Letter publication helped spread smear
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Ron Charest
Published: July 16, 2008
Concerning the recent letter “On Barack Obama and Patriotism;” normally I would never question your judgment on choosing which letters to publish. Over this past year I’ve always felt you really try to
give equal space for contrasting opinions that represent this community. I’ve also been impressed with your commitment to fact-checking what gets published.
But, I have to agree with several of the other people posting on the comments thread in regards to this LTE. The writer used this newspaper to promote a false smear against Sen. Obama in regards to
his “refusal to say the pledge of allegiance.” I think publishing this letter, helping to spread this smear, reflects poorly on this newspaper.
Beyond this one letter is what I expect will be happening over these next several months approaching November 4. Based on the past several election cycles, I expect the GOP to manufacture smears against all Democratic opponents in the same way they manufactured smears against Sen. Kerry, Former Sen. Cleland and former VP Gore in previous elections.
While there is nothing that can be done to stop the GOP, I think it is improper for any newspaper, including this one, to help spread their smears. I would not expect any different treatment if the
Democratic party attempted to spread false smears against GOP candidates.
The truth about candidates records and position should stand on their own merit; nothing more or less.
RON CHAREST
Dale City
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Reader Reactions
Posted by ( RonCharest ) on July 19, 2008 at 11:16 am
Yes, Ray, Pwanon actually nailed me there.
But, you know, even a stopped clock is correct twice each day (once if you’re using a European 24 hour format).
Signed,
Ron “Captain Grammar” Charest
P.S: I actually like “Captain Grammar,“ for use in the ESL class I teach. I need to come up with a slick uniform to go along with the title. I hope Pwanon doesn’t expect royalties when I wear it.
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Posted by ( Godsaveus ) on July 18, 2008 at 10:28 pm
I hope, Mr Barak Husein Obama during his trip to Europe, avoid the help from translator and speak in the local language, it means speak German in Germany or French in France because it could be a shame that the future president of United States can’t lead with example.
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Posted by ( raywilliams ) on July 18, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Not to take sides but pawnon nailed you on that one Ron!
I do see where John McCain is now toting his time being tortured as service above and beyond for his country. How can torture be that bad when John supports the use of torture on those believed to be our enemies? Surely the North Vietnamese felt John was trying to inflict harm on their county which makes it all okay, eh Johnny? No pain, no gain, right? How were they to know all John really did was crash a lot of planes.
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Posted by ( jVA ) on July 18, 2008 at 4:03 pm
“It is a shame, libs only see the wrapping paper and not the content. “
Written by one of the geniuses who voted for George W. Bush. Twice.
If only we all had your wisdom and insight, Godsaveus. Maybe we could come together to elect a really serious intellect like Rick Santorum, James Dobson or Tom Delay or somebody like that next time.
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Posted by ( RonCharest ) on July 18, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Actually Cobra,
I’m wearing Levis today, not a housecoat. I’m not so old, and when I have a chance to bash Conservatives - especially those who don’t bother with correct spelling or grammar - I’m not at all miserable.
I also have a full-time job, and post here in my free time sandwiched between less enjoyable activities. I can’t believe you received an “A” on a master’s thesis though. Your writing here on these threads does not reflect any education above third grade.
Signed,
Ron “Grammar Police” Charest
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Posted by ( phdee ) on July 18, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Cobra, I wasn’t using my whoopie cushion, and I am glad you got it and are putting it to good use passing lots of gas.
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Posted by ( cobra ) on July 17, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I got your whoopie cushion phdeebag. You and old Ronnie are just two old miserable Libs. Most of us work for a living. Who gives a damn about a misspelled word on an opinion page? I got straight A’s when writing my thesis for my Masters. Sure don’t need a lecture from two old windbags in house coats.
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Posted by ( pwanon ) on July 17, 2008 at 3:54 pm
“just why do you expect anyone else to take you serious?“
Sorry Ron…did you mean to use “seriously” so that it actually agrees? I mean, if you’re really into this childish kind of game, shouldn’t you hold yourself to the same standard?
And by the way…if you use “Folks,“ as an introduction, a closing of some sort should follow.
How’s the view from your ivory tower now, Captain Grammar?
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Posted by ( RonCharest ) on July 17, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Folks,
If you don’t consider your opinions important enough to take the time to check spelling and basic grammar before you post, just why do you expect anyone else to take you serious?
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Posted by ( Godsaveus ) on July 17, 2008 at 2:23 pm
It is a shame, libs only see the wrapping paper and not the content.
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