Daily Archives: November 5, 2007

Alexandria, Once Again, Featured on CNN 2

by • Local Political News, Media Studies

But it’s not the kind of press we want.

Last weekend, CNN featured an hour-long documentary on the sudden proliferation of hanging nooses in public places– a story that became heavily publicized after two teenagers from Grant Parish drove into Downtown Alexandria with a noose tied to the back of their pick-up truck on the same day as the massive peaceful demonstration in Jena, Louisiana.

The “I-Report” footage of the red truck, which was captured by an Alexandria citizen named Casanova Love, was repeatedly featured in the documentary (and in the commercials advertising the documentary).

All told, the documentary (however didactic it seemed at times) was very insightful, particularly when they interviewed a shock jock radio host from New York who claimed the noose was a simply a symbol “for justice.” I can’t believe the man actually has any listeners.

Regardless of how one feels about the legal definition of hate crimes, one thing is certain: the ugly head of racism did rear its head in Alexandria that night. And thankfully, it was immediately exposed and denounced.

The Sheriff’s Race: A “Response” 9

by • Local Political News, Media Studies

Update: Wait just one second… I have a few more questions about the document’s veracity, with all due respect.

1. It is time-stamped on Thursday, November 1, and sent to “Nora’s” anonymous e-mail address. If she has been in possession of this since Thursday, why wait until Sunday at midnight to forward it?

2. It includes a “request form” to verify someone’s graduation. Why does the verifying document include the form which was ostensibly already filled out by the requester?

3. In other words, what, exactly, is this? Is it verification of a transcript or the receipt of a request?

I sincerely appreciate “Nora’s” attention to the serious allegations concerning Sheriff candidate Mike Slocum’s education. Tonight, she responded to my request with a forwarded e-mail from the Louisiana Department of Education that claimed a “Michael Dean Slocum” “graduated” in May of 1979 from Buckeye High School. However, unfortunately, the documentation did not reveal the degree that was awarded to Mr. Slocum. This aspect is important, because the allegations suggest Mr. Slocum graduated from Buckeye with a G.E.D., not a diploma. In the 1970s, students could “graduate” from a specific high school with a G.E.D..

“Nora” claims more information is forthcoming, and although she seemed angry that I would even lend attention to these allegations, I still thank her for coming forward. And moreover, if this information is true (as I told “Nora”), I will publicly disavow my previous statements, publish this information, and clarify my position. But this is only one rumor in a race filled with hundreds of rumors. Although its clarification is important, there are far more serious issues we must address, such as the politicization of the department and the alleged intimidation of employees. I will not allow this issue to become a “strawman” whereby the claims and the credibility of anyone who merely mentioned a story that had been published in the paper and on their forum is somehow diminished, a tactic that could be employed to deflect the more serious allegations that are out there.

I am (impatiently) awaiting for the truth to be made clear.