This is why newspapers deserve to be buried in the dust bin of history, at least unless they clean up their act. For well over 20 years a southwest suburban Chicago newspaper called The Reporter has employed a columnist named Michael M. Bates -- who is also a long time NewsBusters contributor. He has been their local conservative columnist for many years until, that is, his latest column on Barack Obama was altered to add malicious content aimed at the columnist by the paper's editor.
Bates was one of those conservatives (like myself) that wrote that he hoped that Obama would not succeed as president IF success meant that all sorts of socialist, unAmerican policies would be implemented. Bates was not wishing the president to fail except in implementing policies that Bates felt would be bad for America and even more to the point Bates was not saying he wished the U.S. as a whole ill. But it seems that "nuance" is not something that Bates' editor understands because the editor decided to add some things to Bates' column that Bates did not say.
Here was Bates' main point in the column:
Support them in driving this country into the ground? If Obama delivers on his campaign promises, it’ll be an unmitigated disaster. Good luck for him means bad luck for the United States.
Simply put and unmistakable. Bates wants the country to do well and Obama's bad policies to fail.
That wasn't clear enough for the editor of The Reporter, though. Initially Bates headlined his piece against Obama's policies "Count Me Out" (column can be seen here). The editor, however, decided to change the headline, a practice that is not uncommon in the Newspaper industry. The new headline became "Success for Obama would be disaster." Obviously a far more negative headline.
But the headline change wasn't the only alteration -- nor the most egregious -- that the editor made to the piece because a subhead was also tacked onto Bates' column. The added subhead read: "Bitter conservative can’t wish U.S. well."
Amazingly, the editor decided that Bates was a "bitter conservative" and was one that couldn't "wish the U.S. well." But, that was not what Bates was saying at all. Bates was standing against Obama's bad policies. He wasn't wishing ill will on the entire United States!
Realize what happened here. An editor attacked his own columnist by adding headlines and subheads that the columnist did not write that portrays his own employee as an America hating, "bitter" conservative.
Worse, there is no way that the reader could be aware that this headline and the added subhead wasn't something that the writer wanted included in his column. To the casual reader, it looked as if Bates was calling himself a bitter conservative that wants the U.S. to fail!
What else can be said here? This editor, in print, without previously alerting the columnist, attacked his own employee, making him look as bad as possible.
Needless to say, columnist Bates has quit his job of over 20 years at The Reporter for being so badly treated. Who can blame him?
This is the sort of hate for conservatives that the Old Media is so steeped in, isn't it? And if this is how badly editors treat their own employees, no wonder they are so hateful against conservatives in the news!
(Photo credit: canadafreepress.com)
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Bitter Liberal
February 2, 2009 - 02:05 ET by UpwayBitter Liberal Editor can't understand why columnist does not swoon over Obama.
Bitter Liberal Editor
February 2, 2009 - 21:27 ET by Mike BatesThere are no Bitter Liberal Editors. They're all enlightened. Just ask 'em.
I hope
February 2, 2009 - 21:54 ET by choselife3xWe'll see more of you around here, Mr. Bates. I really enjoy your work.
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Well, choselife3x
February 2, 2009 - 21:56 ET by Mike BatesI hope to. And thank you.
Mr. Bates, You have my
February 2, 2009 - 03:55 ET by R D HelmMr. Bates,
You have my eternal respect for your decision.
You are among my favorite true (as in for-real) conservative contributors here@ NB (besides Noel and Warner), and I sincerely wish you well in your future endeavors.
You were/are always willing to jump in here and mix it up a little with us mere plebians, which is far more than many other contributors here are willing to do.
Carry on, sir.
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
Honesty, integrity, and
February 2, 2009 - 05:10 ET by SlicksterHonesty, integrity, and objectivity are meaningless to these liberal morons who feast on the bitter fruit of obama's anus.
Slickster...
February 2, 2009 - 09:17 ET by HeavyChevyI will need to scrub hard to get that image out of my mind.
No joke, Heavy....
February 2, 2009 - 22:45 ET by R D Helm...and a gallon or two of bleach might help, too. :-)
Ewwwww.
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
Mr. Bates, You have the
February 2, 2009 - 07:45 ET by motherbeltMr. Bates,
You have the respect of a many, many people here!
That is just unbelievable!
I agree with Dave...I always appreciate it when you respond to comments.
I wish you the best!
Mixing it up, motherbelt
February 2, 2009 - 21:41 ET by Mike BatesI enjoy the lively exchange on NewsBusters which - because of contributors like Dave and you and so many others here - is at a considerably more elevated level than many other sites. Some say I mix it up; others that I'm mixed up.
Speaking of which, I miss my old pal angry african.
Too old
February 2, 2009 - 21:29 ET by Mike Batesto "carry on," Dave, but thanks for the encouragement.
That's okay, Mr, Bates...
February 2, 2009 - 23:07 ET by R D Helm...you can hang out with us here at NB, as it looks like we are going to have front-row seats to the colossal Obama train wreck that we all know is coming.
LOL-Assuming the government hasn't pulled our plug by then.
Hey, it could happen.
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
I am sure it happens all the time.....
February 2, 2009 - 05:15 ET by old croonly congratulations to Mr. Bates for standing up for his principles. The average news reader has no idea of how he is being manipulated by the media. I was somewhat unaware myself until visiting this site and being shown examples such as this. (Thanks WTH) I really do not know how to make people more aware out there. At conservative sites you are preaching to the choir and everywhere else in the leftist media you are misrepresented or banned. Hopefully, truth and the American way, ta-da, will win out.
Warner... As you know, I
February 2, 2009 - 05:30 ET by JerWarner...
As you know, I don't often agree with your--or Michael's--political views, but I just want to add my indignation at the inexcusable editorial intrusion by Michael's [former] editor.
It should be sufficient to publish the standard disclaimer that the opinions expressed by the various columnists do not necessarily reflect the views, etc. But this gratuitous, stunningly indefensible conduct by the editor was pure journalistic crap. The publisher should have kicked his ass from here to Beijing. I wish Michael all the best.
Jer
Jer -- I agree with your
February 2, 2009 - 07:59 ET by Jack BauerJer -- I agree with your take. If the editor didn't like the editorial, then he has the authority NOT to run it.
It's his secret rewrite that's unacceptable
Fairness Doctrine...
February 2, 2009 - 06:41 ET by jdlybrandnewsisblues
Could this be a sign of things to come? Good luck Mr. Bates. Who needs them anyway.
"They can't handle the truth"
Wow - standing up for
February 2, 2009 - 08:15 ET by SickofLibsWow - standing up for principle. Haven't seen a lot of that lately.
And of course the a-hole publisher couldn't just let it go without several well placed b*itchslaps ("One or two readers have actually told us over the [20] years that Mr. Bates’ column is the reason they read The Reporter.”)
Good luck Michael.
May Liberal Rags Burn.
February 2, 2009 - 08:17 ET by flyingmonkeyMr.Bates, at a time when many conservative writers and commentators are attaching their lips to liberal asses in order to save their jobs, you chose to take the high road choosing to maintain your integrity. Congratulations and good luck in whatever you do.
old cro, there are many things we can do starting with a boycott of all things liberal. Turn off the TV and get your news from the internet. Though you don't believe the MSM, you're still supporting them by watching. Don't buy newspapers, These people use their profits to promote liberal causes. Don't buy liberal magazines like Newsweek and Time. Try the American Spectator, Weekly Standard, National Review, Human Events or Town Hall. And don't support the liberal creeps in Hollywood. Don't go to, or rent their movies. They hate Capitalism? Let's show them life with a lot less money. If we stick together we can send a message.
Buying a newspaper is the equivalent of paying somebody to lie to you.
Editor or Minister of Propaganda?
February 2, 2009 - 08:38 ET by CapeCodScottThis is Chicago remember...
Mr. Bates- You did the right thing, I salute your integrity and by example, you reveal your former employer's lack of same.
www.ScottOnCapeCod.com
"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation"... until they get fed-up enough to finally say something about it!
The Obama Youth will
February 2, 2009 - 08:38 ET by nadadhimmiThe Obama Youth will soon be putting these conservative "reactionaries" where they damn well belong, in special re-ed camps. If that doesn't work, comrade Ayers will take over and kill the capitalist bastards. For their own good you understand!....(Sarc off).
This clown editor and the
February 2, 2009 - 09:25 ET by fitzfongThis clown editor and the bird cage liner that employs him must be really confident that they won't get sued. That said, it isn't particularly wise to cannibalize your business like they've done here...especially in this economy. Get out the lifeboats, this ship has hit the iceberg.
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill
I agree 100% with Fitz.
February 2, 2009 - 22:10 ET by thebutlerdiditHe said it best. Good luck, Michael, I am one of the newbies, but I have enjoyed all of your work here.
Bringing the government in to run Wall Street is like saying, "Dad burned the dinner, let's get the dog to cook." PJ O'Rourke
Thanks, thebutlerdidit
February 2, 2009 - 22:13 ET by Mike BatesThat Fitz does have a way with words, doesn't he?
Sorry to here about this
February 2, 2009 - 09:43 ET by general companySorry to here about this Mr. Bates. No doubt this will just escalate the failure of this paper. Pretty sad that they now feel bulling their employees is acceptable.
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Wow and wow
February 2, 2009 - 09:52 ET by BlondeGood for Mike.
From Warner's link, which has Mike's own take on the incident, I found this (emphasis mine) "notice to readers" that the creep(s) published:
“The Reporter newspaper regrets to inform our loyal readers that columnist Michael Bates has chosen to discontinue his services after nearly 20 years writing for our commentary page.
“Mr. Bates is a polarizing commentator beloved by some readers and detested by others. . . We know some readers won’t be upset by his departure, but we also understand those members of the unofficial Michael Bates fan club will be extremely disappointed. One or two readers have actually told us over the years that Mr. Bates’ column is the reason they read The Reporter.” The notice went on to say something complimentary about my writing and to wish my family and me well.
Nice, huh? I'm sure Mike has a following of more than one or two readers who take The Reporter only because of his column. It's also a bit of revisionist history, as Mike later points out, he was there for more than 20 years (go read the link).
If this editor had any sense, he'd apologize publicly and learn a lesson. Not that this would occur to anyone with such patent leftist tendencies.
I'm sorry you had to give up your column there, Mike...you are a great writer and I'm sure your fans there will miss you (of course, you could invite them over here). Kudos for the "Mad as Hell, Not Going to Take It Anymore", too!
Blonde: I was going to
February 2, 2009 - 18:03 ET by stratmanBlonde:
I was going to post something like...
Then I figured that was a bit hyperbolic, so instead I'll just refer to this editor for what he is -
All the best to Michael. I am sure he will land on his feet quickly and be all the better.
Great minds, Blonde
February 2, 2009 - 21:36 ET by Mike BatesSeveral other folks took note of what you did, Blonde, the "one or two readers" bit. I liked the "detested by others" line, too. Give me a bullet to bite on!
Thanks to you and all the other posters on this thread for their kind words and thoughts. There's always a silver lining. Now that I'm not receiving checks from The Reporter, maybe I can sign up for an Obama welfare program.
That's thinking Mike - I'm just glad
February 2, 2009 - 21:50 ET by Dee Bunkbecause now you'll have more time for us. : ) I know it's a little selfish of me. But who needs those liberal losers. We can't keep letting them trash us and just take it.
I hope your readers know where to find you
Finding me, Dee
February 2, 2009 - 21:54 ET by Mike BatesI hope your readers know where to find you
Don't know about that, but I'm pretty sure every collection agency in the continental U.S. - and possibly Nigeria - knows where to find me.
Collection agency
February 2, 2009 - 21:59 ET by choselife3xNow THERE is a recession proof job!!
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Mike just tell them that Obama's got your back
February 2, 2009 - 22:01 ET by Dee Bunkand you're waiting for your bailout.
Just to be safe, maybe you better get one of those chains (like the bikers wear for their wallets) and attach it to that new i-Phone so they don't take it ; )
Hope and chains, Dee
February 2, 2009 - 22:09 ET by Mike BatesJust to be safe, maybe you better get one of those chains (like the bikers wear for their wallets) and attach it to that new i-Phone so they don't take it ; )
For maximum protection, I'll contact Obama fan Boy George and find out what brand chains he uses for his escort service dates.
Hope and Chains - that's cute
February 2, 2009 - 22:23 ET by Dee BunkBoy George not so much ; )
Boy George
February 2, 2009 - 22:28 ET by Mike BatesBoy George not so much ; )
Yeah, but when he was a young girl, he really turned heads.
Yikes Stripes! That was both funny and disturbing. LOL
February 2, 2009 - 22:47 ET by thebutlerdiditBringing the government in to run Wall Street is like saying, "Dad burned the dinner, let's get the dog to cook." PJ O'Rourke
Nigerian collectors
February 2, 2009 - 23:15 ET by R D HelmHmm, must be the same bunch that is after me, as that is where it sounded like they were calling from the one time I actually answered them on my cell phone and tried (in vain) to reason with them.
LOL-Should have given them my old land line number that I got rid of years ago. I think it goes to a Papa John's pizza joint now.
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
→ Don't forget your warranty
February 2, 2009 - 23:22 ET by Cool ArrowI keep getting calls about my car warranty going out.
Heck, that ran out 12 years ago, and that was before I owned it.
“Make no mistake, tax cheaters cheat us all, and the IRS should enforce
our laws to the letter. ” Sen. Tom Daschle, 05/07/98
Cool,
February 2, 2009 - 23:40 ET by R D HelmI keep getting those calls, too. Funny thing is, my car is only eight months old with barely 4300 miles showing on the odo, and the factory warranty has another 28 months remaining.
The car I had before that was a 1981 European model Mercedes that had been out of warranty long before it was shipped here from Germany in 1986.
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
It's funny how standards
February 2, 2009 - 10:50 ET by dmac18It's funny how standards can change so quickly. Liberals not only wished for Bush to fail, but liberal bureaucrats, the news media and the many democrats actually went beyond simple criticism, but actually worked to make sure things were not successful when the policies disagreed with their own. Now, one cannot utter any negative words about his "holiness", the Obama.
Bitter Liberal Editor
February 2, 2009 - 10:53 ET by Ozark_SunshineJust another Illinois newspaper that needs to go financially bankrupt because the people in power are morally bankrupt. The editor needs to be fired for the newspaper to redeem itself. He also needs to apologize for his lies and name calling.
Democrats
February 2, 2009 - 11:24 ET by rbosqueDemocrats on-the-other-hand, can wish the US ill when a Republican is in charge. This includes anti-American rants, collusions with the enemy and sympathies for their side, Democrats calling our soldiers mercenaries and murderers, the media's love affair with "body counts" of American soldiers but no body counts for the enemy.
Nothing happens to them.
Correction...
February 2, 2009 - 11:25 ET by Sergeant ROCK.. democRATS. Otherwise correct, absolutely!
Bolton/KEYES 2012
They Used To Get Away With It
February 2, 2009 - 11:36 ET by rammingspeedNews Busters is helping expose miscreants like the editor of The Reporter. This used to go unnoticed. I believe the MSM is being hurt by this kind of thing as people are being informed of the inside baseball stuff.
This is putrid, disgusting garbage being forced on people, a la Pravda, Der Sturmer of Nazi Germany, and the New York Times of today.
Thought police, including
February 2, 2009 - 13:09 ET by celatorThought police, including Obama's, routingly distort the language and meaning of those who speak the truth to justify harrassing them. In the case of Limbaugh and Bates, it's obvious this is what's happening.
For liberal Democrats and the Old Media, everything is crisis, chaos, calamity and catastrophe. That justifies stealing your property and liberties.
Hang tough Michel Bates...
February 2, 2009 - 13:09 ET by JPR1The typical cowardly lib tactic is to run away from or redirect the discussion. This is more like a knife in the ribs when you weren't looking.
My guess is that with a paid circulation of 18,000 they can't afford to lose too many patrons who may be more than willing to express their views to advertisers.
This "editor" may soon be looking for work himself. Perhaps you will get to redecorate his office.
Why are liberals so hung up
February 2, 2009 - 14:04 ET by Chris NormanWhy are liberals so hung up on the fact that we don't want Obama to succeed in implementing a political/social/economic agenda that our principles tells us to abhor and that we know will either fail or ill-serve our country now and/or in the future? Since they're the ones who are making the fuss about the issue, then it's up to them to define what they mean when they talk about Obama's so-called success - not us
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Thanks, Warner Todd
February 2, 2009 - 21:24 ET by Mike BatesI found your piece fascinating. And can read about that guy for hours at a time. :)
You are a fun read Mike, its
February 2, 2009 - 21:58 ET by Conservative VoiceYou are a fun read Mike, its the newspaper's lost, I hope the truth of this story gets to the readers of that paper. I am mad at my government for bringing in socialism and destroying the dollar...but it doesn't compare to the anger I have with the media...the 4th branch of government...for not doing their constitutional duty to keep government in check.
The elusive truth
February 2, 2009 - 22:06 ET by Mike Bates. . .I hope the truth of this story gets to the readers of that paper.
It's coincidental that I just received an email from a reader who started:
"Why is it that I suspect their was more involved than a simple resignation? Was it the editor's description of you as "polarizing"?"
Conservatives are so darn smart.
Good luck Mr Bates
February 2, 2009 - 23:07 ET by TN MomDear Mr. Bates,
You, sir, are my HERO! Yep, a TRUE Journalist. A real one, and they mocked you without even a courteous heads up, after working for them for 20 years.
Regards,
TN Mom
Attn: NB's
P.S. I miss broadsheet news. Really. I like the feel of a 'newspaper' in my hands as I drink my morning coffee. I canceled all subscriptions months ago because I was sick of the bias. Is there a conservative newspaper left? Also, I would like some magazines to read...I used to receive them by the DOZENS now I only subscribe to Southern Living.
Gracias, TN Mom
February 3, 2009 - 13:33 ET by Mike BatesYou're gonna make me blush. Which isn't good for my blood presure probably, but thank you - and all other kind commenters - for the gracious thoughts.