Letter to the Editor - March 6, 2008

Newspapers deal in the currency of credibility and, once again, Peter Day has lowered the value of the Hesperia Star's currency with his factually incorrect and skewed view from Main Street pro-recall advertorial last week. Peter does write on the opinion page, just like his Daily Press counterpart Steve Williams, but both men are still obligated to support their opinion with truthful facts. This issue is frustrating for a long-time Star reader who simply seeks solid local reporting done without fear or favor which is presented through good writing.

Last week, Peter wrote that the pro-recall crowd had started 'collecting signatures to get the measure on the June ballot,' although the online version has been quietly edited to erase, not correct the error.

That statement is absolutely false for the pro-recall spokesperson has specifically and publicly stated, to the Star/DP, that they seek to force this issue into a very expensive special election, paid for by HUSD taxpayers.

Peter also wrote, in the very next paragraph, 'Many of those who want the recall proposal to go before a vote of the people are worried that photos ... could be used against them.' Once again, Peter Day has chosen to take liberties with the truth and demonstrate his bias in favor of the recall.

The Star quotes only one person as the recall spokesperson in their writings, no one else. I can count, using my two hands and having plenty of fingers left over, the number of letters to the editor printed by the Star that have had pro-recall authors. This number does not even come close to the 'many,' Mr. Day states exist in his advertorial. Mr. Day's statement is unsubstantiated editorial bias because the Star/Peter Day have not spoken to 'many' pro-recallers who support this position; or if they have, they certainly have failed to support the conversations, as many journalists do, by sharing verifiable quotes from the 'many' with their readership.

How many of the 2200 or so HUSD employees would constitute 'many?' How many live here and/or have their children educated through HUSD? How many actually support the recall? Legitimate questions all, but have they even been asked let alone answered?

The false 'intimidation' issue is a recent addition to the pro-recall group's weak arsenal, which is now starting to seek, and loudly vocalize, any and all perceived excuses for their failures. And the mathematical realities of the recall efforts show that they will fail. And I will even spot the pro-recall folks 2200 signatures; they still fall short.

The recall group will not honestly admit that they were too inexperienced, and rather inept, in garnering grass-root support. They waited far too long before even starting to collect signatures, which is an actual requirement for any further action. They did not have the community support they alleged. And it should be noted that the three elected board members being subjected to recall, and their many positive efforts for HUSD, are actually appreciated by folks in the community.

Just saying you are a grass-roots organization with ample community support does not make you one. Just getting louder with your messages, as the long-known signature deadline approaches, does not make you any closer to actually achieving success. Just getting louder does not make your arguments right or even just. Just getting them printed does not make them have value, particularly when the printer happens to agree with your rhetoric. Just subjecting people to the recall, and your negative bashings, because they legitimately beat you in proper elections, does not devalue their many positive efforts at change and betterment for HUSD.

An experienced newspaperman once said that a 'newspaper's product is neither news nor information. We are in the influence business.' Peter Day and his pro-recall friends have certainly taken that influence standard to heart with his pro-recall advertorials and their repeated false arguments and innuendo regarding their perceived failures rather than partaking in actual reflection and analysis regarding both their election-loss guided motives and their actual failures of leadership and execution in their recall efforts.

But fortunately, for those who wish to simply move on and support HUSD in its meaningful efforts, April 7th is right around the corner and that is the date of death for this recall effort. I wonder if the Star will then write its obituary or just wait and write the birth announcement of its next incarnation.