June 11,  2009            www.waltondemocrats.org

How do newspaper editors influence public opinion in Walton County?

What responsibility do editors have to publish unbiased reporting?  What is the media diversity in the area?  What is the future of newspapers in the area?

You'll have the opportunity to ask three local newspaper editors those questions and more Monday night June 15 at the Coastal Branch Library Meeting Room  at 6:30 PM.   

"The Walton County Democratic Party is hosting an editors' panel discussion, and we have invited Rick Thomason, Publisher of the Destin Log and the Walton Sun; Pat Rice, Director of Content for Florida Freedom Newspapers representing the Northwest Florida Daily News,  and Editor Ron Kelley from the Defuniak Herald/Beach Breeze," says Jeremy Solomon, Chair Walton DEC.  "All have agreed to participate. Initially, Ron Kelley, Editor of the Defuniak Herald/Beach Breeze, declined our invitation. However, his acceptance leads me to hope that this panel can be a huge step forward in the efforts of Democrats to become a significant political voice in this county.

"You might recall that during the Presidential election, Mr. Kelley wrote an editorial entitled the “Audacity of Change.”  When I first read it,  I thought that it was one of the most unfair, prejudiced and divisive editorials I had ever seen. Ray Padgett wrote an eloquent rebuttal.

"But, one thing that I inferred from reading that editorial was that Mr. Kelley believed at the time he wrote it, that no one could vote for Obama  unless they were fooled by the national media. I was thinking that  I had the same perspective from the opposite side. I believe, and continue to believe, that a vote for the national Republican party ticket after eight years of George Bush had to be influenced by the right-wing media because no thoughtful individual could conclude that a vote for the Republican ticket was a rational act. So our problem is this:  how do we work together with Republicans when we both believe that the others' perceptions are so colored by distortion that the others' conclusions are per se “erroneous.”

"To give credit where credit is due,  I recall that Mr. Kelley wrote an editorial about Ray Sansom fairly early on, before indictment, of course, that I considered to be courageous and thoughtful. I remember Ray Padgett, at the time, telling me that he thought Mr. Kelley was fair minded.  At the same time,  he was upset by the “Audacity” editorial. So, personally, I'm interested in hearing where he's coming from.  I told him that in an e-mail and subsequently in a telephone conversation. He shared with me that he thought that  George W. Bush had stolen the 2000 election and was the worst president in history until Obama.

"I  agree with him completely in his assessment of Bush.  I am mystified how he can make the same statement about Obama after only five months in office. Now we can ask him. I've had similar discussions with editors of the Northwest Florida Daily News and Walton Sun; they are thoughtful people who see their roles as serious responsibilities. 

"I  have taken the time to give you this background so that you, I hope, will recognize that this panel might not only be lively and thought provoking, but it might also just be educational for us all.  That's essentially why they are coming and why we, as Democrats concerned with our community at large, should be there ready to listen and ready to question." -- Jeremy Solomon, Chair Walton County DEC

Questions for the panel are more than welcome.  We want them to know what we think.  Please e-mail any ideas for questions to Jeremy Solomon at the following e-mail address:  jeremy_solomon@me.com

WHAT IS "TRANSECT-BASED PLANNING and WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?

Transect-based planning is the topic of Architect Mark Schnell's presentation at the June 25th monthly meeting of the Women's Democratic Club, 2:00 p.m. at the Coastal Branch Library meeting room. 

"Through explosive growth and now economic stagnation,  the current system of land use regulations in Walton County has proven problematic in many ways. This presentation describes the issues involved with the current system and how a Transect-based code represents the best direction for Walton County's land use regulations," explains Schnell. 

The presentation was created by a group of concerned local citizens with expertise in architecture, planning, and the environment who gathered to advise the Walton County Planning Commission during the comprehensive plan amendment process.  Learn more about the meeting and the speaker►

Christi Ferry will be the panel moderator. 
 

Upcoming event:  "Take a Break, Evaluate and Eat Cake" 

The July meeting of the Women's Democratic Club will be devoted to evaluation, reflection and planning for the remainder of this year for our club.  There will be no speaker so that we can devote the entire time to defining our goals.    Let's use this meeting as a time to plan and to reconnect with each other.  If you would like to bring a snack or sweet, please do so.  We will supply the coffee and beverages.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The 2010 election is already shaping up.  Candidates for Governor, for the United States Senate, and for Attorney General have announced their intentions.  Locally, slots are up for county commissioner, for school board, and for supervisor of elections.  The outcome of these elections will affect all of us.  (Click to see open races►)  

Two critical issues are being debated right now:  health care and offshore drilling.  How important are these issues to you?

Take a minute and tell us what you think.  Click on POLLS and cast your votes. 

Kennedy health plan includes long-term care

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Americans would be able to buy long-term care insurance from the government for $65 a month under a provision tucked into sweeping health care legislation that senators will begin considering next week.

The 651-page bill, released Tuesday by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., would revamp the way health insurance works. Insurance companies would face a slew of new government rules, dealing with everything from guaranteed coverage for people with health problems to possible limitations on profits. Taxpayers, employers and individuals would share in the cost of expanding coverage to nearly 50 million uninsured Americans.  Read more►

The U.S. has 46 million uninsured citizens.  Yet, it spends more on health care than any other nation -- including those who provide health care for EVERY citizen.

Senate expands offshore drilling

A US Senate panel approved expansion of offshore oil and natural gas drilling, in a bid to open more of the eastern Gulf of Mexico to energy development.

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 13-10 on Wednesday in favor of an amendment to expand drilling, including off the coast of Florida, as part of its debate over pending energy legislation. The underlying legislation may get a committee vote on June 11.  Read more►

Take a look at the current 2010 Demo candidates

Click on "Campaign 2010" for links to the web pages of Democratic candidates.  Your support and participation will make a big difference in the early days of the campaigns while Democratic candidates are raising initial funds and seeking supporters.