Missing facts in recent Blade coverage on Olman…
While it can be said that truth can be influenced by perception, there are at times simple facts that are not perception but are reality. If there is a consistent pattern of facts not being accurately portrayed most times people will start to question your credibility. It’s why facts to me are so important. Sometimes it’s a simple error, such as the wrong name in the case of the recent Blade editorial that identified the wrong DeWine, or a recent Blade columnist that took a comment from this blog without attribution and incorrectly identified the career of the person making the comment. I’ve made mistakes with names, so even the part time fact checker can miss checking her own facts…
After writing the below post, Selectivity on steroids…Could we just be honest? I’ve had the opportunity to communicate with Lynn Olman. The topic of inaccuracies are referenced in a recent Toledo Free Press column:
Lynn Olman, member of the board of elections and Lucas County GOP central committee, was named throughout the editorial. Olman was upset with the Nazi reference and what he described as a “continuation of incorrect facts.”
“I think that is one of the most outrageous comments I have heard in my life. I think it is the lowest, most inaccurate piece of journalism I’ve read in my entire life,” Olman said. “The inaccuracies are glaring and they know they are inaccurate yet they continue to publish it.”
The Nazi reference being addressed in other posts and online locations, lead me to wanting to explore the other inaccuracies. Exactly what are they? Here’s one section that was stated in the editorial “Dissension in GOP” from December 27th:
National Republicans have fought tooth and nail to prevent health care from being offered to 47 million uninsured Americans, but Mr. Olman doesn’t want to give up his state pension or his county-paid health, dental, and prescription drug insurance.
Lynn Olman formally retired in 2004 after 25 years of continuous service as an elected official, he already has his pension and whether or not his BOE position ended or not? He’d still have it. Nor does he need the county paid health, dental and prescription drug insurance coverage, the fact of the matter is that he had coverage already through PERS and he was informed when he took the BOE position in 2005 that he had to make the County coverage his primary coverage, not the PERS coverage, which means he went from having no cost health insurance to paying $1,200 a year for coverage that is less than what he had as a retiree.
It’s also been suggested in previous coverage from the daily paper that Olman’s motivation is the $17,214 salary. After taxes, insurance, and PERS he said he nets $220.31 every two weeks. Four years of working part time at the BOE would net him around $22,000 and since 2005 he’s donated about $20,000 to candidates and the Republican Party. I think that pretty much dispels the myth that he’s doing this for the money or the insurance and this is information that the daily paper has access to and has for whatever reason not decided to share.
The editorial also references the “GOP political hacks” fear losing their jobs, despite repeated comments from Democrats who also work at the BOE that the workers are not political hacks. There are those who fear losing their jobs, but not necessarily because they are hacks, but because they have been told those not loyal to Stainbrook would be targeted.
It’s also been suggested that the reason that Lynn Olman fought so hard as a State Representative on the mental health parity bill was because a family member suffered from mental health issues. That’s also not true. Olman told me, “my advocacy was motivated by my sense of fairness and a lack of mental health funding.”
So, the reality is for the sum of a little over a $100.00 a week net, Olman gets to be the focus of the daily paper, commented about on blogs and have some fairly inaccurate statements made about him in a manner that is designed to portray him negatively in our community and when he has tried to share this information with at least one Blade reporter? It’s not been reported.
While it’s often said that education is the “great equalizer” — I believe the internet has the power to be the great equalizer when it comes to something just as important, information…
Since Olman has been in the public eye and on the Lucas County Mental Health & Recovery Board for quite a few years
and currently a member of it maybe someone needs to ask him why the Lucas County Mental Health] ]Board, so many of the Agencies, and Organizations are so mis-managed and finances are such a mess and hav been for quite a number of years??
Olman is currently right now listed as the Treasurer of the Lucas County Mental Health Board and if he wanted and still does want to show fairnes and lack of funds for the mentally ill
December 29th, 2009 at 7:30 amwhy doesn’t anyone any where speak up??
Uh, you just did, DD Boots.
December 29th, 2009 at 8:45 amAnd here is a recent Blade article on the board.
December 29th, 2009 at 8:49 amAnd another Blade article critical of the board. Gee, the more I Google, the more I can find. Perhaps instead of whining about some conspiracy of silence, DD Boots ought to do a little research. Seems to me that there is quite a bit of material critical of the Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.
Of course, none of that fits the conspiracy theory, so we ought to ignore it lest the theory evaporates.
December 29th, 2009 at 8:53 amFunny how Jon….er ….. I mean…. “truthseeker” has yet to comment on this chain of events. LOL
December 29th, 2009 at 9:51 amHistorymike, already have and still do
regularly.
Nothing has actually been done with the
October 2009 you gave that was in Toledo Blade giving the Committee Findings that Gerken appointed!
To have a committeee appointed and the
and nothing is done with the findings
it is a big worthless of time, etc.
As stated before, Olman has been and is currently on that Lucas County Mental Health & Recovery Board and he
December 29th, 2009 at 11:43 amjust sits there with all the others and
does nothing!!
I thought this post was about facts not reported in the media about Olman. Anyone who pays attention knew he was on the Mental Health Board. It may be your 1 issue Boots but you take over post after post.
December 29th, 2009 at 12:14 pmThe entry above, Susan has a paragraph on Olman and his mental health involvement so I guess I have a right to post comments on it and also to respond
December 29th, 2009 at 12:26 pmwhen another person comments on it!
I like Lynn but what I am going to say is just not about him but those in the political system, especially on the GOP side in Lucas County. This is just fighting over the bread crumbs. Everyone spins in the political system so the truth is always somewhere in the middle. All this stuff usually boils down to holding on to power whatever way possible and looking out for themselves. Just human nature.
December 29th, 2009 at 12:29 pmYou were the first comment and you hijacked the topic again. I read here every day and I have the right to comment that your 1 issue focus is noticeable. One line on mental health was not the topic, at it was pointing out what was not factually correct.
December 29th, 2009 at 12:33 pmSusan, if other entries are read everyone will
find I have commented on many of the other issues!
It is not my fault no one else had made
any other comment yet!
Your comments are not factual and only
an attack on me!
From now on tell Lisa Renee about it and not me on the BLOG!
December 29th, 2009 at 12:48 pmOkay, if we could return to the actual main topic of the post…
Dave, that’s a valid point but for me the larger issue is the fact aspect, if someone has tried to “correct the record” and it’s not been done, it’s clear that information is not being shared. Why it’s not being shared becomes the question. Not to over use one of my favorite quotes but it does apply:
In any event, the proper question isn’t what a journalist thinks is relevant but what his or her audience thinks is relevant. Denying people information they would find useful because you think they shouldn’t find it useful is censorship, not journalism. ~ Michael Kinsley
Does the audience believe that the information shared in this post was useful information?
December 29th, 2009 at 2:10 pmI think it did open up more of the journalistic problems we see in Toledo.
Additionally it solidified you Lisa as a great fact checker… as if we didn’t know that already.
December 29th, 2009 at 3:24 pm“Does the audience believe that the information shared in this post was useful information?”
Yes! I agree with MikeyA’s comment. Finding out that Lynn Olman was now having to pay for insurance that he would have received for free and that he was already eligible for his pension was important information.
December 29th, 2009 at 3:30 pmI wonder what the Blade’s Ombudsman has to say about these recent events?
December 29th, 2009 at 4:01 pmSeems that the same type of reporting is done every where but also television
reporting, etc.
They all say they will give more info later and follow-up but in most cases they never do it!
Who really cares if he pays for his insurance or not? It is more important
December 29th, 2009 at 4:08 pmto know how responsible and whether or
not he has been dependable along with
doing and getting the best results for
all the citizens!
Of course it’s important, if it is being stated that he is trying to keep the job because he gains something that he really doesn’t gain, it matters.
There is a big difference between following up later and not reporting correct facts.
December 29th, 2009 at 4:20 pmMAny times it can be even more damaging or helpful than not reporting correct facts if information is not followed up on!
December 29th, 2009 at 4:51 pmCorrect facts is what matters most. If you follow up but are still not correct, what difference would that make? Your logic escapes me, you seem to just disagree just to disagree.
December 29th, 2009 at 5:01 pmI have a right to my opinion.
Follow up is just as important if not
December 29th, 2009 at 5:07 pmeven more so than the orginal incorrect
information!
Follow up many times would find and correct false information!
December 29th, 2009 at 5:09 pmOkay, if neither of you have anything to add to the actual discussion on facts, you might want to drop this. It’s clear this won’t go anywhere.
December 29th, 2009 at 5:19 pmYes Lisa Renee, I find this information very useful!
Maybe if we ignore DD Boots he/she will go away. Its no fun to be argumentative when nobody wants to fight with you
December 29th, 2009 at 5:22 pmBrian Maxson Says:
I wonder what the Blade’s Ombudsman has to say about these recent events?
ROTFLMAO! The blade’s what? Oh you must mean Jack Lessenberry, the person who is paid by the blade to be the voice of impartiality.
December 29th, 2009 at 5:28 pmYou are too funny Brian!
Lessenberry has responded at least to the Nazi reference part, not the rest though.
December 29th, 2009 at 6:12 pmWhat you did on this and on many issues, Lisa Renee, is to follow up when newspaper reporters or television reporters did not and do not do on many issues. Reporters of any kind any longer just leave many things just
hanging open.
Sometimes more specific infomation or sources are not found until after an initial or even several attempts.
December 29th, 2009 at 6:13 pmI’m not even going to engage in the debate you and Susan were having. Facts are important, follow up is nice but facts and statistics are provable material that is more reliable than opinion. This post is about a history of information that was relevant not being included.
December 29th, 2009 at 6:18 pmJack Lessenberry, The Blade ombudsman, replied in an e-mail, “My comment is that the only thing that is clear to me about this story is that [Toledo Free Press Staff Writer] Kristen Rapin knows nothing about history. The Blade editorial did not refer to the Holocaust. It referred to what Nazi street gangs did to Communist and SPD activists in Germany in the last years of the Weimar Republic. Granted, I have a master’s degree in Eastern European history, speak German and Russian and have reported from Berlin. But she has an obligation to get the facts right.
Jack, you are for real, right?
I am now totally convinced all integrity and credibility has died in the local daily…
December 29th, 2009 at 8:27 pm…and TheBlade ruined themselves over a washed up failure of a pool operator AND a political party “leader”.
Yeah, that Pulitzer means nothing if you’re not selling advertising, John Robinson Beck.
December 29th, 2009 at 8:30 pmWell, I don’t want to stray too far from the original topic, but it did appear to me that those who commented in the Toledo Free Press article, including a representative from the National Holocaust Museum disagree with Mr. Lessenberry.
December 29th, 2009 at 8:35 pmMr. Lessenberry didn’t do much for the Blade’s image in his replies. The reply made him sound elitist and unable to address the topic.
December 29th, 2009 at 8:40 pmI find it interesting in Mr. Lessenberry’s response, that someone with a Master’s in Eastern European History would find no problem with the comparison of one party (the National Socialist Geman Worker’s Party) attacking of the meetings of the of a separate organization (the Communist Party) with the internal struggle of two factions of the same party in an editorial as a stretch of historical fact.
It is likewise interesting that some who says “the love of his life is Jewish” would lack the sensitivity to this subject to see a potential problem with such inflammatory language, or realize that anything related to the subject of the Nazi Party would trigger references (and reminders) of the Holocaust.
Perhaps this merely reminds us that there is a difference between education and understanding.
December 29th, 2009 at 11:43 pmThs Blade’s actions are despicable! As one who lost a significant percentage of his ancestors in the Halocaust, as well as the Pogroms that preceded the Halocaust, I vehemently disgaree with Lessenberry. Even in the historical reference of the struggle for control of Germany, the Nazi reference is overkill at the very least. How can anyone equate the taking over of a county political unit at a lawful meeting of that party’s central committee, with the lawless beatings and killings that are part of the history about which Lessenberry claims to be a “master”.
And to try to mitigate the Nazi reference by saying that the Block family has Jewish roots is ludicrous. I have a cousin who was adopted into our family from Korea. Does that fact — in and of itself — give me a right to compare the North Korean leaders to local political figures?
I have disagreed with Lynn Olman’s political positions probably 90 per cent of the time or more. When he was my State Representative, and I emailed him about topics before the legislature, Mr. Olman always replied respectfully. I think of him as an honorable person with whom I share little in common politically. This type of vicious, personal attack is the main reason why The Blade’s power is waning consistently in this area. Those of us who live here deserve better from our only daily paper. I’m not saying The Blade should not take strong editorial positions, but these positions should be supported by facts, not self-serving speculation by reporters who don’t — or aren’t allowed to — do full and proper research.
Lisa, Thank you for your consistent search for evidence that sheds necessary light on the truth of these topics.
December 30th, 2009 at 2:31 amYes, Tim Higgins, a big difference between education and understanding but
always along with that there is huge difference of having education along with one’s interpretation of even more than one person seeing something with their own eyes can be completely different from any of the others that saw it too!
Which one’s interpretation is right and which interpretation is wrong??
Have you ever read a book and then watched a movie on the book?? The
movie you watched did not show many
scenes in it with what you created in
your mind when you read the book?
As they always have stated “There are
two sides to every story”. Each individual comes up with their own interpretation of any occurance, spoken, or written word.
I am not defending either side on the issue given here just stating and re-enforcing people interpret things differently!
December 30th, 2009 at 7:29 amLast Year’s Words
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
December 30th, 2009 at 10:12 amAnd next year’s words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.”– T.S. Eliot
The Bland obmudsman is a communist.
I’m refering to their editorial control by a few to not let the facts be reported. Oh and I say this because I have a degree in journalism and can understand journalism better than he can as a mere history major.
I think I mimicked the tone of Jack’s response correctly.
December 30th, 2009 at 11:09 amAnd let’s hope next year’s words are accurate and without malice. Unfortunately, IMO, only the destruction of the daily or a change of guard will accomplish that feat. Their blatant lies are becoming more and more hubris and like Noe, that is what will do them in.
This community will be served when they stop subscribing to both the daily and the family owned cable network.
Just stop your subscriptions to both–do it now!
Happy New Year!
December 30th, 2009 at 11:16 amHappy New Year
As most who read this know, I am a low-level employee in The Blade’s newsroom. Therfore, I have an interest in The Blade’s continued success.
Lisa, others here have pointed to the absence or misuse of “facts” in your tirades against The Blade. Therefore, I see no need for repetition.
However, I do find it alarming that whenever you comment upon The Blade’s content that you do not, AT THE SAME TIME, reveal the commercial relationship that you have with The Toledo Free Press – founded by a disgruntled former Blade employee.
The postings and comments you have made and continue to make regarding the Toledo Free Press vs. The Blade might be construed as an endorsement of one at the expense of another.
Lisa, you may want to review or have your attorney review the FTC’s guidance:
“ Thus, bloggers who make an endorsement must disclose the material connections they share with the seller of the product or service.“
December 30th, 2009 at 12:06 pmPaul,
Lisa’s affiliation with the Toledo Free Press is outlined on “About The Blog” which appears on every page of Glass City Jungle. She is not hiding her relationship.
December 30th, 2009 at 2:33 pmPaul Hem, Low-level employee
Blade
Dear Mr. Hem:
I personally have never, ever witnessed an absence or misuse of “fact” in any of the reports LisaRenee has pointed out to the readers of this blog. Rather, Mr. Hem, she is pointing out your employer’s lack of facts and the continuous misrepresentation of the truth to deliberately mislead the readers who have not become aware, as many of us, of his “tirades” and unethical practices.
And it is the readers of this blog’s understanding that Lisa is a contract fact checker for the Toledo Free Press started by a former, (and who could blame him for being disgruntled and the question is why aren’t YOU?)employee of the Blade. She has made that clear over and over again.
I would take this as another veiled threat Lisa. We will line up behind you and perhaps a class action lawsuit is in order. I am sure all the victims of the Blade’s attacks that were personal and unwarranted would be happy to put an end to this type of journalism.
Here are just a few, my memory has many more:
Hit List
December 30th, 2009 at 2:50 pmAnd BTW Mr. Hem, if you are not too low at that pathetic excuse for a newspaper, why don’t you hire Lisa to check the Blade’s facts…?
You’ll never go to print but at least she’ll make you ethical!!!
OMG, I am LOL at the thought!
December 30th, 2009 at 2:54 pmjustsomeguy said:
Lisa’s affiliation with the Toledo Free Press is outlined on “About The Blog” which appears on every page of Glass City Jungle. She is not hiding her relationship.
I have read that andit doesn’t seem to me that she discloses the fact that Toledo Free Press names her as their ‘fact checker’ – at least Miller does. And that she is paid for her service.
I’m not a lawyer, but one doesn’t have to be one to complain to the FTC.
December 30th, 2009 at 3:14 pmjustsomeguy said:
Lisa’s affiliation with the Toledo Free Press is outlined on “About The Blog” which appears on every page of Glass City Jungle. She is not hiding her relationship.
I have read that and it doesn’t seem to me that she discloses the fact that Toledo Free Press names her as their ‘fact checker’ – at least Miller does. And that she is paid for her service.
I’m not a lawyer, but one doesn’t have to be one to complain to the FTC.
December 30th, 2009 at 3:14 pmHey Brian Maxson,
December 30th, 2009 at 3:17 pmDid you notice those who wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning articles hightailed it out of the Blade moments after they won?? No one with any credibility stays too long to endure the tirades of the publisher…
Mike
I say we draw up a compaint for the FTC along with the class action lawsuit against the Blade.
Anyone, everyone???
December 30th, 2009 at 3:20 pmThank you both, Mr. Hem and Jack Lessenberry for a breath of sanity. You know, when they scream the loudest that you have hit a really sore spot.
The only way I could see that Mr. Olman would not be worried about losing his current insurance (as stated in the Blade editorial in question) is IF, in the event of at some future date he was deposed from his BOE Board position, he could then revert to the State of Ohio health care benefits he switched from when he accepted the BOE appointment. Maybe Susan knows the answer to that.
December 30th, 2009 at 3:21 pmPaul, thanks for your concern though I think you have bigger issues to worry about with your own employer, you have not disclosed each time you comment here that you are an employee of the Blade. I’m not an employee of the Toledo Free Press as has been disclosed on a regular basis. My blog is my own domain, it is not owned or subsidized by the Toledo Free Press and I’m very well aware of the FTC rules, which would demand if I accepted money or products from the Toledo Free Press for blog posts I’d have to disclose that. I don’t accept money or products from the Toledo Free Press for blog posts. I am paid as a subcontractor to check facts which is separate from my working relationship as a media source that I have with several outlets.
I’m more than confident that I’m within the rules for bloggers and those of you who like to try to ignore the actual merits of what is being pointed out, have raised this enough as an issue that no one could say with a straight face that they don’t know I fact check for the TFP before it goes to print and I used to write a column almost weekly. I of course understand the motivation, if you can some how discount me, then you attempt to discount the material. Which in this case as in many other cases? Speaks for itself.
Happy New Year!
December 30th, 2009 at 3:37 pmLisa,
You have my support 100% in any action The Blade may take. If Mr. Hem is indeed a “low level” Blade employee, his comments mean nothing. If he is anything greater than that, this could be construed as The Blade’s attempt to stifle your freedom of speech. Although I am not a lawyer, it would seem to be a direct threat, and actionable on your part.
I wonder who this “truthseeker” (really “truthevader”
is, who supports The Blade’s employees on this thread? How could any unbiased, logical, rational, observer do so?
December 30th, 2009 at 4:20 pmIt would appear, truthseeker is having difficulty finding the truth. Keep seeking…
December 30th, 2009 at 4:32 pmThanks Dale, I understand Paul’s desire to protect his employer and truthseeker has motivations of his/her own as well. I understand when uncomfortable questions are raised some tend to attack the messenger rather than to address the actual message.
Which in this case and in the other cases has been out of a simple desire for both sides of a story to be told and facts when not correct to be corrected. I didn’t raise the whole German/Nazi/Holocaust as an issue of my own, but others have so that’s been reported as well. Including Mr. Lessenberry’s response.
All I have repeatedly sought is fairness and a reduction of the selectivity. Editorial stances are taken in bias, from almost every media source, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have to be factual. I realize some like to try to paint me as hating the Blade or hating Jon Stainbrook, there are some who comment here who do, but that’s not my role or my purpose, nor do I hate them.
December 30th, 2009 at 4:37 pmLisa,
No one is attacking the messenger, other than you.
Other than copying and pasting news releases, you make absolutely no contribution to news gathering or reporting.
How are you even remotely related to a mesenger – critic of the message, MAYBE!
Paul Hem
December 30th, 2009 at 5:15 pmLow-level Blade employee
Mr. Hem, perhaps you should re-read your post #43 to see what you said. “I’m not a lawyer, but one doesn’t have to be one to complain to the FTC.” If that isn’t a very clear attack against the messenger, then you will have trouble defining what is. Keep digging your hole, Mr. Hem. You are making everyone else’s case just that much more clear.
December 30th, 2009 at 5:24 pmoh it was crystal clear to me about the intent of this thread, Lisa. It’s about how the Blade fails to fully disclose information detrimental to the story and laying the weight against those the editorial staff feels is “against thier objective”. And to point out how incompetient Jack Lessenbury is with his “ombudsman” label is not how the use of “nazi”, altho it truly is over the top, but the misinformation the Blade is dispensing to it’s readership.
It’s clear from the topic of the thread there is a “double-standard” at the Blade concerning fully disclosing their relationships with topics of their stories, and knowing that the community is relying upon the local daily to inform, the community is being robbed of information to allow it’s readership the ability to acertain for their own perspectives, therefore swaying it’s readership into believing what is presented is the full story.
All one has to do is log onto the weekly tabloid for the true involvement of those involved and information The Blade advertently/inadvertently fails to include in it’s own stories.
Lessenbury should know better than to smokescreen…
December 30th, 2009 at 5:26 pmok Paul, let’s play this way.
Do you feel, in your professional opinion, that the paper which you work for not unintentionally include, but pretty much leaves out pertinent information, which the story your employer presents to your readers for the purpose to influence your scant readership?
If no, please explain how the local weekly can provide the information that your employer purposefully failed to be included in the story while the slant your employer portrays isn’t on the crux of the story, but to highlight certain individuals alleged accomplishments and draw upon the lowest denominator of irrelevant information towards those your employer “oppose” included in the story?
this is why you need to replace your ombudsman with someone that knows what they’re doing….
December 30th, 2009 at 5:41 pmMr. Hem,
Now I understand why you are a low level employee.
If you call your “news”paper a contribution to gathering news or reporting the news, you are truly misguided and should be demoted further down the ladder of that lame excuse for a newspaper.
Your problems there are not with Lisa or the opinions on this thread or with those who are fed up with the biased, misrepresentation and dare I say, down right lies you attempt to call reporting. The problem, Mr. Low-level, is your paper. The comments here are merely a microcosm of the opinions of this community in regard to your employer and many have said ENOUGH! Fix your problems internally. Get rid of your tyrannical publisher. If it wasn’t for Lisa’s facts vs. your paper’s shoddy reporting many would still be in the dark and more lives ruined. Times are changing Mr. Hem, your paper is not the only written word, the truth is coming out, and it’s coming out about your paper!
Good day, Mr. Hem!
December 30th, 2009 at 5:47 pmBrian,
I’m not playing, As I mentioned earlier, my family’s livelihood is linked to the newspaper. Therefore, this isn’t a game to me.
I stand by what I wrote earlier.
justsomeguy, Please see the sentence, above.
Regards,
Paul Hem
December 30th, 2009 at 5:48 pmLow-level Blade employee
Brian,
December 30th, 2009 at 6:00 pmIt appears Mr. Hem cannot answer your questions. But as he did mention, his family’s livelihood is linked to the newspaper…poor low level Paul has sold his soul to the devil and does’t much care who gets hurt by his benefactor. While it’s not a game to him, he doesn’t mind the game his employer plays with people’s lives and their reputations in our community, as long as his family is taken care of.
Now there’s an ethical, virtous guy.
You make our case, Mr. Hem and we thank you.
Okay guys, let’s not turn this into a bash scenario or descend into attack/insult mode.
Paul, I do more than just post press releases, but if it makes you feel better to try to discount some of the other things I do here? It reflects more on you than me.
December 30th, 2009 at 6:06 pmSorry Lisa, that darn paper brings out the worst in us!
December 30th, 2009 at 6:09 pmNo, Lisa.
If Paul wants to come here and attack your credibility, why can he not answer a simple question which pertains to his attack?
He can’t and he will not answer. Why? Because Paul is an employee of the Blade.
It’s ok for him to call out your credibility into question, but he gets an “out” when his is called into question?
And Paul,I took your comment,
“Paul Hem Says:
justsomeguy said:
Lisa’s affiliation with the Toledo Free Press is outlined on “About The Blog” which appears on every page of Glass City Jungle. She is not hiding her relationship.
I have read that and it doesn’t seem to me that she discloses the fact that Toledo Free Press names her as their ‘fact checker’ – at least Miller does. And that she is paid for her service.
I’m not a lawyer, but one doesn’t have to be one to complain to the FTC.
December 30th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
as a veiled threat as well.
December 30th, 2009 at 6:23 pmI realize what Paul Hem is attempting to do, but I’m not concerned and I don’t plan on violating my rules of conduct or fall for some silly attempt to try to incite me by insulting me or the blog.
Which is taking us off topic and turning the discussion from the actual facts pointed out through communication with a person, Lynn Olman, (not a press release) on to Mr. Paul Hem.
December 30th, 2009 at 6:28 pmtrue, my apologies…
December 30th, 2009 at 6:30 pmThat’s okay, and I really appreciate those of you who want to defend me, but I’m in full control of the situation and I promise if I ever needed help? I’d let you know.
Now, it is fairly clear that Mr. Olman has provided quite a bit of information that contradicts what has been reported. Which means it will be interesting to see what happens next since I’m sure this whole saga related to the LCRP and who is the real chairman is not going to be resolved any time soon.
December 30th, 2009 at 6:33 pmwow – i know several current and former blade writers and editors who are appalled and frustrated at the blade’s continued attempts to prop up fools and tear down “enemies.” i don’t like to speak ill of others especially at LR’s site, paul, but your attacks of several varieties here on LR are so out of line, diversions from the facts in question, and desperate as to be laughable. you need to get out and have lunch with more of your coworkers.
and by the way, if you really want to know what happened at a public meeting, you want to read LR’s transcriptions of the facts rather than the blade’s interpretation of just a few minutes discussion – think for yourself; don’t let jrb do it for you.
December 30th, 2009 at 6:46 pmYeah right, zimmy.
“Have lunch with my co-workers?”
You need to get over yourself. You don’t have a clue.
Anyway, tell us how you would have one. — a clue, that is.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:42 pmThis isn’t about wanting to defend you more than throwing the onus upon the proper shoulders.
I highly respect you and your unbiased blogsite, Lisa. I’m a huge fan and rather enjoy your perspective. kiss kiss
And fortunately, even though our politics differ greatly, I do find you being the pearl amongst coal.
What irks me is that the local has a responsibility to it’s community. And as prevelant as that “Pulitzer” monikker is above the title on the front page, there is a responsibility to preserve the “Pulitizer” integrity.
It’s not something you achieve then throw caution to the wind and start throwing stuff against the wall with the “Pulitzer” bowl.
And try to compare insight from those allegedly involved? Mr Olman had nothing to do with the events at LCRP headquarters. But after reading the Blade article, it appears Mr Olman not only was there, but was holding the flaming pitchfork to Jon’s throat.
IN MY OPINION Jon Stainbrook is not only coddled and stroked in the local daily, those that “oppose” Jon, in his eyes, are shed in an unsightly light. Having both the editorial staff and the reporters (Tom Troy specifically) not only not report the facts pertaining to the story they’re providing/editorializing, but would rather hug and caress those in the local’s favor and literally mock and satarize those “opposing” and those that come into contact with the “opposed”.
Mr Olman served the community well for twenty five years. Unless you read the Blade, where a local former pool cleaner thinks he hit the lottery jackpot…
And that’s the damn shame…
December 30th, 2009 at 7:43 pmPaul, you’ll discover Zimmy doesn’t fall for that type of incitement either, but you will find if you can not follow the rules of the blog that your comments will be in moderation and/or edited.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:49 pmAnd Mike, The Blade does not look into people who are just the ordinary “Joe” on the street.
The newspaper’s job is to illumintate the dark corners.
With your desperate rantings against the newspaper, you seem to be motivated from fear, or jealousy or both.
My guess is that you’re some kid trying to validate yourself in the adult world.
Grow up.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:53 pmAhh Lisa,
I’m inciting?
truthseeker has it right.
You allow your followers to bash me and my employer, but neither you nor them can handle a little blow-back from your rantings.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:57 pmI’m warning you, just as I warned them to follow the rules, it’s very simple. You can comment on the topic at hand, as I have requested others or? Don’t. But don’t be surprised if your comments are moderated or edited. It’s very simple.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:58 pmI am becoming more and more convinced that truthseeker is the Stain.
And just to stay on topic for Renee’s sake. If the Bland cared about only printing facts it would be reduced to a pennysaver.
There is but one honest journalist who works there and his name is Hackenberg.
December 30th, 2009 at 11:04 pmPaul Hem,
First of all, Lisa does not merely post the stories others send to her. I have seen Lisa at local events, laptop at the ready. Lisa posts transcripts from public meetings. Lisa does report. Lisa reports facts. Lisa has opinions. No one who reads her posts has a problem separating Lisa’s factual reporting from her opinions. The same cannot be said for The Blade.
I reiterate that I disagree with more than 90% of the political stances Lynn Olman has taken in his public career. However, I have always found him to be an honorable person with whom I respectfully disagree. Again, I cannot say the same for the editorial staff of The Blade. The unfairness of The Blade’s opinion makers is the cruxt of the issue. I agreed with The Blade on the YMCA issue. That doesn’t mean that I found all of The Blade’s tactics to be professional and proper during that vendetta.
Unlike other posters here, I have found The Blade’s reporters to be, overall, good at their jobs. Often the inflamatory, misleading headlines, are followed by a reporter’s story that is balanced and well done. Now, who writes the headlines, I wonder?
Finally, Paul, if namecalling is the best you can do in defending your position, I hope for the sake of this community that you truly are a low level Blade employee. Heaven forbid that you hold a position of any import for the one and only daily newspaper in this town!
December 31st, 2009 at 12:27 amFYI
December 31st, 2009 at 12:35 amA little research shows that Paul Hem is a computer expert with The Blade…for whatever that’s worth.
The ordinary Joe, Hem? Just exactly what does that mean?
The dark corners, Paul? Like someone we both know behind the scenes at a fundraiser/fashion show watching the young, very young models changing their clothes? Those dark corners Paul?
I’m no kid and my memory is long. And I am not desparate nor am I jealous. I am however,anxious for that paper to have it’s day of reckoning.
Last count, I have convinced 106 people to drop their subscription to the paper and 188 have switched from Buckeye to AT&T. Not much in the big scheme of things I know, but it’s just my little way of community service. I know ya’ll are doing much better than I am lately chasing your subscribers away but as long as we’re both succeeding, I won’t keep score.
Good night, Paul. Sleep tight.
“Ordinary” Mike
P.S. to stay on message, Lynn Olman had nothing, absolutely nothing to do with the “R”party take over. In the words of Congressman Joe Wilson: “You lie”
P.S.S. I wonder how many subscribers you lost bashing the YMCA then Skeldon and now taking on Lynn Olman? What is it with you guys? You can’t seem get cause and affect…
December 31st, 2009 at 1:00 amAnd by the way, Paul, who at your paper was lurking in the “dark corners” of the Gerken’s garage to report that ridiculous “news”? OMG! How dare the Gerken’s buy an Ohio made car? How dare they support Ohio workers who are having trouble finding union,non-union or any job at all?
And you call yourselves a newspaper. Looks like IMO, ole JRB is going after Gerken for not removing Skeldon fast enough…we’ll be watching to see if my prediction is correct!
December 31st, 2009 at 2:31 amMr Hem?
You’re the computer wiz, please explain to me why the story was removed?
http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091222/NEWS09/912220368/0/SPORTS06
The article requested can not be found! Please refresh your browser or go back. (TO,20091222,NEWS09,912220368,AR).
As an example, this story has this by Tom Troy:
Meanwhile yesterday, Mr. Hoag got one of three bench warrants pending against him lifted after they were brought to his attention by The Blade. Mr. Hoag paid off a two-year-old traffic ticket that had resulted in suspension of his driver’s license in January, 2008.
He paid $210 at Maumee Municipal Court, a court deputy confirmed. Mr. Hoag said he then paid a reinstatement fee at the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
But he did not immediately respond to warrants issued against him in Toledo Municipal Court for neglect of a property he formerly owned in the city of Toledo.
“I’ll have to have a lawyer look at that one,” Mr. Hoag said.
Mr. Hoag, an alternative energy consultant and equipment supplier and treasurer of the Ohio Republican Party, was ticketed on I-475 in November, 2007, for failing to display a valid registration sticker on his pickup’s license plate. He didn’t pay the $46 fine or show up in court on time, triggering the bench warrant and suspension of his operator’s license.
City of Toledo records show that Mr. Hoag was charged on March 8, 2006, with two misdemeanors for failing to upgrade conditions at a Toledo property he owned at 1516 North Cove Blvd.
He forfeited ownership of the house to Lucas County this year and the county sold it to a new owner.
He said yesterday he had an agreement with a tenant to take care of the house, but that the tenant didn’t live up to the agreement.
He said the real estate investment was a bad business deal.
And this is the title of the article: GOP challengers list officers Lucas County rivals keep up effort to overthrow Stainbrook
Now why would the local daily, and Tom Troy, feel this legal information about Mr Hoag is pertinent to the story?
I’m seeing nothing about any of Mr Stainbrook’s issues in the article, which include a pithy transgression being caught and arrested at the University of Toledo (be sure to read the “comments” under the linked story):
Local Republican activist Jon C. Stainbrook was arrested at 12:20 a.m. April 23 by UT police for failing to disclose personal information and obstructing official business following a traffic stop near the university’s Health Science Campus, according to UT police records.
According to the UT police report, Stainbrook refused to provide officer Michael Bagrowski with identification after Bagrowski approached the parked vehicle in which Stainbrook was occupying the passenger’s seat. The vehicle’s driver seat was occupied by a 27-year-old female.
Stainbrook, 44, told Bagrowski he had identification, but said he would not show any to the officer. Stainbrook, according to the report, said the officer had no reason to stop them and was not in UT police jurisdiction. Stainbrook said he would provide identification to Toledo police, but not to UT police.
And this, in journalistic terms, is a “prop job”. Please note the lack of by-line and when it was published. Article published September 21, 2008 Jon was arrested April 23, 2008. and nothing in the article about it in the 85 paragraphs in the story.
Fortunately for Jeff Simpson, he’s a pillar in the community
December 31st, 2009 at 5:12 amWell, Mr. Hem should be reporting Mr. Lessenberry to the FTC.
It seems his esteemed Ombudsman has an “undisclosed” second job….
Jack Lessenberry Metrotimes
wrote:
Jack Lessenberry Metrotimes
wrote:
Jack Lessenberry Metrotimes
wrote:
Not exactly a “fair & balanced” approach, for an ombudsman, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Happy New Year..!
Be Well…
December 31st, 2009 at 10:18 amBrian,
I can help you with the link. However, I’ll need the headline that you’re looking for.
I’m guessing that someone might have decided to change the category of the story from “Politics/Elections” to “Blade Area.” That would change the link and cause the original link to stop working.
We won’t know until you can help me narrow it down, though.
Brian, in terms of the rest of your concerns, they appear to be your opinion. And it is valuable to us (IMHO – as a low-level employee) to read it.
We can never get enough feed-back.
My comments on this blog have nothing to do with reader feedback. That’s great, and thank you for it.
My comments on this thread are only those what I wrote in #38.
Frankly, for lisa to accuse me of “inciting” AFTER reading earlier comments saying The Blade’s Ombudsman “is a communist,” (#36) and another calling for “the destruction of the daily,” (#37) is rediculous.
And then warn me that MY comments will be moderated?
Geez!
December 31st, 2009 at 11:11 amDale,
You and I have to agree to disagree, here.
“No one who reads her posts has a problem separating Lisa’s factual reporting from her opinions. The same cannot be said for The Blade.”
See my original comment #38.
As far as attending meetings and using her laptop. Well, great. The vast majority of what I’ve seen here are copy and paste jobs or jabs at The Blade.
December 31st, 2009 at 11:19 amPaul, let me make it really clear for you since you seem to be having some difficulty understanding the rule system here. If you insult people, such as telling them to “get a clue” or to “grow up” or making comments directed at what I do here, that is inciting people to respond, insulting people is also something that the rules of the blog clearly addresses. Thankfully those who participate here on a regular basis for the most part respect the warnings and others who comment here, even if they don’t agree with a position or opinion.
2. Civil discourse is the goal, repeated personal insults directed at other members of the blog, especially those not related to a topic or not in a heated discussion of a topic will be edited/deleted. This now includes elected officials/candidates since it seems as if some can not follow the “heat of the moment” context in which that was intended. Those who continually go off topic will find their posts moderated and only those comments that are on topic approved.
So, you were warned, as I have warned others. Now, you can make a big deal about it, or you can follow the rules.
December 31st, 2009 at 11:20 am“making comments directed at what I do here”
Gotcha. Guilty.
So, you have warned MikeyA, and Mike, as well?
If civil discourse is the goal, then I would expect you to sanction those that call names like “communist” and “Paul has sold his soul to the devil and doesn’t much care…” Along with the other cat-calls your ‘esteemed’ followers have hurled at me over comment #38.
And do you think that Rogues “reporting Mr. Lessenberry to the FTC” is topical or anything other than just harassment?
December 31st, 2009 at 12:17 pmPaul, yes, I have warned others, if you look on this very thread to caution them to not go after you, see #58.
Rogue’s FTC comment is as topical as your comments on a similar vein directed at me. I try to give people latitude in being able to respond while attempting to continue to encourage remaining on topic. Such as Brian or others asking you questions here, since the goal is information, I try to be as fair as possible. As you will note, your comments were not edited/moderated or deleted, since I avoid that as much as possible and prefer people to follow the rules of their own accord, which typically happens after a reminder. You may answer Rogue or you may decide not to, but since it was raised, it is fair to give you the opportunity to address it then return back to the original topic at hand though once we get this many comments it is a challenge to keep things relevant to the original topic.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:26 pmPaul, I’m using the Stainbrook issue as an example. Had I the gumption, I’d research the heck out of other travesties which the bias of the story should be on the editorial page.
But the story I referenced was Tom Troy’s contribution to the community of his view, not the reporting of the events as they happened, of the facts of the debacle at the LCRP headquarters.
Olman was not at the LCRP debacle. Your story, which is no longer on the web page concerning the alleged hijacking of the Central Committee Meeting lacked couth, integrity and with Tom reporting that Olman was involved when he wasn’t even there and Tom’s failure to instead of following up with contact from Olman for some sort of quote chose to present the story with so much conjecture, just shows the continued irresponsibility with the local daily’s failure to present the facts as they happened to it’s readership.
Instead I read a few paragraphs of an agenda.
What exactly is wrong with just writing a story based on facts anymore, Paul? I’ve not demeaned you in any way, but you have chosen to speak forth as an employee and I’d have hoped for some insight from you regarding a few of my concerns other than appreciation of my opinion.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:28 pmBrian, I do believe Lynn Olman was present that night, the area of contention appears to be was he the one who organized the “take over” – Olman has stated he was not the person who was responsible for planning it nor a key player in that.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:34 pmThank you, Lisa.
My comment had to do with fairness. I thought it was Germain to the original post.
Part of my motivation was your omission of things like (but not limited to) the following:
The Toledo Free Press on their failure to report their issues with Professor Lineham, while she was at the University of Toledo.
She was upset enough to make this accusation on Swamp Bubbles:
<a href="http://swampbubbles.com/20090704/tell-toledo-free-press-keep-their-promises"4. The collusion between Miller and Schwartz, and the extent of the plagiarism problem was MUCH greater than the Blade indicated.
5. It is really irrelevant that I had been hired by the UNiversity of Texas (the system through which I am now tenured) before Schwartz went to Stansley. Schwartz doesn’t know me and didn’t know I had another job. He was inquiring — apparently — about removing me from the job he knew I did have.
That seems to be an affront to society as compared to The Blade commenting on a public servant’s regarding health care and political machinations.
Here’s the original Blade story.
Plagiarism at weekly used as teaching tool; professor reports columnist to paper
I’m only trying to give you my motivation for some of my comments. Also, it is only fair to make this a public discourse, since you seem so exasperated with The Blade and so pleased with The Toledo Free Press.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:39 pmLisa, I’ve just caroused all the media links concerning the alleged Central Committee debacle using the links you have posted for the media and not one was able to demonstrate that Mr Olman was present.
As a matter of fact, it appears that The Blade was the only media outlet bringing Olman’s name up.
So basically, to me, it shows that The Blade was the only media concerned about Olman’s presence. And Tom still failed to get a quote from Mr Olman, who was allegedly there but was the only media outlet able to get several derogatory remarks by Meghan Gallagher concerning Mr Olman.
December 31st, 2009 at 2:00 pmJust a thought guys, but maybe if we all try really hard to ignore paul hem he will just go away. It is my belief that you are giving him exactly what he wants and that he is attempting to ingratiate himself with the blade, some weak attempt at job security. This may be the only way he gets noticed at the office, by baiting others. Or maybe he and stainbrook, i mean truthseeker, i mean stainbrook, oh geez, he has so many names I get confused, write together.
December 31st, 2009 at 2:11 pmPaul, I’m not an employee of the Toledo Free Press, nor are they the topic of this particular thread, however, my subcontracted fact check duties have never stopped me from taking issue with things covered in the Toledo Free Press. One recent example would be Brian Wilson’s guest piece. I also have been targeted on Swampbubbles and I am not responsible for material posted there beyond my very infrequent comments made there. Nor is what is written there relevant to this site.
I put 80 hours a week into this blog, which is not motivated by a financial profit, if anything it’s the opposite. There are a variety of stories that I don’t cover from both the Blade and the Toledo Free Press as well as all of the local media that I could take issue with or feel warrants further research/discussion that I don’t get to. I do have a family and I do have to try to earn some income since I have chosen to not attempt to make this blog look like the media websites when it comes to advertisers…
Considering the recent events of having one of your columnists take material from this blog, without attribution, as well as not going back to correct the improper career of the person mentioned, I’d say that the issue of attribution and the accusation of plagiarism is one that the traditional print media has struggled with and has selectively targeted each other on. My role here is not to play a part in the Blade versus the Toledo Free Press saga, I was and am a political blogger, if I am in possession of facts or research that provides more? I share it when I can.
It is ironically one of the reasons I think it is so important to provide media releases in full that you’ve leveled as a critique of me. At times the media reporting stemming from these releases does not reference they came from a release or it does not share in full the material shared in a release. Hence from a transparency standpoint those who read the actual release in full have that information.
This is the second time you have raised this in a thread, back in October you raised it when you took issue with the time stamping of a post, that was related to how your employer lists material as opposed to being something purposeful on my part.
December 31st, 2009 at 2:14 pmrogue – for once (mark your calendars) I am going to compliment you for your research, lmao!
December 31st, 2009 at 2:21 pmI want to apologize to Lisa and the readers of this site for my comments the last two days. True as they are, they are a direct result of what that newspaper brings out in rationale, good people in this community. I regret I have fallen prey to that level of discourse yet again. I come to this site to obtain the truthful news in my community and I am offended to have to once again deal with the type of disgusting hatred I gave up when I cancelled my subscription to the Blade over a year ago. I had literal withdrawal for weeks; I loved holding the newspaper in my hands and reading it cover to cover. It was my favorite thing to do every morning. During the correspondence on this thread with someone at that paper, I was once again reminded of why I cancelled something I once enjoyed. I became so repulsed by the destruction of good people; people I knew, people I worked alongside I could no longer bear to touch it. I lost something I loved because someone at that paper didn’t happen to like someone in our community and set out to destroy them. The destruction of people’s lives and reputations, on a whim, by creating a story that had so little basis in fact became utterly repulsive. I became incensed and sickened watching day after day the twisting and misleading information that could be written so skillfully as to develop the outcome that was desired. I could no longer bear to read the lies that were so destructive to a person, watching the devastation to them, their families, their relationships with their friends and neighbors. I had enough of it and never picked it up again.
While responding to Hem/Blade comments, I was once again reminded and repulsed by the mindset, the insensitivity and the disgust for the type of ugliness I used to read in that paper. No man should have the power to destroy others on a whim and that irresponsibility is perhaps what spurs the anger written on this thread by the good people in our community that come to this site for truth and respite. The daily, as much as we all would love to have our paper to hold and read cover to cover, unfortunately, is THE DARK CORNER of this community. The threats that make good people do bad things in fear of being next on the hit list have created a very socially disturbed set of circumstances for our City. The “creation” of a story for personal, ugly and deceitful gain is far different than “reporting” a story. While I can’t speak for others, watching what it’s done to this community has made me sad and very angry.
My prayer for this New Year will be that the daily changes hands and the new owner takes his or her responsibility, of reporting the news as it occurs, seriously and without malice.
Thank you Lisa for your honest review of the facts. You have replaced my first love – the smell of the newspaper– to reading the news on line. For an old guy, that’s quite a feat!
Happy New Year to All,
Mike
December 31st, 2009 at 4:30 pmif hem graduated h.s. around 1970, he would be about 58, give or take. that is certainly old/mature enough to be beyond these types of posts. also he would, i assume, recognize that the blade, the editors and publisher, might easily frown upon an employee who free-lanced these types of posts using his real name and association, and especially one from outside the editorial arm of the paper.
hem does not appear to be a fool who would chance the ill-will of management, therefore one could speculate that hem is posting with the knowledge perhaps encouragement of the blade?! but no way… that could not be.
December 31st, 2009 at 4:45 pmzimmy, I know you would like to stifle me by attempting to intimidate me through speculation regarding my relationships at work. However, it won’t work.
Additionally, Lisa assured me that you were warned about personal attacks here.
I could care less about you you think you know, or your opinions regarding me or the newspaper.
At least I have the courage to stand up and express myself using my real name,
And maybe I will be requested to either not post or post a certain way by my superiors.
Why don’t you, zimmy, join me and reveal who you are?
Then, we’ll see who can handle the heat for it.
December 31st, 2009 at 5:14 pmIt is this type of boorish threat that this community is so sick and tired of and why the paper is losing subscriptions in droves. And yet you continue:
Why don’t you, zimmy, join me and reveal who you are?
Then, we’ll see who can handle the heat for it.
December 31st, 2009 at 5:23 pmMike,
What threat? The only threat I’ve read here is your consistent harping about trying to get people to unsubscribe. Hence, my earlier expression of your immaturity.
Does it frighten you to take personal responsibility for your name-calling?
If so, then your life must be miserable.
Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2009 at 5:43 pmI’m just trying to figure how Mr. Hem helps his paper out by posting here.
It reminds me of Brian Schwartz wile serving Carty. You can be right all you want, but you have identified yourself and are constantly arguing, you can’t come out looking good. People know who you are, but we have no idea who most other people are on here.
December 31st, 2009 at 7:47 pmPlay your cards right Tom and someday you may have your own personal low level Blade employee.
He just like anyone is welcome as long as the rules are followed. I realize some have suggested it’s threatening in nature, but? I’m not worried about it.
December 31st, 2009 at 8:05 pm. You can be right all you want, but you have identified yourself and are constantly arguing, you can’t come out looking good.
Gee! Thanks Mr. M., but I don’t live my life that way.
So, I’ll just take being right.
Perhaps, someday, honesty will overcome “looking good.”
BTW, courageous dissing Brian Schwartz. Gosh, Mr. M when you’re in charge, may I work for you? Please?
December 31st, 2009 at 9:02 pmOh, not just an idea, for some know for sure, Tom Mo of at least several and even had it confirmed!
December 31st, 2009 at 9:34 pmThis is the greatest concern I have about the way The Blade attacks public figures:
I have known many elected and appointed government officials in my entire 62 years of life spent living and working in Toledo and Sylvania. Most are Democrats, since I am a lifelong Democrat. I have known a few who were extremely self-centered and crass. Most, however, see their participation in government service as a calling — as a way to pay back our community for giving them the opportunity for a good education and a good life.
When The Blade wantonly attacks such well-motivated, talented, competent people — and I’m using Lynn Olman as an example, both because I don’t really know him personally, and because I disagree with most of his political views — The Blade severely wounds this community. Fewer and fewer talented people want to enter the local political arena. Going into politics invites harsh criticism regardless of other conditions. But, in the Toledo area, when one enters into electoral politics, one also has to ask a qusetion of oneself: Do I want to kowtow to The Blade, or do I want to risk an unfair vicious, personal attack if I anger The Blade’s publisher or editors?
I have never before seen Lynn Olman smeared the way he has been during the CRP events. Any political transgressions he committed were certainly minor and similar to what others did. He may not be a saint, but, then, are any of us?
Now, I have to add, that some posters on this and other local blogs also get quite vivious in their attacks on local elected officials, but they are not running the only daily newspaper in town!! That’s a huge difference!
The Blade has destroyed many careers of upstanding public servants. How many excellent Toledo-area citizens have shrunk from government service for this very reason? That, we’ll never know!
The Blade should be about building up the cadre of individuals who want make the severe, personal sacrifice of entering the public arena. This is not to mean that extreme misdeeds like those done by Tom Noe or Bob McClosky should be unreported or glossed over. But these are the exceptions, not the rule. Most of the time the vicious attacks upon public officials are based only upon disagreeing with The Blade!! Heaven forbid, you should challenge someone JR considers to be a personal friend!!
January 1st, 2010 at 3:55 amdale is absolutely correct and i am sure many of use have felt this for quite some time – we all know highly qualified and intelligent people who have “done the math” and decided public service under these circumstances is not worthwhile
until the last few years, the blade had a large stable of very talented writers and so while the publisher was even then behaving in this manner, at least the paper had journalistic value. now, with the writing staff reduced to a hand-full of people and few of them with any tenure, the paper appears to be reduced to merely vendetta journalism. rather than reporting news, the blade is creating news and inserting their bias into it – a sad state for a paper and a family that really has done so much for the toledo area.
the people i know in pittsburgh say the block family doesn’t insert themselves into the news there – there are too many bigger players there than them and they would be humilated and ostracized if they tried – we are, by default, the playground they chose to bully upon.
we need a venue for a public discussion of this problem – we need an institution like the university or an out of town outlet like abc’s nightline or the newshour to do a townhall type meeting to find a solution to this. this issue really is integral with the larger problems afflicting the city – the budget problems based on faulty city employee contracts, non-existent economic development, water issues, townships, etc.
January 1st, 2010 at 11:50 amZimmy and dalepertcheck #’s 100 and 99:
Well said, well said!!!
Mike
January 1st, 2010 at 3:59 pm