Today, the N&O's executive Editor, John Drescher, takes exception to some of Cheshire's not-so-finely-veiled swipes at the N&O (alleging that Sleazely was a victim of a rabid press . . . as opposed to his own demons - and his friends).
I posted a response:
I saw Joe Cheshire's Oscar-worthy performance after entering the GUILTY plea . . . delivered, very conveniently, as his client slipped out the back door of
My first thought was, "So much for the buck stopping at Easley's desk".
My second thought was, "I wonder if Joe is getting his normal hourly rate - because this show is spectacular!"
My third thought was, "For someone slamming the N&O, isn't it interesting that Joe isn't mentioning them by name? Could he be worried about libel?"
And my fourth thought was, "How many times did I BEG for help - in investigating and prosecuting other white-collar felons - from his client-now-a-felon? It sure explains a lot. But Mike's the "VICTIM" now?"
Here's the thing about the N&O "protesting too much" at this point in a game-that's-so-over: How many times have I/others on these boards BEGGED the N&O to spend some time investigating some of the corruption cases Mike Easley and Roy Cooper could not be bothered with (including mine)?
Cases where you do have the crimes spelled out in black and white of sworn Court documents?
The series on Easley was good reading - and there's no doubt in my mind he would not have been brought low (although hardly low enough) without the public pressure brought to bear by the N&O (and, as Agent Pierce points out, other stellar journalists).
But face it guys, THIS IS YOUR JOB. It's what newspapers are supposed to do - because you're our last/best defense. And, I'm sorry, for years, this newspaper (and others) lapped at Easley's feet like a bunch of drooling rat dogs. He could do no wrong.
And when wrong happened right under his nose, you looked the other way and wished the real victims well.
Our state government is riddled with the wink-&-nod-as-an-art-form (demonstrated by this pathetic Alford plea), and pay-to-play corruption BECAUSE our newspapers stopped doing their jobs long ago. Those of us who have been done way-beyond-dirty in real public service (the kind where you don't have all the perks and don't get rich) - and have PLEADED for the attention of some investigative journalists. . . have been spat upon and told that if we sue somebody, the N&O might take a look.
Well, I shouldn't have to sue somebody.
And instead of writing columns like this one (which gives Joe Cheshire . . . lawyer to the newly-minted-felon . . . way too much credence), maybe you-all could move on to the next story?
Because this one "IS" over. And I don't think you'll be getting that Pulitzer because there was no time to fit the crime.
Stop putting all your eggs in one basket.
We-The-People of North Carolina need some "good reporting" in other venues.
We're tired of the bold-faced lies/journalistic hypocrisy and the *&^%$#@! glass-pay-walls.
A comment (courtesy of "JPQuick") posted immediately after mine:
The value of the N&O varies in direct proportion to the quality of the invesigative reporting delivered by reporters and staff at this newspaper.
Reporting on Easley has been uncharacteristically accurate, but not very timely.
Easley represents only the most visible sign of a much greater culture of corruption that pervades North Carolina's political system.
The N&O's best shot at remaining relevant in the Internet age is to dig into stories that expose widespread fraud and graft in state government.
Mr. Drescher, do the state a favor and channel your righteous indignation into watchful righteousness in the name of a citizenry desperately in need of good government.
Amen, brother.
Meanwhile, over at the Courier Tribune, for $87/year, you can read all about "Lane and Lucy, Together at Last!"
0 comments:
Post a Comment