Thursday Rapid Response: Skewed news blues

The following media action alert courtesy of the Oregon branch of the Rapid Response Network.

Oregon Report — Thursday, November 3, 2005

1. NY Times article in O. gives skewed take on Harry’s gutsy move
2. Emissions article gives weight to auto industry propaganda
3. Common sense prevails in Colorado
4. More Alito letters needed—majority of Americans oppose extremism
5. Welcome home Guard soldiers!

Pick an issue, any issue, and write at least one quick email today to add your voice as the momentum turns in our favor!

1. NY Times article in O. gives skewed take on Harry’s gutsy move

Today’s News Focus has a NY Times story on Tuesday’s spectacular maneuver by Sen. Harry Reid and the Democrats to force Republicans to investigate the lead-in to Bush’s war. Here’s the lede:
The Democratic decision to bushwhack Senate Republicans this week with a surprise procedural maneuver reflected a larger political strategy to shift the terrain to issues that Democrats believe will play to their common advantage in the 2006 elections.

Note how the story frames the entire issue in terms of self-serving political calculation—in the Times the original headline is “Democrats Seek a Shift to Issues That Will Favor Them”—ignoring entirely the principle behind the move, which is to shine the light of truth on this war. Moreover, the article features 4 lengthy quotes from Republicans versus two shorter ones from Democrats. The Oregonian can do better and so should the Times.

Or, simply write to applaud the D’s for standing up for the American people. Give ‘em hell, Harry!!

Polite feedback to the reporter, Carl Hulse: washington@nytimes.com
letters@nytimes.com
letters@news.oregonian.com
publiceditor@news.oregonian.com

2. Emissions article gives weight to auto industry propaganda

I saw the headline in the O., “Emission rule costs may not pencil out,” and thought there was some significant new data that would undermine the proposed new clean car rules. Come to find out, the reporter is referring to the same old auto manufacturer claims that clean car rules are “uneconomical.” Hogwash. These are the same people who claimed that adding seat belts would be too burdensome and expensive. Not only will Oregonians make up for the extra cost in gas savings, we will all benefit from cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gases.

Polite feedback to the reporter: michellecole@news.oregonian.com
letters@news.oregonian.com
publiceditor@news.oregonian.com
And write to the Governor to support the clean car rules.

3. Common sense prevails in Colorado

Great news! "Colorado overturns spending limit" Take that, Grover Norquist! We are not going to let them TABOR-ize Oregon. The good folks at Our Oregon nail it:
“Colorado voters recognized that instead of a bill of rights, they were sold a bill of goods,” says Chris Coughlin, executive director of Our Oregon, a progressive advocacy group. “Just like the TABOR measure that’s being pushed in Oregon, it’s a gimmick that sounds good but fails to deliver.”

Find out how you can help stop the spending limit extremists who are targeting Oregon at the Our Oregon website.
Share your thoughts:
letters@news.oregonian.com
Or contact your local paper

4. More Alito letters needed—majority of Americans oppose extremism

There are two LTEs in today’s O. on the nomination, both favoring Alito. Let’s get more letters from the other side! Food for thought: A new Gallup poll shows that “If it becomes clear Alito would vote to reverse the abortion ruling Roe v. Wade, Americans would not want the Senate to confirm him, by 53% to 37%.” This guy is out of the mainstream.

letters@news.oregonian.com

5. Welcome home Guard soldiers!

It is absolutely wonderful to see these soldiers coming home. Note the quote from the welder who worked on hillbilly armor and likely saved many lives. And that they were forced to leave millions of dollars worth of equipment behind in Iraq.
letters@news.oregonian.com
Or contact your local paper

Never give up.
_____________________________________
Oregon RR is a group of volunteers dedicated to advancing the principles of
balance and truthfulness in the media.
www.rapidresponsenetwork.org/web.py/or/

To contact us:
or@rapidresponsenetwork.org