Reaction to Bizzell article

Linda Williams et. al.,

No doubt you read these posts with a smirk on your face feeling powerful and smug since people are talking about you. You consider it "lively" discussion. It doesn't matter to you that we are disgusted and ashamed of your fabricating "news" to elicit these lively discussions.

Slowly, reader by reader, we are becoming more and more incensed by the blatant bias and outright trickery that the N&O and other media outlets has engaged in to promote the liberal agenda. Read Linda, what the people are saying. Don't rejoice in the content--you should be alarmed by the content.

Soon, you will be out of work. Not yet, but soon. More and more people like me are cancelling their N&O subscriptions, McClatchy is suffering, columns are being cut, more and more columnists laid off.  We are turning away and getting our news from other sources who we know are giving us,at the very least, a modicum of the truth that we as citizens deserve.

We do not like agenda pushers like you pretending to be editors making news up or creating news for us. We do not like it at all. You are a danger to society, and that is the truth.

However, we are speaking. We are canceling. We are refusing to buy the advertised products. We are seeking the real truth, and finding it. We are boycotting those who try to cover the truth, and succeeding.

 We have that power Linda. You've grossly underestimated the people. 

 I say, this will be my last post wasting time on N&O. I encourage all of you reading this.....don't waste another dime or another moment of your time on the N&O. They only care about promoting their agenda, which does not reflect the people's needs whatsoever. They are greedy and biased and only care about stirring up lively discussions.

This are not a reputable newspaper. Its not worth our time or energy anymore. Don't waste another moment on N&O--give your time, energy and money to more reputable causes.

Your silence will speak the loudest.

We'll read about you though, surely--News and Observer, Linda, and the rest--read about the demise of this paper. Josephus Daniels will roll in his grave. And we will smirk and say, well, truth and justice has prevailed after all.

bigot (big-uht) Noun A person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion Dictionary.com Bigot – Noun One who is strongly partial to one's own group, religion, race, or politics and is intolerant of those who differ. American Heritage Dictionary I personally have voted a straight Democratic ticket all my life; however, the cowardance and utter contempt for what I consider Constitutional rights that the far left in the party have shown has made me rethink my affiliation and voting habits. I would have crossed party lines to vote for Colin Powell because I consider him a man of integrity and honor. I will probably sit out this election except the behaviors of some Obama factions make me realize that people like them in power could destroy our country. For refusing to vote for a man with no qualifications, I am sure to be labeled a racist. Having read the rather viscious diatribes that the supposedly neutral editors have spewed forth is another eye-opening experience. I will never read the N&O and expect the truth - no wonder the layoffs continue and the stock prices sink lower. As a group, you have no shame, dignity nor integrity. "We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge or gallantry would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution is designed only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for any other. " John Adams 1st vice-president of US 1789-1797; 2nd president of US 1797-1801

"the wanted poster printed on the front pages"

I thought it was a photo of the poster, not the poster itself, and it was printed inside the paper.

The N&O and Mrs. Williams made Sheriff Bizzell's comments regarding illegal immigrants front page, opinion page and op-ed page news. Yet when an equally offensive political mindset is revealed within the N&O itself, nary a peep. I would respectfully argue the bias that has been exposed at the N&O is far more offensive and dangerous than that in Johnston Co. Bizzell can be voted out of office. Who holds the media accountable?

In this post, Mrs. Willaims writes:
"But first, a word about why the original article ran in our paper. Bizzell has been an enthusiastic participant in the effort to use local law enforcement agencies to help deport illegal immigrants. His views on the issue and of different classes of people are important. He is a law enforcement officer, and by definition, has enormous power in the manner in which he deals with people in his jurisdiction."

Now, let me hold up my irony mirror for you:
But first, a word about why the original e-mail about Sarah Palin and the GOP did NOT run in our paper. Williams has been an enthusiastic participant in the effort to use the N&O to help further her political views. Her views on the issue and of different political perspectives/parties are important. She is a senior editor, and by definition, has enormous power in the manner in which she deals with people in her jurisdiction (i.e., newsroom staff and reporters).

The original e-mail was unfair to Palin and to people on the political right. Williams recklessly and petulantly mocked Sarah Palin's family and the GOP. Her e-mail included revealing -- and for a journalist, embarrassing --opinions. Therefore, it was never intended to be seen by N&O readers, as it demonstrates what many N&O critics claim, that the N&O is biased.

Ms. Williams,

Let me remind you and the few of your colleagues who might, still, openly make some excuse for your behavior that if you were anyone other than a black woman you would have been fired from the N&O on the very first day such a MEMO was received by the entire staff.

And everyone knows that.

Perhaps that's why you obsess about "race".  It's always your ticket, isn't it? 

You continue on this way---sending such a MEMO---because you have yet to be held accountable for the embarrassing things that you do. 

The families of the innocent Duke lacrosse players suffered greatly because of the unprofessional and openly bigoted behavior of people like you.

Care to comment on the internal e-mail reposted by G.D. Gearino, and then your own e-mail reply to him? If you encourage him to post your e-mail on his blog, as he did, why doesn't the N&O report on this "squabble" IN PRINT?

http://gearino.com/?p=343

This just gets better (and sadder)
What follows here is the complete text of an email message I got from News & Observer senior editor Linda Williams, in the wake of two posts last week that brought into question the N&O’s public stance of non-partisanship. (You can see those previous posts here and here.) I publish Williams’ email at her urging, as you’ll see, and exactly as it was received.

What a sanctimonious, phony gasbag you are. Your recent posts are certainly revealing of your own utter lack of integrity. I recall an e-mail I received from you once in which you were praising me for a comment I made which you interpreted as being anti-liberal. I also recall that you sent that message to several people here at the paper.

Now you have seized upon a short commentary I made on how some of readers might discuss stories on our front page because of their own experiences to puff up your skinny little chest in outrage. Your interpretation was wrong then and it’s wrong now. But why the double standard?

I can only conclude that like so many of your ilk who cowardly rail from the safety of your keyboards that you have concluded that perpetuating the big lie is more lucrative.

I have absolutely no doubt that my professional integrity would hold up to any serious scrutiny of how I do my job. You’re shown during a series of inaccurate posts recently that you have no integrity, professional or otherwise.

Whether you choose to share this with your readers in its entirety will also shed light on your character.

If such an editor remains at the N&O, how will anything that ombudsman Ted Vaden writes for public consumption ever be taken seriously?

I recall vividly how he had to jump through hoops and twist explanations into pretzel-like distortions when discussing the coverage of the Duke Lacrosse Hoax.

But this latest problem is uniquely different.

This one is not "opinion", dear readers.

This one is written and documented.

This rabidly partisan hack is damned by his/her own words which were showered on the entire staff as a way to let them know "how they are expected to perform".

I also think that the local politician who was called a "liar" in the memo has an issue here that has to be addressed.

Truly a gruesome form of journalism.

Given the horrific tap dance many have had to perform to get their views printed honestly over the years---(without the personal views of the editorial editors dicing others' opinions for their own personal flavor)---on the editorial pages and elsewhere, it will be mandatory that we see a prominent editorial explaining this N&O employee whose comfort zone of open bias and bigotry are apparently business as usual behind the scenes.

Let's not allow the predictable melodramatic righteous indignation over the Bizzell issue to eclipse the bigger story here.

If all else fails, those of us who are longtime subscribers and readers should contact McClatchy if no professional release can be found in Raleigh.

This is pathetic irony, indeed, as they cover the Bizzell story.

I do find the current firestorm over Johnston County's sheriff a bit more interesting having had "the curtain pulled back" at the N&O. http://gearino.com/?p=340 The N&O has made news with Sheriff Bizzell, will the N&O also reveal the slanted, unprofessional and hateful tone espoused by an executive editor at the paper following last week's Republican National Convention? Not to mention the following "journalistic observation" about a front page story that was in last week's paper: "Now to our local politicians….Is Kenn Gardner just an inept liar or a man so greedy that he doesn’t care whether we think he’s an inept liar as long as he gets paid?" Sounds to me like someone at the N&O has a bias (to put it nicely) against Mr. Gardner. How do readers then view the front page story on Mr. Gardner? Certainly calls into quesiton the credibility of the story, the writer and the N&O's intent in publishing the story.

Now the question is, will the N&O address the bias and hatefulness that exists among its managerial ranks the way they have reported on Steve Bizzell and numerous other political figures?

Sometimes the truth hurts! Illegals should not be in this country, no matter where you're from. We all work for our keep and to feed our families, while paying taxes. Why should someone be allowed to stay here and not do the same?!?! If you want to live in this country, LEARN AND SPEAK ENGLISH, WORK FOR A LIVING, PAY TAXES, AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS, you are more then welcome here. Otherwise, don't even attempt to cross our borders. We would be expected to do the same if we moved to another country. It's time the US Government opens their eyes to this, stop turning their back on OUR people while handing over everything to someone who shouldn't even be here! Bizzell has done more for this county in 5 years then what most officials do during their entire career! Just because a public official has enough guts to speak the truth doesn't mean he should hand over his badge. FINALLY, A PUBLIC OFFICIAL WHO DOESN'T LIE THROUGH THEIR TEETH.  Get a grip and face the truth! We need more people like Bizzell!

Because links on this blog never seem to function as they do on the other blogs, I will provide the memo sent out recently to the N&O staff by one of their editors.

How does anyone think this topic is going to be covered by the paper after such a memo?

Keep in mind, this is written in a professional capacity by someone in power at the N&O. 

**********************************************

{"A few comments on some good work in today’s paper:

–A lively front page that gave our readers plenty to talk about.Has the political right truly turned the corner and will cease to demonize opponents on so-called moral issues, or are we witnessing the boldest, most cynical, most hypocritical political spin in modern history? What is one to make of John McCain’s greeting at the Twin Cities airport yesterday of America’s most famous baby mama with a warm hug, and the apparent attaboy pat on the shoulder for the self-described “f***ing redneck” baby daddy? Are we now celebrating teenagers’ raging hormones?

The claims department feature (see 8a) is a great reader service. I would like to see more scrutiny of the “facts” in Sarah Palin’s speech last night.

Now to our local politicians….Is Kenn Gardner just an inept liar or a man so greedy that he doesn’t care whether we think he’s an inept liar as long as he gets paid?

–A newsy and entertaining Triangle&Co. front.I’d bet that Barry Saunders is hearing a lot of amens this morning as well as feeling a lot of hate. Good. A columnist should stir ‘em up. Much of America may have forgotten, but the black community has a very long memory of Republicans demonizing black unwed moms. The black wire–radio and a growing black blogesphere–is crackling this morning with wicked “Juno” jokes. In general, black bloggers (wearerespectablenegroes.blogspot.com. A warning to the easily offended, the name is a big clue) are having a great time with the GOP show in Minneapolis.

–Lots of interesting people stories in the sports section about college athletes and the pros. For those following tennis’ sibling rivalry, Serena has gained a slight lead by beating older sister Venus in the U.S. Open quarterfinals.

–Good, timely story–and an inviting headline (Life over breasts)– on the Life, etc. cover."}

 I agree with Williams' post that the coverage was balanced on this story.

Both sides were explored with all their warts.

Law enforcement will always have the responsibility to conduct themselves in such a way that does not infringe upon the rights of law abiding immigrants.

Many Hispanic immigrants have enriched our society and work hard doing tasks that Americans shun.

But there must also be lawful entry into the country......or illegal immigrants begin their journey here having broken the most fundamental law.

American employers should refrain from enabling and exacerbating this very complex problem.

Bizzell was certainly right to apologize for his offensive comments. While it's true that some immigrants are the cause of high crime rates, no generalizations should be made about those who work hard toward a better life. 

One wonders if the News and Observer editor who felt so free to send out such an offensive memo (referenced below in the link provided) to employees of the paper will follow Bizzell's lead and apologize for such bigoted statements?

Like the Bizzell report, this is unacceptable coming from someone ostensibly in a responsible position in any organization.

Below is a post I left on "What's the Big Idea" blog referencing this issue: 

"What a relief!

I wish to report that I found out first-hand---( and I now see that it's included on Gearino's blog)---that top editor John Drescher had nothing to do with writing that offensive, bigoted, and anti-white memo to the N&O staff.

It was another editor.

A lesser editor.

An editor who feels comfortable making---writing!!!---racist statements and sending them out to the entire staff.

An editor who has no fear of losing a job over something that would deep-six others' careers.

One must wonder......how do those white employees feel at the N&O who are just a step away from living in a trailer park, but who work hard every day to make a better life for themselves after reading such open bigotry from an editor at the paper that employs them?

How comfortable will they be complaining about such an offensive memo with the fear of perhaps losing their jobs if they do?

Now, we can go back and just imagine how such an editor behaved behind the scenes during their coverage of the Lacrosse Hoax.

It's frightening that someone such as this works in a key position at the newspaper that arrives at my door each morning!"

http://gearino.com/?p=340

this sheriff is a very ignorant person, he speaks from a racist point of view, just like he says in his quotes " durn maxican this and that, to me he is just some stupid idiot redneck hillbilly

Why should law abiding citizens have to put up with people being in this country illegally?  How many of us have lost jobs due to illegal aliens? How many identities have been stolen? People's credit ruined? Schools over-crowded with children who should not even be here?

The bottom line is why are some of us expected to follow the rules and laws and others not.

There are many illegals holding jobs with fake ID.  I know this because a place I worked started verifying IDs and all the illegals quit. Some of them had SSNs of people who died years ago. Don't tell me they pay taxes or contribute.  No, they take our jobs and drive wages down.

I have a friend whose ID was stolen by an illegal.  It ruined her credit.

Why should we think people who enter this country illegally are  going to make good citizens?  Many have criminal records in their homelands.  Who can trace them if they cause an accident? 

So cry me a river.  Something needed to be done a long time ago to correct the situation.  Businesses need to stop turning a blind eye.  But it seems if it helps put money in their pockets, right or wrong does not mean anything.  So start prosecuting those business owners that allow this to continue. Give jobs back to Americans. 

I have to say that Bizzell's comments were blunt. But if it looks like a duck and sounds like a duck, it must be a duck. I agree that illegals seem to be taking over everything. Go to social services one morning, the majority of the people are hispanics, illegal or not. Our elderly people can afford medicine and can't get help from the county because their resources are used for mainly hispanics. I think our county should put our children first, then elderly, then the rest of the citizens, then and only then; hispanics. I think Bizzell is a wonderful sheriff. Not long ago there was an article about judges not working their 40 hours a week. In that article Bizzell made several "blunt" comments. There was not a follow-up article with the judges complaining and Bizzell apolgizing. Alot of crimes here lately have been committed by hispanics. I say live by our laws, speak english and be a descent part of our society. What is the saying about "being in Rome"? Support Bizzell, he's the best around!!!