Replies

See also, from the OTHER thread:

To: Pan_Yans Wife

The six stories that quoted this individual as an unnamed source have been removed from our article database. A search of other news sources through the Internet and on Nexis finds no evidence that any of those six stories were published elsewhere. If a further search uncovers evidence of those stories appearing on any web site or in any publication, we will contact that web site or publication and instruct them to remove the stories.
Why such an effort to get rid of these articles?
Seems like more effort has been put into cleaning hard drives then there was in actually verifying the information

839 posted on 07/10/2003 10:44 AM PDT by Mo1

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To: Mo1

If nothing appears on Nexis, and the media doesn't pick up the story, then it will be left to people like Freepers, to expose the story. A year from now, when looking for the articles, they won't appear. And, no one will remember the true facts. An apparent coverup.

Are Jayson Blair's articles still available? Is it normal to erase all evidence?

If all evidence is erased, what else is hidden? That is what is bothering me. Will anyone ever get to the bottom of this, other than Mr. Thompson? Do the hard drives contain clues about who Mr. Wilkinson is or isn't?

847 posted on 07/10/2003 10:50 AM PDT by Pan_Yans Wife (Lurking since 2000.)

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To: Pan_Yans Wife

Were the articles posted on FR?

930 posted on 07/10/2003 11:56 AM PDT by Amelia (It's better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness)

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To: Amelia

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/849092/posts
Madman at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/851965/posts
Writer apologizes for "Madman at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave" column

http://www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/article_2518.shtml
White House admits Bush wrong about Iraqi nukes

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/942488/posts
Did Captial Hill Blue Post an Article with Fabrications?

939 posted on 07/10/2003 12:13 PM PDT by Pan_Yans Wife (Lurking since 2000.)

To: Doug Thompson

A bold and fascinating story, Mr. Thompson, but in need of some serious follow-through.

1) Using unnamed sources to discredit another previously unnamed source does nothing to establish your credibility. The way to redemption in a case like this is to lay out all the facts and figures. If you are withholding facts pending a criminal investigation, you should say so, and later disclose those details when such investigations are complete, and in a timely manner.

2) Many of the details you omit would not be prejudicial to a criminal investigation and should be disclosed publicly without delay. Particularly many more of the details regarding this "Mr. Wilkinson", whom you freely name, and specifically how you came to verify and trust him as a source. The key word to your story, in more ways than one, is corroboration, and that requires details that we and your colleagues can check for accuracy. Withholding such details would be suspicious to the point of self-condemnation.

3) Deleting those stories of yours that you claim are tainted, rather than revealing what elements they contained that you are now disavowing, is not a retraction. Having made the admission you have made, it is incumbent upon you to publicly address the validity of each and every story you have written that may have been compromised by this corrupt source. That is by means a simple or painless task, but attempting to hide these stories instead is tantamount to an ersatz coverup, and is questionable in motive.

4) In brief, if you are choosing to come clean, then there is no benefit to only coming half-clean, anymmore than there is benefit to washing only one half of a dinner plate. The veil must be lifted entirely for the truth to be revealed. You have talked the talk, now it is time to walk the walk.

An apology made in earnest is a brave and commendable act. But an apology made in dishonesty or deceit is beneath contempt.

It is now up to you to establish for your readers which type of apology this is.

We'll be watching.

Imal

996 posted on 07/10/2003 6:03 PM EDT by Imal (Worms will forever be tirelessly gnawing at the roots of Liberty.)