AnnArbor.com's reporting on Gov. Snyder lacks needed skepticism
It shouldn't come as a surprise that AnnArbor.com reports so softly about Gov. Snyder's plans for the State of Michigan, but each issue consistently aggravates me.
Each article references the governor's need for "tough decisions," dismissing critics as unwilling to make such decisions or failing to mention critics whatsoever. The reporters at AnnArbor.com write about Snyder's plans with reverence, not necessary skepticism.
As a Michigander, it is embarrassing to first learn from Rachel Maddow's MSNBC broadcast that Snyder's fiscal emergency proposal threatens our democracy, and it is further embarrassing to hear that our media has remained silent.
This letter is not an opinion, it is a request: place egos and political affiliations aside, and report stories that challenge our capacity to think. Instead of inserting George Fulton's opinion at the end of your article on Snyder's economic plan, put the two on the same level by introducing both ideas early on.
Please give us, your readers, a reason for our continued support. We deserve to be challenged, not spoon-fed the governor's choice opinions.
William B. Rogers Ann Arbor
Comments
InsideTheHall
Tue, Mar 22, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.
A2.com just an extension of Fox News who wouda thunk it. Lefty is in full retreat and panic.
JSA
Mon, Mar 21, 2011 : 5:19 p.m.
Accepting any commentator from MSNBC's nightly broadcast lineup is as ridiculous as accepting anything from FOX's nightime line. The all lie through their teeth and are only interested in money. As far as bias goes, I'm sure the right will complain about their bias in favor of liberal causes. What the left appears to be upset about here is that that AA.com is not reflecting their bias. Both sides make me tired of their ranting.
1bit
Mon, Mar 21, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.
Rachel Maddow has an agenda - her piece on this was ill-informed and one-sided. Being the opposite of Fox News does not necessarily make one any more fair or balanced.
rusty shackelford
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 4:43 p.m.
I agree, although this is a problem with all of the organization's reporting, not just that on Snyder. It's also strange how the voice of a given article seems to frequently take on the jargon and rhythms of speech of the subject.
Jacob Bodnar
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 4:19 p.m.
So, you'd like AnnArbor.com to be more biased? I think the reason you first heard of the financial emergency plan from Rachel Maddow was because she skewed the facts and reported on it completely wrong with many facts left out.
sbbuilder
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 4 p.m.
As a Michigander, it is embarrassing to learn from a national news site that two Democratic Party officials are charged with election corruption: <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/20110318/el_yblog_theticket/michigan-dems-charged-in-fake-tea-party-scandal" rel='nofollow'>http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/20110318/el_yblog_theticket/michigan-dems-charged-in-fake-tea-party-scandal</a> when not an iota of this report makes it into either aa.com or mlive. We each view life from our own unique perspectives.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 4:52 p.m.
Might it be because this is an Oakland County story, and a relatively minor one, and there is no M-live "paper" that can be reasonably considered to be an Oakland County outlet? Naaah. The explanation could not possibly be that simple. Good Night and Good Luck
Cash
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:52 p.m.
Good letter. Mr Rogers. No one has ever said it better. Take off the cheerleading outfits and put on the Jimmy Olsen visor.
stunhsif
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:48 p.m.
"As a Michigander, it is embarrassing to first learn from Rachel Maddow's MSNBC broadcast that Snyder's fiscal emergency proposal threatens our democracy, and it is further embarrassing to hear that our media has remained silent." You and the other 4 folks ( across America) who watch her nightly rants put a lot of blind faith in what she says. I happen to have my eyes wide open and see her for what she is, an angry bitter person who thinks she is smarter than everyone else. As I see it, if Rick is making people really upset, then he is doing his job. Are my taxes going to go up under Rick's plan, yes. Am I happy about it, no. Do I support his tough decision making to bring this state out of the doldrums, yes. Good Day No Luck Needed
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.
"As I see it, if Rick is making people really upset, then he is doing his job." If this is a measure of success, Governor Granholm was the most successful governor this state has ever had. Your post reminds me of Bugs Bunny's saying about a deep shade of red. Good Night and Good Luck
David Briegel
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.
It is impossible to be skeptical, let alone accurate when you are Cheerleading!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.
Truer words have seldom appeared on this website. Good Night and Good Luck
bugjuice
Sun, Mar 20, 2011 : 3:08 p.m.
annarbordotcom will not bite the hands that feed it. Their business model depends on currying favor with business and not criticizing their political masters.