Editorial Shadows

We think that it is time for the 'Editorial' writers in local mainstream newspapers to attach their names to the 'Editorials' they write. While everyone at WayneWho understands the importance of anonymity, we believe that those who ghost write public policy arguments under the banner of 'Editor', a title which adds an element of presumed knowledge and credibility, lose their right to hide in the shadows. The mainstream use and public nature of journalism dictates that all facts be presented on any given argument and part of those facts should include the background and education of the 'editor' presenting a particular argument so the credibility of the argument could be studied for its merits. Or to put it more simply, in true WayneWho fashion, who is the smart person at the Gazette who is in favor of every tax and fee increase that rears its ugly head even when every economist says that raising taxes right now is the wrong thing to do? We would be scared to release our names to the public as well if we were running around screaming "raise their taxes, raise their taxes." That is like screaming "Harley Davidson Sucks" at the Cabbage Patch during bike week. Not smart, is the nicest way to label the action.

To recap, the 'Editor' was for the Fire Tax, the Security Alarm Tax, the original sales tax increase for schools that was soundly defeated by the public, government subsidized housing (the 'Editor' was for it before he/she was against it), and now he/she/they are promoting another sales tax increase. The pattern of the redistribution mentality of the 'Editor' has become painfully apparent which leads us to question the wisdom of the writer(s). Does a journalism degree qualify one to set public policy on the economics and taxing principles guiding local governments? If it does and the 'Editor' has all the answers, why not step up and run for office to help us fix our problems? This would give us an idea of whether, or not, editorial wisdom should override the democratic nature of our form of government in lieu of more socialistic principles. In the debates we could find out at what level would the 'Editor' like to tax our community? 40, 50, or maybe 60 percent? And if raising taxes is the solution, where is the study showing the positive improvement that we can expect for more tax increases? For all the public knows, Bernie Madoff is scribbling whimsical editorial thoughts to create some positive cash flow for his prison account while hiding under the banner of 'Editor' and having a good laugh as we tax ourselves into bankruptcy. This might also explain the less than sound fiscal policies our local mainstream periodicals have practiced themselves. The now defunct Osceola department of the failing Orlando Sentinel and the downsized and un-circulating press release machine known as the Osceola News-Gazette do not seem to be the guiding lights when it comes to financial success. We are not sure if their fiscal sense should be taken to heart when it comes to building a strong economy in our community. We are also not sure if the 'editorial' advice should be heeded from an organization that seems to be lashing out at a public that it can no longer count as readership.

We have questioned the legitimacy of 'Editorials' before and the WayneWho staff believes they are becoming more suspect in every edition. Supporting every tax and fee increase just does not make good sense. If the 'editorial staff' at the News-Gazette wants a tax increase so bad, at least just pick one and fight for it. We would love to see a real public policy debate from those who hide under the veil of 'Editor,' but we guess taking cheap shots at the public from the shadows is an easier business model to follow.