"If you don't want it printed, make it substantive and actually newsworthy"

October 13th, 2006 at 10:20am Michael Brylawski 133

Apologies for not blogging in a while, I have a day job. Although I wish I could have a day job where I could lazily relay old pieces of "news," couch my opinions and philosophies in "journalistic articles," and serve up propaganda for my preferred candidates...

... I don't work for the Aspen Daily News.

For all that blogs are criticized for ("pseudo-journalism," "focus on the trivial," etc.) the Aspen Daily News is doing a great impersonation of a blog. And a bad one at that.

In the latest in a series of skeptical and biased articles supporting Bob Braudis, the Daily News headlines with an article focused on a piece of art Rick Magnuson created over a year ago.

This piece of non-news can only be called a pathetic attempt to create controversy or a scandal.

Why this is news--and Bob Braudis being gone from office, unaccounted for, for six weeks--is not news, is beyond me.

Why something that was broadcast to the public 27 times (according to the article), was publicly shown in museums, and what Magnuson disclosed and would easily discuss is suddenly news, is beyond me.

Why a purportedly liberal community, and paper, in Aspen, would try and create controversy with "masturbation" (although the video, which I've seen, only alludes to it, it does not actually show the 'process' as implied in the article), after the "outrage" of "Clinton-gate" and Rove-ean tactics, is beyond me. (moreover, is an art video that alludes to masturbation--we're not talking about any minors, open sexual activity, etc--really even scandal-worthy in itself, when you think about it?)

Why the Daily News ignored Magnuson's last press release (while the Post and Times did not), which focused on substantive issues in promoting drug education, proactive relationships with the schools, and challenging the Sheriff's departments policies towards hard drugs with hard statistics, is beyond me.

Why the Daily News refuses to look into or investigate actual issues that are really germane to this race: rates of drunk driving deaths in Pitkin (3x the state average), and the Sheriff's policies (2am ending shifts) that are not helping them; the lack of Pitkin Sheriff presence in the schools, where they have jurisdictions; the dramatic decrease in DUI stops; the rate of drug-related deaths in Pitkin (see my next, closely followed blog); and other issues that the Sheriff actually makes an impact on for our public safety, is beyond me.

Why the paper has not performed the same scrutiny, or anything remotely journalistic whatsoever, to Braudis's past, is beyond me.

But I'm not a real "journalist."

The Aspen Daily News and its reporters, of course, are, so Magnuson's art piece from the summer of 2005 is news today, on Friday the 13th of October 2006 (interesting date, no?).

Hopefully it will have an unintended positive effect on Rick's campaign as people see through the transparent attempts of the Daily News, but its unlikely. This hack piece of "journalism" will likely be very effective in turning off middle-of-the-road, mainstream voters who may have liked Rick's energy, addressing of the issues, innovative ideas, and his balanced policies towards health and safety, but turned off by the reporting on this piece of art.

Look what happened to surgeon general Joycelin Elders. According to wikipedia "In 1994, she was invited to speak at a United Nations conference on AIDS. She was asked whether it would be appropriate to promote masturbation as a means of preventing young people from engaging in riskier forms of sexual activity, and she replied, "I think that it is part of human sexuality, and perhaps it should be taught." This remark caused great controversy, especially among conservative Christian groups and right wing interests in the United States. Under great political pressure President Clinton asked for her resignation."

In the end, Rick Caroll and the Daily News probably hurt Rick Magnuson's chances (already slim, as a challenger) through this biased reporting of non-news. They well know, skeptically, the touchiness of these subjects in political races, the infection of Rove-an politics has had on our country and the downgrading of public discourse, and that with Foley et. al. in the news, this would be perfect timing to use their power and distribution to hurt Magnuson, and help the Braudis machine. They, in my eyes, are no more a journalistic resource than Fox News, and their tactics are no better than the worst of the Rovean Republicans--maybe even a harking back (downscaled to our town, of course) to Hurst himself.

Well done, Aspen Daily News. You may have helped your favored candidate in an election, but you've also shown your true color: yellow.

Entry Filed under: Basalt, Snowmass, Media, Aspen, Pitkin County, Sheriff Race 2006

21 Comments Add your own

1. hooverdam | October 13th, 2006 at 3:23 pm

I was under the impression that we werent supposed to be talking about what people go to do in the desert. Isnt that a "personal privacy issue" that needs to be respected? Perhaps Rick Karroll should start prefacing every article with "Vote For Braudis."

The Good Ole Boy's network in Pitkin County is massive and ingrown like a malignant tumor. It only serves to tarnish the reputation honest and legitimate law enforcement officers everywhere by doing whatever is required to perpetuate itself.
2. much_adu | October 13th, 2006 at 7:20 pm

I did not know Rick was that expressive as an artist...just kidding! All of his stuff is reaching over the boundries of accepted form and function in todays art world. I personally love it. Fresh and new perspectives. As to the film 'Hole', I have seen it and let me tell you honestly it is nothing like the paper described. All you see is a small figure far off in the camera and the beautiful backdrop of the desert. Nothing more. And even if it was more than that, what the hell? Both papers in this valley are disappointing, I am not suprised one of them ran this article. Of course you will never here about small insignificant stuff like a drunk drivers killing people on Highway 82/133 or 'someones' son trying to deal my children weed in the high school. Or the fact that Bob has about ten supervisors for ten deputies...I checked last week. What kind of organization is that? I can tell you no corporation or business is run that way. Oh, and by the way, another bunch of kids in the school know where to 'score' coke. But...your right supporters of Bob, there is no more need for officers in the schools. Can't happen here right? Just like that small Colorado mountain town two weeks ago. A young girl was killed. But not here in Aspen! Of course not! Drugs and violence and bullying are not related at all! No way! Yeah right. Small stuff like that. Small stuff that Bob, the 'Sheriff I know', and am also disappointed in, leaves off his platform totally. What rubbish! This set up news media/Braudis campaign machine keeps it's deflaction going strong. I am disgusted. What happened to telling the truth? What happened to that? Utterly disgusted. If Bob wins with the help of pitifull articles written by our local rags, then we have been done a disservice. Oh, and by the way...if every voter in this county, including the old boyz, would just listen to Magnuson for an hour they would see he is not a radical gestapo crazy but a reasoning, intelligent and caring citizen. One who has recognized that the seventies (thank God) are over, and is willing to take all the good from those years and meld them with our current tiimes and issues.

And Bob, I still have not heard from you regarding my question about or kids...Tell me why they aren't worth your time and attention!? I see your adds in the papers with families and kids surrounding you...but interestingly enough I have never seen you with kids at the schools or the Pizza In The Parks or anywhere else for that matter.

Again, I can only say shame on you Bob and shame on the papers. I remain disgusted.
3. marginalia | October 13th, 2006 at 9:42 pm

To think of all the advertising revenue alone generated for the Daily News using racey sexy bodies and sexualized statements... In Rick Magnuson's images there is no erotic content, only the metaphor of masturbation being precisely "doing it for yourself."

Since no one else is willing to step up to address the serious mis-uses and abuses of government resources that Braudis' Sheriff's department represents, I think Rick Magnuson's art coverage in the Daily News is actually timely. Smart people will read between the lines and see Magnuson's one of the only self-starters would could rise above this cesspool of media/government corruption.
4. Chief Hosa | October 14th, 2006 at 9:02 am

I believe that Magnuson's supporters have made "character" and role modelling a central issue. Therefore, that makes beating off for the camera, relevant, to say the least. Not in the least because it may well have involved two or more illegal acts (public indecency, trespessing/or digging on public land, and the act itself might be ilegal where he was). It also involved the candidate's own assertion that beating off in public is "G-rated stuff"; a position not necessarily shared by the broader public or the law.

And as we know, what our personal values and bedroom habits are must take a back seat to the greater public good and the law.

Relevant to the issues being raised.
5. Chief Hosa | October 14th, 2006 at 9:05 am

PUBLIC FRICTION HEATING UP THE SHERIFF RACE. Are things reaching a fevered peak? Is the whole affair about to blow its lid off?

Rick M, candidate for Sheriff, has an interesting way of venting. He has also tossed it in the circle, as it were, and is making a run for Sheriff. He's tired of getting jerked around by the big guy, so, in the spirit of Hunter Thompson, he has approached the top law enforcement job with a decidedly freak power tilt. Freak show, that is. He has high hopes to pull it off too and he is bending his elbow to the task, polishing the genie bottle and rubbing brass for good luck as he reaches for the golden knob. He's shaking a lot of hairy palms and is slanting his eyes as he sets his sights on the bulls eye. Let's hope he doesn't choke the chicken and peak too soon, as it is a long hard push to the end. Relax. You've got to go the distance!

Rick has erected a campaign team of crack right-hand men, including Rosy Palms, Red Knuckles, and some red-necked guy named Richard Johnson.

This thing is about to reach a climax, it seems, as Candidate Rick has returned from a vision quest into the desert; thinking about the children we presume. Wait, no. Ick. Forget that. As Sheriff, Rick hopes to make a bigger presence in the schools to serve as a role model. God help us. As if teenage boys need any guidance and mentoring to do that.

You have got to hand it to the guy, you don't need to pretend to be an investigative journalist to find out how Rick does rehab, he'll gladly share that with you on public TV; but you might need a little KY jelly and a clean towel... plus a puke bucket.

So, when you are about to pull the lever; think about Rick. So grab the lever and jack it down. But pull it only once, or else you're playing with it. And that is against the law.

====/////=====

My favorite part of the Aspen Daily News piece was this: the wanna-be defender of law and order didn't know if masturbating in broad daylight was illegal or not; didn't know if he was on public or private land; and didn't know if that made a difference; but he was pretty sure he didn't hurt anyone, because he did it in, like, a remote place. Besides, a good wanker film is just fine for the kiddies; it's, you know, real G-rated stuff. Dig a hole on someone else's property, hum a Beatles tune, toss a load into the hole (use plenty of lube, mind you), and then film it all and make it a Disney movie. Neat. I cannot imagine why that gal broke up with the guy.

There are no victimless crimes, of course. And if a load drops in the desert and no one is around to see it, does it really drop at all? But every act of (self) abuse has its victims all the same.... thousands of teeny tiny wriggly little victims. Just ask the Pope.
6. Bigbaldbobby | October 14th, 2006 at 12:47 pm

Michael, great observation on what I saw from the Daily News as a National Enquirer worthy headline piece that should have just read "No actual news here, just trying to get Bob re-elected!" I am privy enough to know Rick rather well and will say that he is indeed taking the Sheriff's Office position very seriously. He had done his homework and brings up several good points the public should be demanding to see changed. When I read that 'news' story it appalled me. The editor for the Daily News should be flogged for just even thinking of putting it on the front page of his fishwrap as 'news worthy'. As I read your blog, I smiled inside because I had the same comments to that article almost verbatim to what you wrote. Excellent job writing your blog because I couldn't have put it to paper any better. Let's hope Coniff talks about this so called 'journalism' on Con Games. Now what I need to see is an article in the Daily calling out Bob on things Rick brought up on the Con Games interview last week. Until then, the only thing that paper is good for is bird cage liner.
7. bartaxelman@comcast. | October 14th, 2006 at 6:18 pm

I suppose you all would want this kook to be your sherriff?
8. hooverdam | October 14th, 2006 at 7:39 pm

At least Rick doesnt lie about his activities in the Desert and have his crack spin team of Joe Disalvo and Lorrie White feed the "press" a story as to his whereabouts (which they gladly gorged on, I might add.) I'm curious to see just who exactly footed the tab for Bob's rehab stint. You dont expect me to believe that Bob spent his "hard earned" money on such an escapade.
9. much_adu | October 15th, 2006 at 8:24 am

Hey Chief,

Yes I have made an issue out of 'personal' things with Bob. Those being his alcoholism and/or drug abuse for twenty years. Not the person I want as my Sheriff. And as to the 'kook' Magnuson, I would state that he was careful to pick a spot in the 25,000 square miles that was a wee bit out of the way. Your blather about it being illegal is laughable. Get a grip man, you usually have better points than that. And by the way, Magnuson never said masturbation in public was G-Rated. He said the video 'Hole' was G-Rated. And it is, if you ever see it you'll know that the viewer cannot see anything sexual at all, just a big blue sky and a person standing far away with back to the camera.
10. Chief Hosa | October 15th, 2006 at 10:15 am

Inasmuch as Mr. Coniff has made enforcement of laws the centerpiece of his campaign to oust Braudis, It is fair to say that any illegal activities of a candidate is highly relevant. Rick's supporters sudden disinterest in the law and dismissal of curiosity to the question of whether beating off in public or digging on public lands is illegal is damned lame, to say the least.

Doing it in a "remote" spot doesn't change a thing -- unless you are ok with drug use in the home as well. I don't remember the indecency laws having exceptions for remote places. Or are you sugesting we apply some judgement in our enforcement of the laws?

And no, beating of into a hole with your back to the camera is not the same as watching frigging Bambi, and I highly suggest that bringing a child to such a film is not recommended.

Realy, this rationalizing is patehtic and unseemly.

Be a man, admit the hypocrisy. The spin should be left to professionals. You guys aren't doing him any favors with the relativising.
11. Lost Sailor | October 15th, 2006 at 10:40 am

Journalistic bias? questionable timing? without question.

funnier than anything ever at comedyfest? indeed.

the digging on private lands and or tresspassing are non issues, but it is an issue that he was not sure whether or not he really knew what if was doing was ok.

he's lucky hunter is dead, otherwise he'd really be taking a beating right now.

and the good news is, he's successfully dethroned andrew cole as our village idiot.
12. steve@goldenberg.com | October 15th, 2006 at 1:30 pm

Maybe it's because the citizens of Aspen do not want heavy handed, John Ashcroft like enforecement of any type. Bob Braudis is a well trained "peace officer" and runs his department that way.
13. bartaxelman@comcast. | October 15th, 2006 at 1:43 pm

Who dethroned Kole, Magnusun or Coniff?
14. edfromaspen | October 16th, 2006 at 10:44 am

Sadly, anything is an issue in politics, no matter how irrelevant it is to my life. What Bob and Rick do in places of privacy with any legal consent necessary from those able to give consent meaning adults, is fine with me. It does matter if Rick chicken choked in front of children, or Bob offers a joint to a minor. Other than the gross factor of me knowing, or the 'don't let the ashes or cherry start a forest fire', I couldn't give a good dadgummit. Keep us safe is the bottom line. Incidentally, for those of us who grew up in the seventies and partook in some of the activities of that decade, who also feel as though the laws should be enforced; why haven't you confessed to your crimes and turned yourself in to law enforcement, so you are leading by example. Is it possible that it is better for you to be presumptively productive, instead of getting three hots and a cot??? Or are you hypocritically special??
Have some intellectual integrity here -- I dare you.
15. alpha6 | October 16th, 2006 at 5:01 pm

Rick Carroll and the paper he controls have been known for some time to be the mouth piece of Sheriff Braudis. It has been for some time, and as far as I know, it’s not something Carroll has denied. However, for those who do not know the hidden agenda of this paper that purports to cover the news accurately, Carroll should have the cajones to state in its paper that it is bias towards Braudis and be forthcoming. It obvious from the lack of advertisers in the Daily News as compared to the Times that that its readership isn't as respected by those willing to pay for advertising. I have no problem with them writing a story, but to push an agenda and purport it to be news is as deceiving as going to a "wellness" clinic to get a grip on your drug problem.
16. Lost Sailor | October 16th, 2006 at 7:32 pm

the daily news - or daily bible as i call it, has always been a fixture in our town. it aint goin anywhere, and it's obviously pro braudis - it's a liberal daily rag - big deal.

the running of the rick performance expose piece was indeed news. like it or not.

I watch grassroots all the time - great station. I have seen the goldfish peice and thought it was mondo bizzaro, but NEVER seen or heard about the jacking off into a hole video. and I asked around, noone i asked had either. so to me personally it was a legitimate news story.
17. Lost Sailor | October 16th, 2006 at 7:35 pm

"If you don't want it printed, don't let it happen."

I don't know about you guys - but that scares the shit out of me, personally.
18. Michael Brylawski | October 16th, 2006 at 8:55 pm

"I don't know about you guys - but that scares the shit out of me, personally."

Maybe if all I knew about all of this was from the Daily News, I never saw the video, never looked into this race in depth (or even superficially, beyond the major articles on the paper), didn't want to look at the operations and efficacy of the current Sheriff, and I never met Rick, emailed him, or talked to him--I'd be scared shitless.

But the 2 out of 29 rape cases solved since 2000 scares me a lot more.

A drug fatality rate in 2005 SIX times the US average (three times long term) scares me a lot more.

The fact that total DUI arrests for PitCO in 2006 equals one Snowmass officer scares me a lot more...

I can go on. Just read Rick's press release.

But this goes beyond the statistics. In fact I've seen the video, looked into the deeper issues in this race (public safety, the need for change after 20 years of unopposed power), have known Rick for many years, and know him as a person of high integrity and character--even if his art is somewhat offbeat.

He's a local fixture, a town ambassador in his role as CSO, and has helped numerous people with his low-key demeanor, good natured character, and extreme earnestness. He's smart and highly competent (mechanically, from a practical side), and done his job well. And I believe he could step up to the challenge of being Sheriff, and bring in a much-needed dose of energy.

I think others that know him well support him and would echo these thoughts. I don't know anyone who knows him well, in fact, that wouldn't say the same thing (anyone want to post otherwise?)? All of his friends, that I know, are supporting him--when it comes to character, wouldn't you trust those who know him best?

That is the irony in all this--Rick is a man of character, and it's funny that the race is about his character and his art, not his potential competence, his policies, how he'd actually do the job and lead.

NO ONE other than this blog has even approached the race from this angle, aside from a somewhat fair piece in the Aspen Times this weekend--a far improvement from its earliest, much more skeptical articles (are you taking notes Daily News?).

As to this race, I guess I fall into a camp where I am a Magnuson supporter--not a Braudis detractor. I am liberal, for one, pro legalization of soft drugs to normalize them with alcohol (but very anti-legalization of dangerous hard drugs), not someone who wants or thinks we need a "strong" police force.

I'd be a "demo'd" (in marketing parlance) Braudis supporter except for two facts: 1) I know Rick and actually think he'll do a good job (gasp), and 2) I really see a need for change--and Rick's statistics are showing that unequivocally (in God we trust, all others bring data).

I'd like to see if there are others out there supporting Rick because, in fact, they think he will take a performance-oriented approach (as evidenced by his numerous releases) that will try and actually solve the real public safety problems (hard drugs, DUIs) facing the community today, with real solutions (education in the schools, changing the shfits, reorganizing the department to get more officers on the streets and less behind the desks, supervising)?
19. Lost Sailor | October 16th, 2006 at 9:36 pm

all those points you made would make rick a good deputy, but not the head honcho.

hopefully the department can take his lead and benefit from those points.

there's just no chance of him winning the election. but then again i thought the cardinals were going to win tonite.
20. Brigadoongal | October 17th, 2006 at 9:21 am

I don't understand why Magnuson dug a hole in the desert in the name of art, to me he seems emotionally disturbed.
If this was the one and only time he used masturbation as a form af art I might be able to get it. I don't believe it is folks....Rick has repeatedly used masturbation as an art form. There is another film "Blow Me" . and another art project that involves "masturbating in belly buttons " see how it becomes disturbing?????Since Rick has no problem supposedly running a truthful campaign, I think the community would like to know if this is some kind of emotional disturbance. I know some of you would like to let it go. But once is not enough for this guy.
21. Lost Sailor | October 18th, 2006 at 2:00 pm

"FULL LOAD for spin machine"

freudian slip i spoze? too much - way too much.

now grassroots is going to be airing all of ricks flicks?

oy - wanker. make it stop.

now aspen is the but of wank jokes spread all over the place on the ap wire. some great headlines too.

if i was an aspen cop and worked with rick - i'd be pissed off!