I should be in bed, but I’m waiting for some pain killers to kick in. For the second time in two weeks I tangled with the PVC extension on the eves drainpipe and the extension wins.
I tripped over it, and while nothing is broken, I’m a bit sore. I know it’s there, even with my head in the clouds and my thoughts elsewhere, something primal and sensible in my brain tells me to step over it. Somehow my feet don’t get the message and I’ve gone down. On the driveway. Twice. Hard. So I’m sore and need some sleep.
However, Jordon Cooper posted a contextless link I’d like him to elaborate on. Since wrong is my default position and I disagree with him, I’d like to have a discussion. Here is Jordon’s position:
Church cancels service over gay Navy vet: While I don’t agree with the church’s decision, what really bothers me are the accusations that they lied when confronted by the press. via
Two links go to Arlington High Point Church, the other to Only Wonder Understands.
I posted my questions to Jordon in his comment section, if he is up to discussing his position I think it would be interesting if we could talk about this on his blog front porch or mine.
He isn’t saying I’ve accused Gary Simons of lying in my pursuit of this story, (Jordon may not have read what I’ve written) but I think I’m clear I believe Gary Simons lied. If not by commission, then by omission. I think there are sub stories connecting the sad series of events that have complicated the story.
Jordon, I’d appreciate it if you’d lay out your position and understanding of what has occurred and :
a) point out the accusations anywhere you’d like and explain the reasons you are bothered
b) why you say Gary Simons was ‘confronted’ by the press and how that twists the accounts
The story was covered by Dallas Morning News and AP, various independents re-wrote the two versions.
No rush my friend. Looking forward to your response. Night.
Published 1 year, 5 months ago
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I meant to link to this article as well - http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070811/ap_on_re_us/gay_funeral
Here are the quotes that reference the alledged lying.
“Wright called the church’s claim about the pictures “a bold-faced lie.” She said she provided numerous family pictures of Sinclair, including some with his partner, but said none showed men kissing or hugging.”
That is the AP story, correct, which was released at about 5:28 (CDT) pm Friday night.
a) The Dallas Morning News article - went up early Friday
b) prior to Angela Browns piece for AP. As far as I can tell Ms. Brown is in the AP Texas bureau 5:28 pm Friday night
Weiss (Dallas Morning News) original article was picked up by 11 alternative sites (read gay news)
Once Brown wrote her wire peice it was picked up by 215 news outlets by Friday night.
1) Weiss (Dallas Morning News) interviewed Cecil Sinclairs mom.
2) Brown (AP) interviewed Kathleen Wright, Cecil’s sister.
Both Dallas Morning News and Associated Press ran comments from Gary Simons.
3) The Dallas Morning News, and some blogs received the clarification comment from Paul Wagner (Cecil’s partner) about 8 hours after the AP piece, (late Friday night, early Saturday morning).
A) Cecil Sinclair died Monday
B) The High Point Church arrangements started Monday (it’s unclear to me if alternatives were also started at that time)
C) Wednesday night (6 pm CDT) High Point Church cancelled the memorial which was set for Thursday
D) The memorial was held at the alternative place Thursday
E) People that attended Cecil Sinclairs memorial began to respond to news outlets and blogs Friday
Help me understand why you believe Kathleen Wright (sister of Cecil) lied?
1) The woman who notified Dallas Morning News has been upfront and forthcoming about contacting them
2) AP picked up the story and did their own
Help me understand why you think Gary Simons was ‘confronted’ by the press?
a) The 11 alternatives did rewrites or clips of the Dallas Morning News article.
b)The 215 outlet pick ups were the AP piece.
c) Fox News 4 (Dallas Fort Worth) had the AP piece at 5:28 (CDT) Friday
Who lied? How was Simons confronted?:^)
I don’t think that Kathleen Wright lied although we will never knoow.
The church was confronted by the press in pressing for clarification on what happened. I think you read too much in how I used the word. Hopefully that clarifies things.
Short discussion.;^)
I agree, we probably won’t know.
More people than Kathleen were in that editing suite.
Her neice, the church techs, possibly others. They know.
The church doesn’t have to clarify anything. They can do whatever they want, when they want, to whomever they want and they certainly don’t have to justify, explain or respond to anyone.
Two interviews aren’t confronting. I did read too much into how you used the word.
Thanks for clarifying.
Despite not knowing what those photos had in them, the church’s response did come across poorly. Maybe they were covering up things or spinning them or maybe it was editorial bias but I do find the discrepancies troubling.
One paper slanting I could see.
It happens.
Two perhaps.
Both outlets did independent work.
The consistency comes from people who where there.
Jordon, I see no evidence the discrepencies should be anything but troubling because they are so stark. They become more stark when you put Simons statements over the three days side by side.
I’ve covered a lot of tragedy, a lot of grief. I don’t expect consistency. But when I read statements from people who witnessed what went on, who know the family and who, while grieving show intelligence and carefulness without malice and attack - the discrepencies should be disturbing.
If I’m wrong, tell me I’m wrong. I’ll correct my errors and my attitude.