Bounce but that's how minds work & I would have to suggest it's a good thing.
I'm sorry if my mind isn't on the same waves as your's but we wouldn't very interesting if we all thought the same. Boring would be the word I'd use to describe humans if we all thought exactly the same. There isn't much we can do about it & I don't think we should. I enjoy going back & forth with you on this stuff, dosen't hurt my head to read your view.
You write: "I've never
You write: "I've never considered a full page ad by an indivdual as campaign finance." Well that's handy GG, but that is exactly what proposed campaign finance reform bills will do. It is already improper to go on paid junkets to resorts. The new proposed laws that you continually tout prevent the citizen from spending his/her own money to speak their own opinions. In other words, taking away their Constitutional rights to free speech.
I can't imagine why I would take out opposing ads in papers either - but I should have a right to if I want to spend my own money.
I never think of blue collar folks as working Americans and white collar folks as something else. It's just how I don't view myself as "white" and Obama as "black." A millionaire lawyer working 80 hours a week with an office payroll of 30 employees is a working American. An ER surgeon pulling 16 hour shifts is a working American. No more so and no less so than one who pours concrete, builds roads, cuts hair, delivers mail, works in a call center, etc.
I try to not put people in boxes and when I do it is my failing. Just as I would not say "politicians are crooks" I would not say ____________ (pick any group) are lazy.
In my world view I expect the best of people. I wouldn't slam someone because they work in Ag, or Corporate America...others do, they group people together and insult them as a class of working American. I am unable to find where that is helpful.
BTW aunt Lily spells it with one "l" in the middle. She has always been sensitive about that.
Don't care if she spells it with an m.
What are you so up tight about? If your shorts bunched up, reach around & give em a tug. Your perfect world seems to have a skid mark in it today. Racist around the collar? Where do you get that stuff? I don't think blue collar & white was ever meant that way but somehow you make it that way. You put people in boxes everytime you post. You have me in one & yourself in another.
I point out full page ads aren't the campaign finance I worry about & you go off again. Was it full page ads that the trucking industry used to influence our representatives with in breaking down the rail system you're all wet about? If you think corporate money in the trucking & auto industry didn't influence our representatives & full page ads bought by individuals did, you're alseep at the wheel. Better go back to the nap dad. Are you still upset about going to Vietnam & not realizing all these years you were financing communism? I imagine it's hard t be wrong your entire life & not know it. I never wuld have mentioned it if I had known it would turn you into a sour puss.
I swear mtomlin you're like an old woman, go from one to the other to stir it up getting even. I don't care if you buy a full page ad, buy it. That isn't the campaign finance you were originally talking about either. You knew from the beginning what I meant. Oh gee you silly boy mtomllin, how handy your wisdumb is today. Try cussing sometime, your silly this & oh gee that are a little too phony for the rest of US.
Get off your high horse & try to be human, not North American, not South, you know, US, American. Protecting all those crooks in DC won't change their evil ways. If you insist that they're all crooks by suggesting they aren't, I'll go along with it. You're right, they are all liars, crooks, cheats, & theives. I was leaning toward just a few, 75%. You've convinced me, they all think like you so there is obviously something wrong with them. Explains why 75 & 85% of Americans disapprove of the job they're doing.
Why didn't you say anything about Jefferson's quotes to the rest of US? Suddenly you brag about sending the same Jefferson words first when it comes up. I already did that, I did that already, first, a few days ago already. How big was that fish? It's clear why your still mad at me. Opinions don't influence one day & you're all about Jefferson writting about them the next. Bragging? Silly boy mtomllin, make up your mind. Either Jefferson was right or he wasn't. Do opinions influence or don't they?
Jefferson would rather have newspapers without government & you would rather have government without newspapers, except for your full page ad?
Go ahead & stir it up mtomllin, I guess it's what a perfect person does in a perfect world. Too bad neither exist & that makes you wrong as usual. Spin it but don't let KRs door hit you. Smile. Did you bring KR an apple? Were you the teachers special little boy always bringing something like an apple? That's how you come off. The kid in school everybody picked on? You never quit being that way? No wonder you need to be right, better, & do everything first. Puff up Mtomllin, we all enjoy your spin, you are entertaining. Fictional, not living in a real world, but entertaining.
You should write a book like Harry Potter or maybe something along the lines of the Wizard of OZ. Smile, no apple today.
Can't follow your own thinking...
You separated blue collars from others, not me. Now you say "like an old woman..." So all politicians are bad, corporate workers are corrupt, ag workers are corrupt, and now old people are bad, women are bad. I can't even keep up with the list of your namecalling. Seems no one meets your standard. If you talk that way at work I'm surprised you can keep your employment.
You write: "Jefferson would rather have newspapers without government & you would rather have government without newspapers, except for your full page ad?" No GG, you have the quote wrong, the concept wrong, the understanding wrong, and me in the wrong place on the issue.
You started the vent about campaign finance reform, and the laws that have/are being considered have to do with personal expenditures for media by private citizens. Don't blame me if you start the conversation and don't know what the national news story is, don't know that China is not in North America, don't know that Canada and Mexico are in North America, don't know the violent crime rates are down, don't know the President's finances are publicly filed...
GG, when you are consistently provably wrong on issue after issue it makes it harder to give credence to your opinions - although strangely most seem to be about me rather the issues.
With your representative's approval ratings
at all time lows you still maintain you're right while blowing smoke rings with your wonderful life theory. You're never upset? Sorry Bounce but everybody is human, get upset, & you come off as a little upset today. If you don't get upset from time to time, I suggest an autopsy to see when & what you died from.
The only thing provable is you're failure at math. I don't suggest everyone thinks like me, approval ratings suggest I'm of the same mindset of 75% & 90% of the American people. You suggest we're wrong because the people you vote for get these disapproval ratings? You promote representation 90% of US view with disapproval. Should I slow down so you can keep up? To me that would suggest some sort of change. Vote? Good, but while I suggest campaign finance is a problem you turn it around to full page newspaper ads. You suggest the people who would do something about campaign finance would disallow full page newspaper ads by individuals like you when those very people who benefit from campaign finance are manipulating the problems of campaign finance away from corporate jets, lobbyist, & corruption to ads you as an individual consider rights. Get a clue Bounce, I'm not the one after your rights, the people you vote into office while taking millions from coprorate unAmerica & agri corruption are. I don't care if you spend your 401 on newspaper ads.
Go ahead & twist everything I write into hating women, older folks, which country is in North America or Asia with your attacks on me. You sound Bush suggesting Iraq was ever a threat to US, make it up as you go. Just because you never realized for entire lifetime that we were financing communism with the life of Americans in vietnam & we never won anything, never stopped communism by entering into Vietnam, you're as mad as a five year old in tantrum. Now I suppose I hate five year olds? Most peple never realized we were financing communism so don't feel bad. Government just lied to US just like they are now. You weren't the only one taken in so don't let it bother you.
Relax dad, you need to do as I suggest, reach around & give the old shorts a tug, pull down the wedge. Can't you see what it's doing to your mind? The shorts are blocking the air way, shutting off air flow to your brain. It's very important at your age to get proper air, ox to the brain. Breath easy & don't panic. I know, push the button on the little chain around your neck. Help, You know the one you got from Help, I've fallen & I can't get up commercial. If it's dark & you can't see, clap so your lights come on. You do have the clapper too? I'll chip in if you cna't afford it & Bush ha scut your medical benefits as he does with all veterans.
In your case your standing & think at the same time may be a challenge. Spit out the gum if it helps but don't let it get caught in the depends, boy that'd be a mess & the nurse would chew on you. Funny, nurse would chew on you, get it?. My bad. Fall over if it helps you think straight, we'll be there for you, we'll pick you up. See Bounce, there's the difference between you & I. I would help you & you would put the boots to me because I tried to help you in the past. There's nothing wrong with being human, getting upset, & being wrong like you are most of the time. We don't hold it against you, honest. You're a veteran, I'm all about you getting the help you need. Do you reside at the Veteran's hospital? I could send a card or come visit if you'd like.
You really have to quit blaming me for setting you straight on the Vietnam thing. It's really better you know the truth about financing communism. Just think, had you known years ago you might think rationally today, you know like 90% of US. I forgive you for attacking me Bounce, it's natural when you get a little senile & you're shorts are constricting ox to the brain. Go down the hall, see Doc., get the meds, a new pair of depends with some sort of anti wedge device, & change the darn things once & a while. Silly Bounce, you're really starting to stink things up with all your abuse. Don't have a heart attack, it isn't going to help anything. We all love you Bounce, wouldn't want to see you go postal over something so simple as being human, upset, or wrong once & a while, like the rest of US.
There's a challenge for you buddy, depends with an anti wedge device. You could do your part in helping millions of people like yourself, you are deprived of ox from those nasty old depends creeping up on ya. You might make some money too. You could be the next Warren Buffet or Bill Gates if you don't storke out first. Air, ox to the brain is the first move. All I do for you & you hold a grudge over something as simple as my pointing out you have been wrong most of your adult life? You just don't know who your true friends are.
Perfect
I wrote that you infer that "...women are bad."
You respond: "Go ahead & twist everything I write into hating women."
Hmmm, don't recall using the word "hate." In fact it is a word we never allowed our children to use. It is a word we don't use in our home. Strange that it immediately comes to your mind.
You write: "you're failure at math; taking millions from coprorate unAmerica & agri corruption; if you cna't afford it & Bush ha scut; don't storke out."
That pretty much explains everything.
You write: "Do you reside at the Veteran's hospital?"
You know that I do not, so is that a slam against those who do? What was your point in asking that?
So much of what you write is about me - the readers don't give a rip about me - how about something about ideas?
Of course you would have written: "Soh much if waht you rite is ab out me."
I make fun of you because you take it all so badly.
The humor you can't enjoy or recognize makes hate, the word, a convenient excuse. Quit attacking me & I'll quit making fun of you. If you don't like being made fun of, quit attacking people for their views. I didn't come after your thoughts on government or which American you are should you not clarify, while you continue to harrass me. Sorry if you don't like humor & your all bunched up. Get over it & quit harrassing me. I know you don't live in a Veteran's hospital, everybody who read that realizes I was just making fun of you, except you. Sure I was playing the crowd. Was it the shorts, depends thing? It was humor yet you keep kicking me about hate. It might not be the good, fun, happy humor you enjoy but if you attack people they come back with humor they know you won't like. It obviously worked because here you are again just minutes later.
I believe government is failing, approval ratings suggest the same. Go after the rest of the people who disapprove & quit with the GG hates the world stuff just because I tell the world our government is failing. You might want to allow the word hate into your house so I don't have to absorb it all like the taxes corporate unAmerica & agri corruption have me paying through tax evasion in campaign finance.
Now you'll continue the harassment on campaign finance. Go with it, let's hear the hate that doesn't exist in you. You hate me for simply suggesting campaign finance is wrong & government is corrupt. You don't have to admit hate is what drives you, it's obvious in the fact you hide from the word itself while you keep attacking me.
You don't seem to realize it but I'm the outlet for your hate. I'd just as soon you keep it bottled up but if you don't, I don't have much choice but to make fun of you.
I hope you can see how far out of hand this is getting. I don't care if you believe it's a pefect world as long as you don't try to correct me, change or force my thinking to be as your's.
I don't want anything to do with you, leave me alone, don't respond to anything I post & I won't respond to you. It's easy, walk away, ignor anything I post. Sorry I made so much fun of you & you take it so badly. If you respond I have to believe it's driven by hate, prove me wrong. I'm trying to end this but I need some help from you. I get the feeling most are fed up so let's do them all a favor.
I apoligize to everyine on this blog, I will never respond to mtomlin again unless he insists with another response accusing me of hate. I've apoligized to you & everybody on this blog, as far as I'm concerned it's over. I'm not going to change my view of government, I've seen to much up close, & the lies to cover up. It's my right like you paying for a full page ad. I do't care, buy the ad. I won't respond to your wonderful life & I would appreciate it if you never repond to my miserable life.
I'm going boating this weekend, maybe catch a fish, have a cool one, & enjoy life. No hate, no fear, cold beer, & no government. I hope.
I do't care...
You wrote: "I know you don't live in a Veteran's hospital, everybody who read that realizes I was just making fun of you, except you." No GG, you were making fun of those who live there - or else there is no joke.
You wrote: "...you keep kicking me about hate." Never kicked once. You brought "hate" into the conversation not me. Read your post, it will be a good time to use the "edit" function too.
But it's good to know that you "do't care." I guess I do't if you do't.
You wrote: "...quit harrassing me." Oh, I get it, that's all you've wanted.
Okay.
It's over, I'm not playing your game.
You can think I was making fun of veterans if you want but making fun of veterans never entered my mind. I apoligize to all veterans if that was their take. It was obviously a bad & misunderstood joke. I'll keep the day job.
What is do't, did I leave out a letter? Okay means you were harassing me? That's alright, I enjoyed the debate but felt many others didn't. Again, sorry, all is forgotten.
I read the Statesman
for analysis. I get my "news" from the Internet and CNN.
Shame on you!
CNN is Faux News Jr.