WinnFabs/Laconia Citizen Letter to the Editor

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by Islander

The Governor never said he would veto it. In fact he has said he will sign it.

In an Article in the paper a couple months ago, he said he didn't know if he would sign it.

[hazelnut]

Originally Posted by chipj29

In an Article in the paper a couple months ago, he said he didn't know if he would sign it.

I can't help but think and compare this conversation to an inmate waiting on death row for the Governor to call. It's like we're all sitting in the electric chair saying "I know he's gonna call, man just wait a few more minutes."

My guess is that he signs it. I wish that weren't the case but I'm guessing he will.

[Islander]

Originally Posted by chipj29

In an Article in the paper a couple months ago, he said he didn't know if he would sign it.

He may have been on the fence two months ago, but in a nationally distributed Associated Press article last Friday, he said he would sign it.

But the reason I posted was to say that he never claimed he would veto it. That was wishfull thinking on the part of the opponents. Why don't we wait and see what he really does.

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by Islander

He may have been on the fence two months ago, but in a nationally distributed Associated Press article last Friday, he said he would sign it.

But the reason I posted was to say that he never claimed he would veto it. That was wishfull thinking on the part of the opponents. Why don't we wait and see what he really does.

And the point of my post was that up until recently, he has not said he would or wouldn't sign it.
Maybe the wishful thinking was on your end? Meh, either way, he will do whatever he may think is right. My opinion does not matter anymore.

[Airwaves]

Bear Islander I respectfully disagree. The following was written by the editor as a way to show endorsement and give the list of unattributed quotes credibility.

WinnFABS (Winnipesaukee Family Alliance for Boating Safety) went back to authorities around the country at lakes where there are speed limits—let's listen to their experience and wisdom and pass House Bill 847, the 45/25 mph boating speed limits for Lake Winnipesaukee:

As I said there is no way of knowing where these quotes came from, whether they were actual quotes or just something that "sounded good" tossed around the table at a Winnfabs meeting.

[Skip]

Originally Posted by Airwaves

...Bear Islander I respectfully disagree. The following was written by the editor as a way to show endorsement and give the list of unattributed quotes credibility...

Actually Bear Islander is correct, the opening lines that appear to be an endorsement by the Editor are actually Ms. Helve's opening paragraph.

If you check this LINK to the same letter submitted by Ms. Helve to the Nashua Telegraph during the same time frame you find the exact same opening verbiage.

By the way, the Telegraph is in no way connected with the Foster family owned Foster's/Citizen paper chain.

I wholeheartedly agree with your concern that the quotes contained within the letter are not attributable to any credible source. But so it goes when you are adept at employing large doses of hyperbole to get your point across.

Remember, it is called the "opinion page" for a very good reason...as many contributions are heavy on opinion but not necessarily backed by fact....

[tis]

Well, since he is a dem. it doesn't surprise me he will sign it. But I was hoping he would use some common sense and not sign it. I am very disappointed in the republican senators that signed it. Why can't they think for themselves? I guess my contact with my senator ( a republican) didn't do any good as he voted for it. What happened to republicans for less government, less taxes??? rinos.

[Airwaves]

Bear Islander I was giving some thought to your post that the following:

WinnFABS (Winnipesaukee Family Alliance for Boating Safety) went back to authorities around the country at lakes where there are speed limits—let's listen to their experience and wisdom and pass House Bill 847, the 45/25 mph boating speed limits for Lake Winnipesaukee:

was not written by the Citizen and if what you and now Skip wrote is true then the Citizen's Editorial staff really needs to take a refesher course in journalism.

Yes Skip, I know how op-ed pages work and that they are opinion, but at least in my neck of the woods if someone is writing an opinion piece containing quotes and they expect to get it published then they must attribute those quotes. In this case the entire piece was a list of unattributed quotes.

Very poor journalistic and ethical standards IMHO

[Gilligan]

The timing of the publishing of the WinnFABS letter is not coincidence. Too late for a rebuttal.

Who are the authorities? Are these alleged quotes actually a synopsis of the responses they claim they received? Is that why they don't attribute the quotes to anyone? Did they make up these quotes as representative of those they received?

Now think a moment. If you wanted to make a point to non-boating voters what would you do?

If you were to go back to authorities (whoever they are) at lakes with speed limits, would you go back to those people who were opposed to your position or would you only contact those who agreed with you in your first contact with them? This could mean that their follow up contacts were with pre-screened alleged authorities they re-contacted for this "survey". Why re-contact those who were opposed to your position during your initial contact with them? Many of us are authorities on boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, is that the kind of authority WinnFABS cite?

Maybe a large mailing to Gov. Lynch with a copy of the WinnFBS letter and a brief note above it pointing to the questionable content would help. Who made the quotes, what is the other side of the debate? No comments from boaters they say? Of course no mention that those lakes with absolute speed limits do not have the NH 150 foot rule. Whiz by close to other boats while on plane on those lakes.

It just might have him think more about his veto power. Even 10 letters could make a difference. The more letters the more influence. He is a politician and should be able to recognize propaganda when it is pointed out to him. If you want to do something, do it. ASAP.