Fletcher anything but fair and balanced
Editor:
Re: Tom Fletcher’s column of Nov. 8 (‘Occupy movement nothing more than another squat’):
Professional journalists are to follow a standard of conduct and ethics when working in mass-media settings, such as broadcast, newspapers, magazines and the Internet.
Journalists have a legal, social, professional and ethical responsibility. It is the duty of a journalist to make sure the information is presented in a fair, balanced and truthful manner.
In addition, the journalist has a professional responsibility to present an accurate portrayal of events as they occur. This usually is accomplished through thorough research and presenting only the facts, leaving out their own opinions.
Fletcher has repeatedly abused his journalist’s responsibilities during his tenure with Black Press. He writes for the right-wing elitists and accuses all those opposed to their ideology as being communist conspirators.
The Occupy movement is essentially a protest against the corporate influence on democracy, addressing the growing disparity in wealth and the absence of legal repercussions behind the recent global financial crisis.
As the movement grows internationally, other important issues have been added to the list of grievances the 99 per cent would like addressed.
Fletcher’s unprofessional remarks are a blatant disregard of the responsibilities to which the media are required to adhere.
Calling the protestors drug addicts and their places of protest needle parks is irresponsible reporting.
Where is the balanced reporting?
Where is KTW’s Man in Victoria when important issues such as chemtrail spraying is ignored by the mainstream media?
Before dismissing this last point as some wild conspiracy theory, Fletcher should earn his paycheque by investigating the true facts behind the illegal depopulation of Canadian citizens.
The fact a couple of protestors died from drug overdoses does not make the other members of the movement all drug addicts, no more than a couple of war criminals named Bush and Cheney paint all Republicans as war criminals.
The fair-and-balance rule is necessary to protect Canadian democracy.
Fletcher needs to play fair.
James Rawn
Kamloops
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.