My letters to Post ombuds and her response re: Gore

[Chalco]

Dear Deborah,

Would you mind telling me why Al Gore's speech was placed on page A3? I
saw the speech in real time. It was the best speech I'd heard in my 57
years. The Post put it on page A3 while on A1 there are articles about
bankruptcy and blogging. Excuse me. The former Vice President makes the
most important speech of our lifetimes and the Post doesn't cover it
properly. Shame on all of you.

If you had seen it you would know that he was speaking for the founders of
this country and for all of us, the people. Tears were streaming down my
face. I was sobbing for our country.

The entire text of the speech should be published.

OMBUDS RESPONSE TO ME:

I thought it was pretty good coverage. Picture, long story. It's not easy
to get on Page 1. This is something I intend to write about at some future
time. Do you mind if I use your name? Deborah

MY RESPONSE TO OMBUDS:

Yes, you may use my name. But, if the Vice President of the previous
administration, who provides data point after data point about the illegal
behavior of the current administration, doesn't trump teen bloggers, what
does that portend for the future of our democracy?

[Fiendish Thingy]

1. I'm assuming teen bloggers was page 1? n/t

[Chalco]

3. Yes, teen bloggers was on page one. nt

[Captain Hilts]

2. Actually, Page 3 in the WP is not a bad spot.

I'd be angry if it was on Page A17 though.

[Chalco]

4. I think page 3 sucks for the reasons I stated in my second

response. Page 17 is, of course, many times worse don't get me wrong. But, if the speech really was the "shot heard round the world" it's not going to get heard if it's on page 3. It diminishes its importance substantially.

[Captain Hilts]

5. I see your point, but...

the Post doesn't want all hard news on the front page. They always like to have a 'human interest' story. And, like most papers, are trying to appeal to a younger demographic.

I would have preferred they mention it on the front page as in an "Inside: Gore Speech....." kind of front page note to entice you to read page three.