I've got so many things perplexing me right now. How does Chesapeakegate sound for a Blog Forum about Texas Eminent Domain Abuse?One week ago, tomorrow, I was in downtown Fort Worth for something called the CARO Rally, meaning Carter Avenue Rescue Operation Rally. I saw quite a few people at this rally. Many held protest signs. I listened to some speakers speechify using an electronic amplification device. There was a table with goodies, like bananas and muffins.
I am sure I did not imagine this. I have photo documentation. But, a few minutes ago I got email from my investigator who goes by Big Ed, asking me "did you see this?"
I had not seen "this."
"This" was in something called Pegasus News. The Pegasus website described "this" as "CONTENT FROM OUR FRIENDS OVER AT FWCANDO."
The headline for the article is "Photo gallery: Carter Avenue residents protest Chesapeake Energy's pipeline plans."
Seems to me there were a lot of non-Carter Avenue residents also protesting.
And then the sub-headline said "A Carter Avenue landowner lost a court hearing on Thursday. The judge ruled that Chesapeake is allowed access to the right-of-way under Carter Avenue."
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram also had Chesapeake winning in court last Thursday. In Fort Worth Star-Telegram world, the CARO rally did not happen. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram article was so misleading, the prime player, in that story, was getting messages of condolence and worry from friends and relatives who only got their "news" from the Star-Telegram.
And now, today, the closest Fort Worth has to a real newspaper of record, FW Weekly, came out with its latest issue. Steve Doeung's court appearance on Thursday did not take place, nor did the CARO rally, as in there is no mention of either in Fort Worth's alternative newspaper.
Now, I know that it is impossible for newspapers to cover every little thing that goes on in these parts. And protests with sign waving protesters happen all the time here. No big deal. Concerned citizens filling a courtroom? Happens all the time in these parts. It's not news....
There are so many disconnects in this town, esp. when it comes to the highly controversial Carter Ave.-Steve Doeung matter. It's undertstandable that the profiteering conflict-of-interested FW Star-Telegram (the paper and its founder Amon Carter own lots of land/gas leases)would play its role in making sure every American citizen around here "get behind the shale!" and become compliant "citizens of the shale". But the FW Weekly not only published a lengthy cover story about Steve Deuong's extraordinary fight (and improbable/impossible victories)but had also posted on it's blog about the hearing and the supporting rally. If there is reason for reporting on this significant event, the FW weekly certainly would have it (or them). It is very perplexing--and not very astute business at the very least b/c readers like to follow developing stories. It's basic writing principle taught us in 10th grade: if you cock the gun, be sure and fire it.
ReplyDeleteI'm confused and you bringing in the newspapers isn't making things clearer. This fight going on or not?
ReplyDeleteYou know. It doesn't surprise me that the story wasn't covered. Think about it. Even a paper like FWW that covers more controversial news is still regulated by someone. I'm willing to bet that CHK has their grimy hands in this cookie jar as well. It just doesn't make sense. Right next door, the DMN is getting a little more adventurous and publishing stories about fracking and such. I guess it's because D/FW is separated by much more than a virgule. Fart is in a pickle Dango. No me gusta.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be confusing, Steve A. I was going for sarcastic regarding how warped the local newspaper media coverage has been regarding the Carter Avenue/Chesapeake court case.
ReplyDeleteSo, to be clear. The fight continues. As far as I know Judge Sprinkle has yet to sign the order granting Chesapeake its pipe rights. When the judge does sign the order, Steve Doeung has 30 days to appeal, which he will do. So, no, it is not over.
Steve A.--you're right (and sadly) by "bringing in the newspaper" things are less clear. That's the aspect of this scandal that Durango hat been trying to point out: THE SO CALLED JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA (often called the fourth branch or the 4th rail in our thriving democracy)HAVE BECOME PART OF THE PROBLEM BY ABADONING THEIR BASIC STANDARDS OF CONDUCT, PROFESSIONALLY AND ETHICALLY.
ReplyDeleteYoung but smart Jovan echoes what a very smart history professor used to always say when students ask about some perplexing behavior or action in history :"Just follow the money and you will almost always get your explanation".