Thinking Out Loud

Related Topics:

Recent Posts

Port Hope police issue strikes at heart of democratic deficit at council

By: |

By Robert Washburn

The recent decision by Port Hope council to adopt the OPP demonstrates the democratic deficit on council. For the most part, it is theoretical point, but it remains significant. First, the government as business model is not working. In reading accounts and watching presentations, the arguments made by supporters of the OPP are based on fiscal responsibility. Despite the ongoing disputes over the figures, politicians assume that anything done in the name of saving money is automatically good and spending money is evil. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Thinking Out Loud

What I am telling young journalists applying to j-school

By: |

By Robert Washburn

Over the past few months, numerous students expressed concern over their choice to become a journalist in the face of great uncertainty regarding the future of the news industry. I tell them it is like looking at an ancient forest after a horrendous fire, similar to those going on right now across North America. Yes, it looks bad, really bad. Everything that has existed for so long is destroyed. But, if you listen to scientists, they will tell you that Mother Nature is simply doing her thing. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Featured, Thinking Out Loud

She is gone

By: |

My beautiful dog, Paisley, has died. After 11 years, she was sick with cancer and nothing could be done to save her. Next to my wife and daughter, I cannot think of anyone who was closer to me. She was my shadow, always following me around the house. She sat with me in my office, next to me watching TV and slept next to my side of the bed on her pillow. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Thinking Out Loud

Journalism Strategies Conference: What’s next?

By: |

There is an inspiring moment in the award-winning television series West Wing when Martin Sheen’s character, President Jed Bartlet, asks, “What’s next?”

It is a defining moment. Rather than go over points he already understands, Bartlet is anxious to move on to the next challenge rather than waste time laboring over things he cannot change. Once a decision is made, then what is next? (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Hyperlocal Journalism Articles and Resources, Thinking Out Loud, Academic, Hyperlocal Journalism

Journalism Strategies Conference: I want to be a Sunshine Boy

By: |

I want to be a Sunshine Boy. No, not the half-naked guys found the in Sun newspapers. For anyone who knows me, that is a terrifying mental picture. Instead, I want to join with Tony Burman, who spoke at the Journalism Strategies Conference in Montreal, last night. The former head of CBC and Al Jazeera, told an audience of more than 200, he can see some sunshine peaking through the rather dark clouds gathering around journalism in Canada. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Thinking Out Loud, Academic, Journalism

Brighton council’s problems a sign of much bigger issues for municipal government

By: |

There is so much wrong at Brighton council it is difficult to know where to start. First, this is a clear case where the current climate of disrespect toward government and public service is made crystal clear. For decades, right-wing ideologists have pushed the notion of government as a business, not a public service. It completely distorts the notion of governance and the function of all levels of government. Public service is not a business, period. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Thinking Out Loud

“Dysfunctional” Brighton council gets tough report from integrity commissioner

By: |

By Robert Washburn

A recent report by the Integrity Commissioner for Brighton council is important in many ways, not just for reigning in two members, including the mayor, for inappropriate behavior leading to a “dysfunctional state of council”. Toronto lawyer Fred Deans, acting as the integrity commissioner for the town, submitted a report on March 16, saying a spate of emails sent by Mayor Mark Walas and John Martinello went beyond the legislated mandate of a member of council as spelled out in the Municipal Act and the town’s Code of Conduct. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Thinking Out Loud, Politics

Norlock clears air after press seeks answers

By: |

Kudos to Valerie MacDonald, reporter for Northumberland Today, for pressing Northumberland-Quinte West MP Rick Norlock on clarifying the research and survey company he used during the federal election last May in a story published today. Norlock is in the crossfire following revelations surrounding the use of automated calling companies by federal political parties. Consider This started digging into claims by Norlock recently in the local and national newspapers, claiming he did not use any of the firms under suspicion. Well, Norlock made it clear he used Holinshed Research, an Ottawa-based company. He said it has been either sold or closed. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Thinking Out Loud, Politics

Norlock needs to clarify robocall stance before it’s too late

By: |

By Robert Washburn

It seems Northumberland MP Rick Norlock is not as pristine as he portrays in the local media when it comes to the robo-calls scandal. Allegations of voting irregularities swirl around the Northumberland-Quinte West riding, both federal and provincial. But Norlock was quick to distance himself from any wrongdoing; however he seems unable to keep himself out of the crosshairs. He needs to step up now before it is too late. When the scandal first broke, he said reports of misleading telephone calls and misdirecting voters during the election last year did not touch him. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Thinking Out Loud, Politics

Local accusations over election dirty tricks unfair until proven in public

By: |

By Robert Washburn

A brief promoting a story being prepared for Friday’s edition of Northumberland Today accuses the local Liberals of underhanded tactics during the last provincial election. It is all part of the federal Tories agenda to create a smoke screen over the horrendous robocalls scandal currently making front-page news across the country. Accusations are flying all over Ottawa that the Conservatives used an automated calling centre to redirect Liberal voters to the wrong polling stations during the last election. At last count opposition parties have identified 46 riding where this allegedly happened. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Thinking Out Loud, Politics