print news media activism

Samari Jack said:

I'm really at a loss for works here and don't know how to counter such disinformation without paying for a big add, and frankly I don't want to pay money to add to their bottom line.

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You're fighting an uphill battle if you're trying to go against the narrative being created by the local print media, using their paper. They control the communication channel, and there's nothing you can do about that. The only option for countering disinformation is to ensure that there is sufficient information to dispel them. If they make a bad argument, show the fallacies. For example, see Media Matters. They fact check sources like Fox News, and oppose the misinformation campaigns with information rather than trying to censor those sources.

That assumes that the viewers are not monoculture media consumers whose only sources are those participating in the misinformation campaign.

Trouble is they pick the ones they want printed.

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So what else is new?

I think it was H. L. Mencken who said, "Never argue with someone who buys ink by the barrel."

I liked your invitation to the reporters. I would follow it up, if you know the names of the reporters (or especially the editor), with personal phone call invitations. (If anyone takes you up on the invite, make sure they use plenty of hearing protection at the range, including both earplugs and muffs. I goofed on that once.)

You might emphasize that a reporter at the range might make a good story for them... remember they're in the business of selling papers. But don't be disappointed if the story that results is not what you expected.

Don't go to their offices with your CCW on you. That's the first thing they'll ask about and if you're honest, they'll get all cringey and hand-wringey and eeewey and their sphincters will shrink up.

I found out a long time ago that Letters-To-The-Editor personnel are usually second-stringers or interns from the local college or high school, and they have a tendency to edit stuff to suit their own thinking anyhow.

I don't know how many times I've had my LTEs not-so-subtly modified to make my own letter sound stupid or meaningless, and frankly gave up on the process. They claim the right to edit for clarity and length, which is OK, but they also edit for personal preferences, "right" or no right.

You might also have somebody else look over the next letter. Using "loan" for "lend" will make an editor at any level cringe, for example.

Terry, 230RN

"I carry Blazer rounds, typical of what air marshals use. They disentegrate (sic) on impact minimizing over penetration of walls."

I suspect it was this line that frightened the publishers. In their minds, you're already a "Jared Loughner" because you couldn't wait to talk about the big, powerful rounds you use and how they are capable of delivering death while minimizing the need for post home repair.

Samari Jack said:

The following is what I sent:In response to "RECONSIDER".

I suspect the reason there are more CCW holders in dangerous neighborhoods are for purposes of defense, not offense. I have a conceal carry permit. In my class of roughly 40 people, the majority were women. Only one was less than 30, a mother daughter team. One lady was wheelchair bound. Another lady used a walker. There was a Realtor, a Pharmacists and a lawyer who was concerned about reprisal. Most would be considered easy targets of opportunity by muggers, rapist, etc. The testosterone cowboys are not going to spend two days, take a written exam, a proficiency exam at a firing range, and multiple criminal background checks. They are just going to carry where they want without a permit. CCW holders only brandish their weapon if threatened with mortal injury or severe bodily harm. To do otherwise risks criminal charges and/or civil suits. Use of a weapon is typically at a range of less than 12 feet. At a greater distance, the citizen should seek other options. I carry Blazer rounds, typical of what air marshals use. They disentegrate on impact minimizing over penetration of walls.

If any eligible Journal reporter would like first hand experience, I have a .22 revolver (simple to operate) that I will loan to said reporter to take a CCW class to evaluate what the course, and those involved are about. I'll even pay for there class.

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I mean absolutely no disrespect by this, but when you're going to attempt to make a point that isn't popular with your audience, it will help you immensely if you ensure that there are absolutely zero grammatical errors and/or incorrectly spelled words. It's even more important to use correct grammar in writing (as opposed to a speech or informal conversation) because your audience has the ability to be critical of you before he even considers your point.

Next time you make the effort to write into a paper or magazine, be absolutely certain that your letter is grammatically flawless; if you can't, I wouldn't even waste my time writing. If I were a magazine or newspaper editor, I wouldn't even bother reading letters with poor grammar or typographical errors. If I did read a poorly-written letter that my magazine/paper disagreed with, I would make it a point to print it, and add my own comments to discredit the opinion of its' author. I've seen it done before, and it's effective.

I apologize if this sounds unnecessarily critical. I assure you I'm not trying to be rude or disrespectful. I wouldn't have taken the time to respond if not for your potential benefit.

Good luck. I applaud your concern and willingness to work to change things. Having said that, I agree that you're fighting an uphill battle, and I would encourage you to put your energy into something you have a better chance of succeeding in. I'll leave you with this:

Don't ever submit your work to a moderator with unlimited authority to censor you. It's a waste of your time, your energy, and your voice.

Small victories are better than losses. Good for you for making the effort.

Samari Jack said:

I wanted to follow-up on this post. It took almost 4 weeks but to the paper's credit, they did put my comments on their editorial page forum. Word for word. They did leave out the part about my offer to pay for their CCW permit. Still, I consider it a victory for gun ownership if only a mall one.

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Good for both of you. You for making the good faith effort to answer their ignorance, and their willingness to acknowledge and let the counterpoints be published. Not all editorial bodies are so honest these days.

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