Spring Break
Letter to the editor
Katherine-Claire O'Connor - senior, communication studies
Issue date: 2/9/09 Section: Opinion
One of the signs of a skilled journalist is to be able to sniff out a good story and expose the truth. Sean Reed seems to have this down. Unfortunately maybe Mr. Reed should also take Dr. Dickinson's SPCM Rhetoric in Western Thought, because his logic is catastrophically flawed.
First it is hasty to say that the church was trying to "prevent their congregation from knowing the truth." The church wants to put this behind them, but they also want to help heal all those who've been hurt. My friend who was hurt by this scandal received personal contact from the church and Brady Boyd himself in hopes of reconciliation. If this is a sign of how the church is trying to withhold, then it is a poor example.
Second the disconnected conclusion in Reed's article that claims "Because the relationship was consensual, New Life essentially paid this man for engaging in immoral behavior," is the worst rhetoric I've ever heard. If we employ that logic, a mother who loses a child is "rewarded" because a drunk driver crashed into her car. (Instead of the money's true purpose of being restitution or a pain and suffering pay.)
Last Reed deliberately twists and misrepresents the story by saying that the church is rewarding this man for breaking the Ten Commandments. It was not the intern who engaged in adultery, but Ted Haggard. If you're going to report, then report well.
Hypocrisy and scandal? Yes. Good journalism? No. Students and faculty deserve better, Collegian.
First it is hasty to say that the church was trying to "prevent their congregation from knowing the truth." The church wants to put this behind them, but they also want to help heal all those who've been hurt. My friend who was hurt by this scandal received personal contact from the church and Brady Boyd himself in hopes of reconciliation. If this is a sign of how the church is trying to withhold, then it is a poor example.
Second the disconnected conclusion in Reed's article that claims "Because the relationship was consensual, New Life essentially paid this man for engaging in immoral behavior," is the worst rhetoric I've ever heard. If we employ that logic, a mother who loses a child is "rewarded" because a drunk driver crashed into her car. (Instead of the money's true purpose of being restitution or a pain and suffering pay.)
Last Reed deliberately twists and misrepresents the story by saying that the church is rewarding this man for breaking the Ten Commandments. It was not the intern who engaged in adultery, but Ted Haggard. If you're going to report, then report well.
Hypocrisy and scandal? Yes. Good journalism? No. Students and faculty deserve better, Collegian.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 13
Peace Love
posted 2/09/09 @ 10:10 AM MST
The third indication that our universities are turning out the worst "journalists" in our nation's history is perfectly illustrated by the writing of Katherine-Claire O'Connor. (Continued…)
Skeptical White Man
posted 2/09/09 @ 11:47 PM MST
Relatively certain that the editorial columns written in the Collegian are opinion, not journalistic fact. In fact, right next to the title, the section identified is that of "Opinion. (Continued…)
Peace Love
posted 2/10/09 @ 12:12 PM MST
So you are telling me that you can see a difference between the "journalist" of today and opinion writers?
Get serious!
Not even the White House does; seating Ed Shultz in the front row at Obama's first "press" conference, and calling on a "reporter" from the Huffington Post. (Continued…)
Skeptical White Man
posted 2/10/09 @ 6:51 PM MST
Yes, I can see a difference. Because I know the difference. The fact that Obama sat two of the most liberal opinion writers on the face of the planet with the legit press is NOT an indication that Opinion Journalism is the same as News Journalism. (Continued…)
Peace Love
posted 2/10/09 @ 10:22 PM MST
Glad to hear it Skeptical White Man.
So could you please help me out?
All these "journalists" keep informing me that they really are journalists, but I just don't see it. (Continued…)
Skeptical White Man
posted 2/11/09 @ 10:09 AM MST
What's worse is I can't think of a journalist on the other side who didn't make a deliberate attempt to portray McCain or Palin as unqualified. Specifically the Couric interview and the interview when Palin was asked about the Bush doctrine, resulting in the "journalist" sighing and explaining the wrong doctrine. (Continued…)
Katherine-Claire
posted 2/11/09 @ 10:38 AM MST
Peace Love,
FYI a journalist is specifically defined as someone who practices the occupation or profession of journalism. I do neither. And I am sorry but I couldn't care less if you cared for my choice of adjectives. (Continued…)
Peace Love
posted 2/11/09 @ 12:45 PM MST
It is my mission in life to put a glaring spotlight on incompetence.
Without regard for who or what it offends.
katherine-claire
posted 2/13/09 @ 8:17 AM MST
And the fact that you make irrelevant comments, digs, and pointless banter goes to prove what a worthless "mission" you have. Why dont you try to better yourself before others my friend. (Continued…)
Kris
posted 2/13/09 @ 5:03 PM MST
"The space shuttle disintegrating upon rentry was catastrophic."
Peace love,
"Rentry" is not a word.
Until you can spell correctly, don't comment on any profession that has to do with writing. (Continued…)
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