On Friday, the Voice of OC published an article about an e-mail the reporter had not even seen, breathlessly describing it as “politically explosive.”
Last night the Voice published a follow-up story — this time after actually reading the e-mail (or as it turns out, e-mails) in question and being educated on the actual context and meaning. The description of the e-mail was downgraded to merely “questionable.” Sort of like the U.S. Weather Service downgrading a meteorological event from “hurricane” to “gusty winds.”
Personally, I think the “questionable” appellation is an overstatement. OCTA CEO-designate Darrell Johnson provided very reasonable explanations in the Voice article, and they come down to semantics and jargon and the occasional in-exactitude that is an inevitable aspect of human endeavors. Furthermore, no one has been able to point to any evidence of any wrong-doing or unethical conduct (the wishful thinking of ankle-biters does not count as proof).
For me and many others, the most shocking thing about this episode has been the heedlessness and haste with which this story has been reported and allegations carelessly tossed about, needlessly and recklessly damaging the reputations of two individuals of integrity. Isn’t investigative reporting supposed to be about nailing down facts, and crossing Ts and dotting Is?
Isn’t it fascinating that a few months ago she was apparently rolling in the dough and cutting checks at the approximate rate of $500-an-hour to hire one of the state’s top election lawyers in her maneuver to hurt an Anaheim Council candidate but now she is holding her hat out and taking donations to fund her latest sport? This doesn’t add up.
Stop giving Voice of OC credit as a legitimate journalistic news source. It’s a slanted blog with no more credibility than Orange Juice or Liberal OC. Its journalistic credentials are the only thing that is “questionable.”
Tait is now using a blog to attack city employees with baseless accusations – to what end? I’m fed up with this demagogue.
Voice of OC is the only investigative news source in the OC. Once all the documents have been released I think you will be apologizing to Mayor Tait AnaheimFirst.