Et Tu The Press Club?

[Andy_Stephenson]

~ by Larisa Alexandrovna
Deputy Managing Editor - News
Raw Story - Raw Story Media

In case anyone has missed the absolute vacuousness of the mainstream media or hasn't caught mainstream journalists' copious devotion to every minutia of celebrity scandal-while effectively violating ethics on every count by ignoring important, newsworthy stories- then The Press Club's Who is a Journalist professional forum farce was the quintessential summation.

More after the jump

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By Sean Paul in Diaries on Tue Apr 19th, 2005 at 01:53:55 PM PDT

Here They Sit
The once proud and prestigious National Press Club ventured into what could have been an informative and compelling discussion on the question of what a journalist is. The event might have enlightened non-bloggers or the bloggerly-challenged by providing the much needed credibility in the mainstream to diligent citizen journalists and bloggers who are indeed deserving of serious consideration and attention. But why bother with that when there is scandal to be had?

The NPC panel consisted of journalists, bloggers/citizen journalists presenting to an audience of much the same mix. Seated with the panelists in all of his pathetic "-gate- worthy" glory was Jeff Gannon, suited up with unapologetic hubris and his usual cardboard personality.

http://agonist.org/story/2005/4/19/135355/148

[Catherine Vincent]

1. Thanks for the link Andy!

:hi:

[Andy_Stephenson]

2. You're welcome

:hi:

[lala_rawraw]

3. yeah, thanks:)

[merh]

5. Sorry this is getting buried in the pope frenzy/madness of the day

Great article. Thanks so much for reporting the truth.

It's a shame that hate and fear are causing folks to overlook this.
:thumbsup:

[ultraist]

49. Thanks for your great work lala_rawraw!

Wishing you and Andy speedy recoveries. We need you two back in full swing asap!

:grouphug:

[flyarm]

4. thanks for the link andy...wonder when the fireworks are going

to go off..from what i have heard in a rusty nelson interview..soon baby soon...then i wonder who all the deflectors will be?? hmmmmmmmmmmmwonder if the truth will get locked?

fly

[lala_rawraw]

7. if only ... hope you are right n/t

[fooj]

23. Truth is our most powerful weapon.

The truth will destroy those evil, maniacal madmen!


Peace!

[understandinglife]

6. Recommended. Thank you. And, we are all thinking about you and...

....hope all goes well tomorrow.

Peace.


www.missionnotaccomplished.us (a day to reflect on what it means to be truthful)

[savannahana]

8. well i'll eat my favorite hat....

....you inspired me to sign-in again here, despite myself :-)

thanks so much, Andy and Larisa

Andy, along with the brother of a dear friend, and my own eldest sister this week, you are very much in my prayers and meditations for tomorrow, your time.

"Little Mud Woman" in the heart of that long-ago okra flower knew what she knew & meant what she said, then & now, and she's not let me down yet :-)

with love and a whole heart, for you, Andy. for You.

ga li e li ga = i am grateful

o sa li he li ga = we are thankful

prayers will be Awake for you here, tomorrow,,, you bet.

[lala_rawraw]

9. No, Andy is going on May 2nd

They pushed it back, to my lovely hospital visit. We will be "out" together... woo hooooooooooooooo!!:)

[merh]

10. You'll be in the hospital too?

Shall we summons up more prayers and postive energies for you too?

[lala_rawraw]

13. Yep, I go too...

We will be fine. Plus, by going on the same day, we ensure that at least one comes out. JUST KIDDING. Really, no worries:D

[merh]

14. Oh, I am glad you can joke about it.

It keeps my worries to a minimum! Sending my prayers and positive energies out for you too!

:hug:

[lala_rawraw]

16. We have no choice but to joke

About it and boy, are we having fun. I leave all my cheese to DU and my collection of lint to anyone who wants it. Really, come on and joke. Pity party stuff never went over well with me. We were thinking of having a radio show called the Chemosabi Twins, thoughts? ;)

[merh]

19. Shit, I will take your lint collection.

Did you know that you can save the cardboard rolls from your toilet paper and your paper towels and stuff them with lint (like dryer lint) and they make great fire starters for your fireplace? :silly:

Pity party, no, I would never imagine that you would throw yourself a pity party, much less attend one if it was thrown by someone else.

:9

Happy thoughts and tons of humor and good vibes your way. :pals:

[lala_rawraw]

21. You are the keeper of the Lint, Sir/Madam Merth

Keep the Lint and take the oath of Lint-do-de as the knight of the Lint brigades and the leader of the order of something somwhere. You are now knighted keeper of the lint, Lord/Lady Merh.

Now, for the Cheese Keeper... blessed is the Cheese for it shall melt nicely. Where is my lord Cheese Keeper?

[merh]

29. I am honored that you have entrusted me with your lint!

I will protect it well.


Rest assured that fooj is a good and loyal servant of the people and the truth and will protect and guard your cheese as offered!


We've got you covered. Best wishes and healing laughter, warm thoughts and silly energies go out to you and for you! :hug:

[Andy_Stephenson]

41. Hey Chemo-sabe

Wazzzzzup?

:loveya:

[lala_rawraw]

48. I will know in about 30 min...

Off to check out the flare of late. Hope to avoid the Methotrex. curse, unless very needed. If that is the case, then I will be spending more time watching the loony tunes. Call me later and do tell the family here of my dental Coulter experience. It is worth a good laugh.

[Spencer10]

11. OHMYGAWD,

are you Larisa Alexandrovna? I am just finishing up reading your article for Raw Story and am blown away by the power of your words. They are so crisp and biting and jump right off the page. I know I'm babbling but I am just so impressed with your writing that I can't seem to write a coherent thought at the moment.

[lala_rawraw]

12. guilty... me

I am she (shhhhhhh, don't tell anyone. Most people don't know, thank goodness or I would get even more hate mail, lol).

[Spencer10]

15. Not to worry...

I won't tell a soul! I am truly humbled at your writing ability. I just finished the article and there is nothing you didn't cover. What a pleasure to read such a piece. I'm an avid reader, and I have to say your writing is head and shoulders above most of what I've read in years.

[lala_rawraw]

17. Based on that op-ed?

Wow, thank you. Please read something better by me, I beg you. But thank you kindly.

[fooj]

25. Welcome to the party, Spencer10!

Peace.

[Spencer10]

28. Thanks for the

welcome (while also bumping this thread back to the first page!).

[lala_rawraw]

35. I think I frightened spence away:(

[Spencer10]

37. NOOOOO!

I was down at the bottom of the thread commenting on you being sick. Then I decided to find some more of your articles to read, since you didn't think the one I was so impressed with was noteworthy enough! Now I'm reading your interview with Scott Ritter. Your writing is just exquisite! In my next lifetime perhaps I'll be able to turn a phrase like you do!

[lala_rawraw]

46. No no, please

I get all red in the face. But thank you. Which Ritter session? It is a series of 3 discussions, together as one article. My fave is brown shirts, of course, but hey... He said it, so he gets the credit, not me.

But the Ritter series I think has eaten up all of my other work. I kid you not. The first 30 pages in a Google search will bring up Ritter, lol. I think in terms of my journo work, the Clermont election and the Social Security scam letters are my favorite in terms of information (not my own writing). My creative work is very different. Again, thanks for the nice comments, but really, I don't know how to handle compliments on any level, not looks, not work, etc. I am just nuts that way, lol.

[Andy_Stephenson]

18. Thanks for dropping in

and you should do it more often.

Andy

[lala_rawraw]

20. You should be in bed or eating

Cheese damn it... want cheese?

[fooj]

24. I'll be your cheesemeistress, lala! It would be an honor!

I'm glad to hear that you and Andy are looking out for each other. And yes, humor is good for the soul!

Peace!

[lala_rawraw]

34. I will

Knight/Lady (what do they call that?) you tomorrow with an ode or something equal to your talents:) I have a fever, so I have to sleep, but just wanted to pass the Cheese rights on... we still need the Garlic Minder, I think.

[EFerrari]

27. Good to see your voice, savanna

:hi:

[fooj]

22. Journalists should be trusted as guardians of the truth!

Personally, I am offended by their lack of ethics. It's shameful. They have failed this country miserably!
"Very few people are willing to die on their feet as opposed to living on their knees."
MSM- why have you abandoned the citizens of this country? They are your brothers and sisters. Our beloved nation is in serious trouble. The future and integrity of our democracy is at stake! Behave like responsible professionals. Do your jobs. Help us to stop this madness!

Peace!

[lala_rawraw]

31. I agree... at least we have that Larisa

Woman on our side. God, she's a bitch, but she is our bitch:)

[fooj]

32. Yes, indeed!

:hi:

[EFerrari]

26. Cardboard? That's sort of harsh, isn't it?

You know, thinking back on that whole thing, JDG did better than any of them. The NPC takes hits for pandering (to say the least). Everyone else on the panel knew they were there as window dressing for the main attraction. And JDG showed up.

If a freak show was built around me, I don't know that I could have done the same.

(Thoughts and wishes for you, Andy and lala.)

[Bethany Rockafella]

30. So when do we get to see another appearance of Gannon?

And what was that exchange between he and Wonkette after the NPC conference?

[lala_rawraw]

33. Like Waldo, he is only visible in small

Glimpses on the big poster. Who knows.

Blah, I feel really sick today. Will knight more cheese and lint people tomorrow. Must sleep:)

[Spencer10]

36. I'm so sorry you're feeling sick

tonight, LaLa. I'm relatively new to DU so don't know any background on why either you or Andy are going into the hospital on May 2nd... but I do hope your upcoming hospital visit will bring you both speedy recoveries. If there's anything a DU poster can do to offer support (emotionally, monetarily, you name it), I hope you'll let me/us know. In the meantime, I hope a good night's sleep brings you some temporary relief from what ails you.

[lala_rawraw]

38. Thank you... I have

MCTD (Lupus and friends). I was pushing too hard on a story that I am writing and I started to feel a pain in my teeth. Went to dentist today and my lymphs are highly swollen... so flare is on the way. I lost my voice and running a temp. All that said, no biggie. I have been through this over and over for 9 years (I am 33).

The hospital visit for Andy is to remove a tumor from his pancreas. My visit is to be tortured on alternative treatments because chemo is not working.

There are monthly collections for Andy held at DU as he is a writer and activist very much adored at DU. Will Pitt usually sounds the call to donate every month. I have not asked for donations because I do not feel comfortable taking them. Jewish guilt I think, lol. Not sure though, given the most current flare, I might have to start writing 24/7 just to pay for one of my monthly meds. Ah, don't you just love the culture of life? okay, going to read and come back to post a bit more. I cannot sleep as I am hurting (no big pain, just at about 4+) a bit. So nice distraction and thank you kindly. Also, welcome to DU... this is like Cheers for the sane and the bar tab is very low:)

[Spencer10]

39. Oh, lala, I'm sorry.

I had hoped whatever was ailing you and Andy would be fixed up with a quick hospital stay. You're so young to have suffered so long with Lupus (MCTD). The only people I know with Lupus were diagnosed much later in life. Have you considered applying for Social Security Disability? Since you're still able to write, you might not be granted full disability but even a percentage might help out. Also, you might be eligible for Medicare thru the disability which would be a huge advantage with meds. Also, you can write to many pharmaceutical companies directly and ask for free meds. You may have to ask your doctor for a letter or RX. If you'd like me to do further research on this, I'm an excellent little researcher! And remember, too, when it comes to asking for help that pride goeth before the fall... that's what friends are for. There was a time a few years back when I needed help financially, and my friends were there for me in a flash. Now, when I find a need in someone, I try to pay it forward. Please let me know if there's a way I can offer assistance because it would be my pleasure... not your's!

Thanks for the tip on the William Pitt thread... I'll look for it. To be honest, I feel lost half the time on DU. I'm never sure where to look for threads so bounce back and forth between general and politics, etc. I'm feeling most comfortable so far in general and am beginning to recognize names of posters and people whose opinion I respect. So many of the posters are so astute politically that I'm finding I do better just reading and trying to absorb lots of new information. I'm in Texas (AAACCCKK!) which is just filled to the brim with asshole, corrupt politicians, which is pretty much what led me to seek out more info on politics. But I'm definitely still getting my feet wet!

[Spencer10]

40. RX assistance programs

Since you're off reading, and I might be in bed by the time you get back, I took the liberty of trying to locate some RX assistance websites for you. I'll just list them here and let you look into further details, if or when you're interested. I hope I'm not being impertinent by offering this information... none of it may pan out, but then again, maybe it will. I do know when my sister was dying of cancer, and I was taking care of her in my home, one little RX for controlling nausea cost $1,830 for 30 pills. I LOL in the pharmacist's face when I tried to pick up her meds and immediately started screaming at every doctor I could get on the phone to find out how I could get those meds free THAT DAY. So I know it can be done, even if screaming is required!

http://www.freemedicinefoundation.com

http://www.needymeds.com

http://www.hope4ever.hypermart.net/FREEMEDS.html

http://www.medicare.gov/AssistancePrograms

http://www.rxhope.com

[ultraist]

47. Welcome Spencer10!

:hi:

[lala_rawraw]

45. well

On SS disability, there are far many more people out there who need it more, no joke. I have a husband who at least gives me a home and such, where I can write at least. There are people who have nothing. I need not apply and honestly, I don't want to:(

Yes, I agree on the pride thing, but I don't see reason to throw money at one person who MCTD, when there are many. I would rather people donate to the various Lupus foundations. There are people who cannot even see a doctor, let alone a specialist or even get meds at all. I just don't feel right about cutting in line.

I have not heard about RX programs, but I am skeptical because of the middle-men involved. I would appreciate research and thank you.

Don't feel intimidated by the amount of information at DU and posting here. I have visited many forums/blogs and this is the only one I post at regularly. The people here are from all sorts of backgrounds, shades of progressive, etc., but as a group they/we are all on the same side. If you feel confused or unsure about a topic, you can ask questions and people will answer them. Really, this is a fun place to hang out. Many well known writers, artists, and celebrities post here. Some are public about who they are and others are not. The point is, it does not matter who anyone is in the real world, at DU we are all sort of a family, with the occasional freepers here and there.

So really, ask away as there are many highly educated, informed, astute, talented people here who can probably answer any number of questions on any number of issues.

You are in Texas and I am in Florida, the two states from which the Bush family draws its criminals. Blah:(

[Spencer10]

50. Thanks, Lala

for the warm welcome and inclusion into the DU family. It really is a great mix of people.

I'm glad to know you have a guaranteed roof over your head... that's my first priority in life. I do apologize for offering information that wasn't in line with your beliefs... but sometimes people don't know what kind of help is available to them... and due to my sister's illness and subsequent death, I learned a great deal about various assistance programs. And now, because I'm raising her son (my sister's husband died 2 years before her death), I'm learning even more.

It's good to be living in States so closely associated with the warm fuzzies offered by the Bush Boys, isn't it! LOL! But alas, even when they move on to bigger and better jobs, they leave their cronies behind to finish the job they started.

If you need a laugh today, be sure to go to the Church Ladies thread in the General Discussion area. There is a voice mail that is such a riot that tears streamed down my face the entire time. Laughter is always good for what ails you.

[lala_rawraw]

51. No, please don't apologize...

Really. I am very open about this darn sick-thing invading me. Really, I talk about it a great deal. Any help offered is always kind and I thank you. Any info you want to provide that might help is greatly appreciated. I fear my tone may not always be clear. Sorry about that. Email me or PM me if you wish with any suggestions you have. Thank you so much for offering:)

I am sorry to hear about your sister. Yes, the Bush boy fuzzies make me a bit nervous every time a chopper flies by. Then again, it is not like I am exactly quiet about them or quiet about getting truth out.

Can you provide link to the Ladies funny? I cannot find it.

[Spencer10]

52. Here's the link for the funny voicemail

I LOL till I cried! I hope it amuses you, too. Remember, it starts out slow but then zooms!

http://home.swbell.net/kf5tv/voicemail.mp3

[Andy_Stephenson]

42. Lint and cheese?

all I got is legos.

[merh]

43. We will take care of your legos for you Andy!

Don't you fret. While you are being treated, medicated and if necessary, the tumor eradicated, we will guard your legos closely!

As they are your treasures, they are ours, for you are one of the treasured members of DU! :hug:

Try to rest Andy. :hug:

Blessings to you.

[lala_rawraw]

44. Legos with cheese?