Is that still news? Argus limps in at the tail end of the Kloucek story, despite being one of the first to have it.
Dave Kranz writes in his column today about the Frank Kloucek e-mail. Despite the fact it went out about a week ago. And it was sent directly to Peter Harriman who had the story in his e-mail box.
But you know, I think the thing that slightly irks me is the way it utterly soft pedals the Kloucek comments, and neuters any and all statements. I mean, isn't this the Argus Leader that's supposed to be fierce about seeking the truth?
I have no doubt that if it was a Republican who had blundered and written the e-mail, it would be printed verbatim. But a Democrat? It's so watered down that a disinterested and new observer would wonder what all the hubbub is about.
From the original e-mail to the Kranz article - Here's what we get:
The only new detail that was provided? Scott Heidepreim's comments:
In fact, I'm thinking it might be time to drop the whole thing here on the War College (although, I may abbreviate the names of those who are no longer involved in the political process).
It might help people understand where the meat is on this issue after trying to digest the soft bones provided by the Argus.
But you know, I think the thing that slightly irks me is the way it utterly soft pedals the Kloucek comments, and neuters any and all statements. I mean, isn't this the Argus Leader that's supposed to be fierce about seeking the truth?
I have no doubt that if it was a Republican who had blundered and written the e-mail, it would be printed verbatim. But a Democrat? It's so watered down that a disinterested and new observer would wonder what all the hubbub is about.
From the original e-mail to the Kranz article - Here's what we get:
"Another issue that is very important to me was the fact that sutton continually redirected interns away from helping me for the last 4 years and consistently ordered them not to help me with research constituent replies phone calls help with computer and bill legwork.The list is long. He was in charge of interns and let them out often at 4 pm to go to free liquor room.The repub interns were working pat 6 and working hard and some of ours were getting drunk in the middle of the afternoon. I had to bring up mymarried little old ladies at my own expense to help me."Doesn't quite have the same impact, does it? Sutton directed interns getting drunk at 4 in the afternoon in a "free liquor room" is now just a "detail" about parties where alcohol is served.
now becomes...
"Kloucek also offers details about Democratic Party interns at parties where alcohol is used."
The only new detail that was provided? Scott Heidepreim's comments:
Heidepriem was not pleased with Kloucek's message, saying that, as their leader, he wants to bring an upbeat attitude to the Senate Democrats.Read those here, if you deem it worth the effort. I'm wondering why I bothered.
"We intend in our caucus to be very positive in the upcoming legislative session. Clearly, Sen. Kloucek's e-mail did not meet that standard," Heidepriem said.
In fact, I'm thinking it might be time to drop the whole thing here on the War College (although, I may abbreviate the names of those who are no longer involved in the political process).
It might help people understand where the meat is on this issue after trying to digest the soft bones provided by the Argus.
Comments
After all, the Argus had to make room for the SECOND printing of the dinosaur in a Santa hat photo today.
1. Kloucek's e-mail
2. The Argus's five day delay
3. The Argus's inabilty to accurately portray the e-mail
Thank God for the internet and the South Dakota War College in exposing the Argus's delayed and water down news.
The Argus routinely makes news where none exists (the Governor's airplane) and ignores news until forced to publish it (Kloucek).
Why am I not surprised that the Argus is shrinking and will eventually disappear just like the dinosaurs did.
Papers like conflict before substance. The conflict sort of disappeared when Nesselhoff said he understood and in a spirit of the season more or less said so what.
The Mitchell Daily Republic has the conflict between Frank K. and the SDFU on their front page today.
How much coverage do you want on this petty issue when the President in a press conference after hearing he has support from a whole 17%$ or so of the population and the last election was something of a disaster for the GOP says that people really don't disagree with the war in Iraq, but are just concerned about the tactics or strategy for winning.
The narrow terrorist target has now been expanded to radicalism and extremism. New excuses for an endless war with no measurable objectives.
Frank K. is mighty small potatoes compared to Bush, Inc. failures and gross deception...not to mention the Bush smirk indicating he really thinks he is pulling one on us and the press.
And did anybody notice that Rounds failed to include anything in the budget for necessary high speed broadband internet connections for SD colleges and research sites.
That is a lot more significant than Frank K's pissing match with the SDFU.
Not that the answer matters.
If Tim Rounds sent out this exact same e-mail (switching Dem and Rep roles), would it have received as little press as this mishap did? Would that situation be a real "non-issue" as the Argus, shown by its actions, believes the Kloucek e-mail is?
Let's take this to the national level. Imagine if Ted Kennedy sent out a similar e-mail. Would the national press blow it off like the South Dakota media has done?
Fact is, that's dumber than Frankie. And forget the crap about Ted Kennedy. Al Gore invented the internet and if Teddy sent a stupid email like Frankie, well, Al Gore would have his Internet Police snag the damn thing and it'd be in the trash before anybody knew.
Just a goddamn left wing conspiracy. Forget I said anything at all. And I don't know nothing about the pheasant hunt 'cause I don't make enough bread to get an invite.
Peace out.