Report wrong
TO THE EDITOR: Sometimes, you'd rather not watch NFL football. During the halftime of Nov. 1's "late" game, FOX 44 announced that Dede Scozzafava had endorsed Doug Hoffman in the 23rd congressional race. This was a shock, since I had been monitoring "mainstream" media (like the Press-Republican and the Watertown Times) all afternoon, and the consistent headline was "Dede endorses Bill Owens."
How could 44 have gotten it so wrong? Didn't 44 have access to the same news wires as everyone else? Didn't 44 get the same press release from Dede as the other media? Didn't 44 read its own Web story mentioning Dede's endorsement of Owens?
Or was the "error" a deliberate attempt to mislead? That would truly be criminal. FOX was catering to a large, captive audience, watching the NFL game. In a tightly contested congressional race, even a small number of voters swayed by this "error" could affect the outcome. Worst of all, the "error" came so close to the election that there would be no real opportunity to correct it. In any event, a retraction would likely reach far fewer people and have far less impact than the initial "error."
If FOX 44 News's actions stemmed from gross incompetence, it has sustained incalculable damage to its already damaged reputation as a serious reporter of the news. If its actions were the result of a deliberate lie intended to affect the outcome of a federal election, it has totally failed as a news organization, and has besmirched the very Constitution that protects its ability to report. In either event, FOX News 44 owes Dede and Bill, and the public, an apology and you can bet I'll be watching my future NFL games on Channel 3.
Edward Murphy
Vermontville
Grateful for care
TO THE EDITOR: On Sunday, Nov. 1, our family experienced an emergency. In times of tragedy, it is nice to know that we are surrounded by community members that are so helpful. We would like to thank the many people who were involved in making quick decisions that saved our family member.
First, thank you to a very brave and quick thinking individual, Atlas Manning, who called the emergency services. With his ability to follow the directions given by 911 dispatch and stay calm under pressure, the situation stayed under control. We are "forever" grateful.
Secondly, we would like to thank the Elizabethtown-Lewis Emergency Squad for their immediate response and extra care for our son. Due to their quick response, we were able to get through the tragedy.
Finally, we would like to thank Elizabethtown Hospital for immediate transport of our son and an often forgotten organization, Life Flight. They acted very professional and made our family feel comfortable with our son's care.
Thank you to all who have called to wish our family well. Thank you to our wonderful community. We are very grateful.
Scott, Kim, Leslie, Mike, Corey Feeley
Michelle Spooner
Terry, Amanda,
Sophia Pulsifer
Lewis
Opinion
November 23, 2009
Letters to the Editor: Nov. 24, 2009
- Editorial
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Editorial: No raise for state legislators
This is not the year for state lawmakers to look for a raise.
- Editorial: A pair of aces among the Cards
- Editorial: Nurses, aides: a breed apart
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Editorial: No raise for state legislators
- Cheers and Jeers
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Cheers and Jeers: Feb. 13, 2012
CHEERS to Peru High School teacher Kathleen Roach and Cardinal Points.
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Cheers and Jeers: Feb. 13, 2012
- Letters to the Editor
- Speakout
- In My Opinion
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In My Opinion: E'town water, sewer essential
Elizabethtown has a history of economic ups and downs, Town Supervisor Margaret Bartley writes.
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In My Opinion: E'town water, sewer essential
