It’s no small responsibility bestowed upon the press when it comes to letting the public know about the condition of the world they live in . Without proper reporting , the facts get lost , the information is distorted , and the public becomes disoriented as to how those in charge are representing the public good . At the extreme end you have the government controlled press that "edits" information in countries like China , North Korea , Iran , and even the old U.S.S.R . So how far removed is it when a reporter only copies the commentary of someone in charge of 70% of our tax burden . Maybe it’s not the national policy at stake , but some might contend , it’s the local level issues that have the greatest effect on our quality of life .
Now , I don’t know what the true effect of the residency issue is . I do know that on many occasions , the Talk of the Sound posts have raised some compelling information . I see where Mr Lacher raises some issues in an "out of the ordinary" display of what is typical procedure of board meetings . This raises more questions than answers. So , why can’t I get another side of the story from what should be an entity that is ethically bound to speak for the public ? The preamble to the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists states "…public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility. "
When you hear allegations from not only the TOS website , but from within the board itself , how can I, as a citizen , develop an informed opinion when the only person "reporting" doesn’t have the experience , depth , knowledge of the issues , or courage to ask even the most basic questions . I have no facts , or research to counter claims of the school critics . It doesn’t matter if the allegations are true or not Mr Ali , just show me what you can dig up . Somebody is right and somebody is wrong , you’re not helping either side by sitting on the fence . Quite frankly , Mr Ali leads me to the conclusion that the Journal News has NO interest in accurate , responsible reporting as it pertains to the code of ethics that governs journalism . Doesn’t the name JOURNAL NEWS suggest other than tabloid coverage ? As I said , simply printing what can only be considered a press release , and signing your name to it has nothing to do with reporting . I would suggest Mr.. Ali go back to school , study and learn the responsibility that goes hand in hand with calling yourself a reporter before he makes another attempt at embarrassing the paper he works for . (Do his editors read his stuff?) Until then , my subscription is cancelled . I can find more in depth reporting elsewhere . Not to mention , seeing the caliber of work just makes me suspect of everything else I read in the JN. That’s a shame for the other reporters to be tainted by the one bad apple .
More Buffoonery From Mr Ali
How about ” David Lacher has opened a dialogue about the issue at hand , what’s your comment on that ?”. That’s pretty safe , it gives Mr O a way out if he doesn’t want to answer , yet it asks a question at least . Anyhow , I’m digressing . In Sunday’s JN , Aman writes a piece about the day care center returning to Lecount Place . “…two to three years minimum …” is what the tenant says about the project’s potential start up . Here’s what I don’t get , Aman goes on to say that ” The city council in May pushed back Capelli’s deadline on the LeCount Square plans -for the eighth time in four years – to Dec. 31″. Misleading? Yes . Accurate ? You decide . Having watched the council meeting where the delay was discussed , I got the impression the council was not very happy about the 12th extension being granted . The Capelli group was all but begging to be allowed to have an extension , yet again , given the financial turmoil they’re in . It certainly wasn’t the councils idea to extend the misery at LeCount and that’s what the quip from Aman suggests . Council was not happy with this latest “beg for mercy” ploy . Previously staunch supporters voiced misgivings about the request on the table . You might say it’s semantics , but isn’t THAT what a journalist is all about ? If you’re going to mention the deadline at all shouldn’t the fact that council was NOT happy about it be noted ? How about – In May , City Council reluctantly agreed to yet another deadline extension request by Cappelli , the 12th to date .-
On top of that , you run off to Mr Strome for comment ? What did you think he would say ? Or were you looking for his blessing ? I gotta say Aman , go back to the basement and write obits for a while . Maybe you’ll find some perspective . Right?
this ali is not the greatest
John, beautifully written. I have sent Emails to Managing Editor, Regional Editor, and so-called public or customer affairs representative. I used the exact language — stenographer, not reporter.
it may be a waste of your time (and others) but I would suggest you get a copy of this “paper” and submit a copy of your blog to the same people. Perhaps it will do some good, but you can’t expect the city to respond. After all the Sound Report proudly announced friday that our non-resident superintendent was appointed along with 17 other “key staff” by strome as part of the Sustainability Project. Obviously if these people are staff, what can they propose other than the administration’s bidding. Actually why would you even put our resident non-resident on the panel? It is a shame; it is another brick in the wall. Lincoln put together a “team of rivals” per Doris Kearns and it looks as if our administration favors Dickens “tale of two cities.” Goes to show you that this administration has no interest in putting quality people like you and others to best use. You can pretty well spread the blame around city hall; by that I mean include the council who appear silent on every issue. Great job, though, on Ali
warren gross
Fire Ali
He should be the comm director for the board of ed NOT a “reporter” – pathetic