Talk To Me
I'm with you that more information is a good thing, and I support the concept of reporting on the Klan.
However, the bloggers did not do the whole job -- Mr. Sun pointed out that the kinder-gentler rap from Klan leaders is a well-documented tactic, a fact unreported in the blog posts. And as you note, Roch fact-checked the "existence of this supposed faction" WITH BARRETT -- that is to say, without an independent source.
I'm not criticizing the reporting, as I said at Chewie's blog, this new kind of journalism can be iterative, additive, and self-correcting...but let's be clear on what's been accomplished to date, and what remains to be done.
Ed, I agree that we are at the beginning of this particular conversation, not the end.
In some respects, the iterative nature of blogs make them a more suitable venue for reporting and discussing this type of subject, because the conversation can continue as long as needed.
Ed, I contacted the Southern Poverty Law Center to ask them to weigh in on Barrett's claims. They haven't.
Chewie and I have discussed doing some additional reporting, but that will require some time and resources that may not be available to us. Of course, there is no reason why a mainstream media organization couldn't also dig into Barrett's claims, if they were so inclined.
It was encouraging though to hear from the executive director of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that she appreciated the efforts that brought Barrett's opinions to light, however limited that effort may have been.
Still, you are correct, what this story needs is the additive participation of other reporters.
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