Walt Cygan wrote: >Gee, I guess he had time to complain about Mr. Felien's article on 10/1, >but not to respond to questions from constituents. It makes one curious >about his priorities. >
There is clearly a notion here that politicians owe it to us to come on this list and debate issues, stances, and opinions with us. I don't think they do. It's sometimes helpful if they do, but it's not an obligation of office. In election years like this one, politicians debate their opponents. Traditionally, they do it with League of Women Voters-type debates, meeting people face to face, giving speeches, and advertising. Certainly they're not likely to be gracious and post their positions if the request comes in a form like the above. Peter McLaughlin made an excellent point that Ed Felein is playing two roles simultaneously and while they are mutually advantageous (newspaper publisher and candidate for public office), writing a purported story in one's own newspaper about one's opponent(s) for office certainly cannot be construed as ethical. If a third hand report purported to be the words of one's opponent does appear in a news story, the person so misquoted (in this instance) has every right to defend him/herself and to demand a retraction as prominently displayed as was the headline for the story. The damage is already done. All of those who read this list and Pulse have already carried a misperception beyond the rather wide limits imposed by a newspaper with multi-thousands of readers and an 850+ person e-mail list. Anything purported to be the words of Peter McLaughlin in either of Ed Felein's newspapers, on this list, and in person is automatically suspect because he has formally declared himself McLaughlin's opponent. I would go further and say that any stories by Ed in his newspapers which concern any county functions will be so interlaced with Felien's desire to be county commissioner as to be virtually worthless, at least until after the election. WizardMarks, Central > > _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
