Gunpowder Chronicle posted on September 11, 2007 8:16 PM | Rating:
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Over at the Salisbury Daily Crimes, the editorial page is pleading with people to "not ignore warnings" from weather forecasters and meteorologists.
Tomorrow's editorial, according to our crack electronic eavesdropping sources from the Nursing Home: Please flush the toilet when you are done taking a pee.
My favorite line though-- which shows a complete detachment from the reality of hurricane forecasting:
"a bit of a practice run for the hurricanes likely to come this season"
Why does the editorial page assume that an East Coast hurricane is likely to come this season? Given that the forecasts for both 2006 AND 2007 have been wildly wrong to date -- mostly due to El Nino and La Nina influences in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans-- it seems a little presumptuous for the Daily Crimes to predict "likely" East Coast hurricanes.
This isn't to diminish the importance of preparation. In fact, the entire area is well prepared. After all, hurricanes are nothing new to the Eastern Shore.
Rather, it is to question if such editorial space couldn't be put to better use. For example, pushing for greater accountability in Salisbury City Government finances. Especially given the recent discovery of an additional $5 million in the water and sewer fund.
Or asking why Gary Mackes had to be embarrassed into finding a more responsible and cheaper alternative to full replacement of the civic center roof.
Or maybe a full investigation into allegations that the designation of certain historical districts is what keeps those neighborhoods in the grips of crime and destitution.
Or looking into how the Wicomico Neigborhood Congress may -- or may not -- improve citizen involvement in County government.
Or any of 1000 other issues that the Daily Crimes should be covering in far more depth than they already do.
Freedom of the press is important. But with that freedom comes a very important responsibility to cover issues of the highest importance to their readership. And there are a lot of important issues on the Lower Eastern Shore that the Daily Crimes should covering much better and in much better detail.