WinnFabs/Laconia Citizen Letter to the Editor

Airwaves · 05-19-2008, 11:56 PM

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

Quote:

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 · 05-20-2008, 06:47 AM

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.

05-20-2008, 06:47 AM	#2
Gilligan Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Bay State Posts: 119 Thanks: 8 Thanked 11 Times in 4 Posts	WinnFABS letter biased but carries impact to the general masses 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. __________________ Last edited by Gilligan; 05-20-2008 at 07:27 AM. Reason: Try to be more clear