Concerning this forthcoming gubernatorial race, I want to make some comments that may be a bit far afield from the specific candidacy of our Republican friend. His experience is with "public relations" and media spin, which has been the major substantive strategy of his political party. His comments show that he will launch more of the same. Observers should keep a sharp eye out for how the Albuquerque Journal will subtly (or, in most cases, not so subtly) massage public perceptions to influence the outcome in a pro-Republican direction. In today's letters to the Journal, Jeff Jinnett, President of the Rio Chama restaurant, makes an interesting comment about the tragic auto accident involving one of his customers, which may not be noticed by most readers: “The Journal has suggested repeatedly that Rio Chama must have done something wrong, continuing to recite that the owner of Rio Chama is a ‘prominent businessmen’ and ‘a big supporter of (Gov. Bill) Richardson.’ Frankly, I don’t follow the logic of this argument, nor do I see how either fact is relevant.” Indeed, nor do I! However, there is a disturbing logic behind this reporting, which goes beyond the specific incident of the restaurant. We might recall that the Journal also devoted a headline story to the minor boating accident at Elephant Butte in which Gov. Richardson was a passenger, replete with over-the-top charges that the governor had “left the scene of an accident” and that this incident “says something about the governor’s decision-making” – all this journalistic rhetoric devoted to a minor boating accident in which Gov. Richardson was neither the owner nor the operator of the boat, he was taking a nap at the time, and he had a state police officer escort. We might also recall that the Journal launched a series of strident headlines accusing the governor of being guilty of “pay for play” scandals, despite the fact that the federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to proceed with any charges. We may count on the Journal to act as judge, jury, and executioner. To paraphrase the famous dictum, “follow the yellow journalistic road,” and it will reveal the hidden political agenda of the Albuquerque Journal. Despite the fact that the Journal postures itself as “an Independent Newspaper,” it all too often sinks to the level of being a mouthpiece for the Republican party.
new_mexican
· 1 month ago
Nothing new here, nothing at all. A very common Republican. A Richardson basher hoping to get some traction. Anti Public Schools (pro vouchers) individual. No vision other than ATTACK!
Blacklisted, yea right.
Thomas_James
· 1 month ago
Your ignorance and hatefulness is showing.....
David_Groves
· 1 month ago
I guess new_mexican wants to continue the Democrats’ lousy track record of failing schools, a stagnant economy, corruption and political scandals. No thanks new_mexican and no thanks Democrats.
southvalley
· 1 month ago
I just want a BETTER Democrat...like we used to have in the old days;a populist. I frankly so distrust the Republicans agenda that I could never vote for one. I DID like Johnson, however, but he was a rare bird in this state!
southvalley
· 1 month ago
Out of the frying pan into the fire! Why do we have to stick with these same old two party dog and pony shows?
All Comments
Observers should keep a sharp eye out for how the Albuquerque Journal will subtly (or, in most cases, not so subtly) massage public perceptions to influence the outcome in a pro-Republican direction. In today's letters to the Journal, Jeff Jinnett, President of the Rio Chama restaurant, makes an interesting comment about the tragic auto accident involving one of his customers, which may not be noticed by most readers: “The Journal has suggested repeatedly that Rio Chama must have done something wrong, continuing to recite that the owner of Rio Chama is a ‘prominent businessmen’ and ‘a big supporter of (Gov. Bill) Richardson.’ Frankly, I don’t follow the logic of this argument, nor do I see how either fact is relevant.” Indeed, nor do I! However, there is a disturbing logic behind this reporting, which goes beyond the specific incident of the restaurant. We might recall that the Journal also devoted a headline story to the minor boating accident at Elephant Butte in which Gov. Richardson was a passenger, replete with over-the-top charges that the governor had “left the scene of an accident” and that this incident “says something about the governor’s decision-making” – all this journalistic rhetoric devoted to a minor boating accident in which Gov. Richardson was neither the owner nor the operator of the boat, he was taking a nap at the time, and he had a state police officer escort. We might also recall that the Journal launched a series of strident headlines accusing the governor of being guilty of “pay for play” scandals, despite the fact that the federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to proceed with any charges. We may count on the Journal to act as judge, jury, and executioner. To paraphrase the famous dictum, “follow the yellow journalistic road,” and it will reveal the hidden political agenda of the Albuquerque Journal. Despite the fact that the Journal postures itself as “an Independent Newspaper,” it all too often sinks to the level of being a mouthpiece for the Republican party.
Blacklisted, yea right.