Our Editorial Ink Drops was directed at residents who might attend any public meeting. Following similar issues at a recent P&Z meeting, our latest editorial on the subject stated: "For the second time in recent months, attendees divided over disagreements with officials at a public meeting erupted into jeering, insults, vulgar gestures, and cursing." We never directed the word "vile" at anyone, but it may have been used by others in letters, or in quotes or statements provided on the record as part of a larger body of reporting.
I’m so glad someone took the time to write this. I questioned whether I was at the same meeting. I think people are mistaking disagreement for “vile” behavior. Just because we didn’t all agree it didn’t mean anyone was unsafe, threatened, or was acting with hostility. No objects were thrown. I don’t know how anyone can question this when there’s a video record of the entire thing. Watch the video.
I've written a number of letters on media bias and how important it is to judge all you read and hear. Below are important reminders from my previous letter to the Bee.
Media Bias
Nearly half (46%) of all Americans think the media is very biased.) Source: Gallop/Knight poll.
Everyone is biased — and that's okay. There's no such thing as unbiased news. But hidden media bias misleads, manipulates, and divides us. So, everyone should learn how to spot media bias. Source: Aside News
Some things to look for when trying to decide if the news your reading is biased.: Source multiple articles on bias
*Placement of the article in your newspaper: front page or buried in the back pages
*The amount of coverage on one subject or elected official
*Coverage of a subject from one perspective only, a false balance between sides of an issue
*Omission of news or issues
*Use of photos
*Date of coverage, too early or too late
*Selection of quotes
*Sources interviewed
*News releases treated as news
*Headlines
*Loaded Language or buzz words
Keep your eyes and minds open, question all you read, see, or hear and filter the news accordingly. Don’t forget you are also biased in interpreting the news.