June 2, 2023 – How to tell the crime…
The Sentencing Project (US) – Nazgol Ghandnoosh
10 Crime Coverage Dos and Don’ts
The Project is usually more pre-occupied with the judicial process of sentencing but in this case, the Project offers an insightful look at how public opinion is often shaped by the crime reporting. Reporting crime involves much more than facts; it presents and shapes we way we look at all aspects of crime and the consequences of crime, and particularly the political response to crime. Sometimes the narrative is deeply embedded in truth, sometimes more in illusion to shape political opinion. This independent US research group has put together 10 rules for crime reporting that may take out some of the current confusion, tendencies and misdirection. https://www.sentencingproject.org/app/uploads/2023/05/Media-Guide.pdf?emci=3da17c46-28ff-ed11-907c-00224832eb73&emdi=f84a1940-8a00-ee11-907c-00224832eb73&ceid=10203385
Alex Karakatsanis (US)
Karakatsanis presents a three part series on the problems when media presents the police version of events or allow that version to go unchallenged. The obvious questions are who gains from the big deception and why.
The Big Deception: Part 3 – The biggest lie of all https://equalityalec.substack.com/p/the-big-deception
Part 1: The Big Deception: Maybe the most important form of copaganda https://equalityalec.substack.com/p/the-big-deception
Part 2: The Big Deception: Part 2 How does the news falsify the motivations of powerful people? https://equalityalec.substack.com/p/the-big-deception-part-2
Tweet from Kenny Ackers on Tone policing: “Tone policing— is a phenomenon in which individuals deflect the content of a message by focusing on how it is delivered. Essentially, tone policing is an attempt to control the emotions and behavior of others by insisting on maintaining their tone. A typical example of tone policing is often seen when individuals, particularly those in positions of power or privilege, call someone out, often from marginalized backgrounds, on how they deliver their message, rather than recognizing and addressing the message’s content or purpose. For instance, when a woman speaks out on gender inequality in the workplace but is told, her tone comes off as too aggressive, or when a Black person or a person of color is said to calm down or be less emotional during discussions about race.” Cf string… https://twitter.com/KeneAkers/status/1664329290627022849?s=20
The Conversation (Queen’s) – Daniel Drache and Marc D. Froese
From Donald Trump to Danielle Smith: 4 ways populists are jeopardizing democracy
Canada sometimes takes some pride in not being as polarized as the US in politics and reaction to social elements. This article is a serious look at the progressive conclusion that populists are talking conservative perspectives that risk democracy. “Populism was supposed to bring government closer to the people, but it actually places the levers of power squarely in the hands of authoritarians. Here are four ways populism has turned poisonous and poses existential threats to democracy… the shrinking middle ground; the working class is not benefiting; the rich and powerful direct the chaos; assaults on the rule of law…” https://theconversation.com/from-donald-trump-to-danielle-smith-4-ways-populists-are-jeopardizing-democracy-206438?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20June%201%202023&utm_content=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20June%201%202023+CID_eaced009d4ba5f601ffaa99d3aca2903&utm_source=campaign_monitor_ca&utm_term=From%20Donald%20Trump%20to%20Danielle%20Smith%204%20ways%20populists%20are%20jeopardizing%20democracy
National Catholic Reporter (US) – Nate Tinner-Williams
Georgetown Reconciliation Fund announces first grant recipients –
Georgetown University is the first US Catholic university, dating back to 1789. In 1838, in order to keep its doors open, the university sold 238 slaves. In 2017, a non-binding student referendum approved $27.20 on the annual tuition for a fund that later became the Descendants Truth and Reconciliation Foundation. This year, the fund has paid out $200,000 in student grants to five descendants of those slaves. The fund illustrates one way, among others, that reparations for slavery can be made. https://www.ncronline.org/news/georgetown-reconciliation-fund-announces-first-grant-recipients
National Post – Ryan Tumilty
Mendicino commits to significant RCMP reform, but offers no details or timeline – Former justice appointed to monitor progress implementing recommendations from Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission Author of the article:
Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino is struggling with the issue of police training and specifically the performance of the RCMP in their 150th year. The critics have been loud and persistent that the force is too militaristic to be a municipal or provincial police agency and should be restricted to federal affairs and security, closing the Regina Training Depot. “The RCMP must finally undergo the fundamental change called for in so many previous reports. This transformation must begin with recruiting and education, and from there extend to all aspects of the RCMP’s work.” https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/mendicino-commits-to-rcmp-reform
CTV News –
Trudeau government proclaims annual day against gun violence
Canada has decided to hold one day a year, the first Friday of June, as a Day for all Canadians to be against gun violence. “The government says the goal of the national day is to raise awareness and foster a national discussion about the causes and effects of gun violence.” The declaration comes as the Senate takes up the recent passed revision to gun laws. https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/trudeau-government-proclaims-annual-day-against-gun-violence-1.6422383
Atlantic Community Press Collective (Georgia, US) –
Tweet on using bail against Cop City protestors:
“This morning, APD raided The Teardown House and arrested three organizers with @ATLSolFund The Solidarity Fund provides legal defense and bail support for first amendment protected activities in Atlanta and the surrounding area…ASF (Atlanta Solidarity Fund) provides jail support to ensure those in police custody have their rights protected and intact during the legal process. The group also provides cash bail assistance to those who are unable to pay the unconscionable bonds set by the courts. The city and state are trying to apply the RICO laws – organized crime laws – against the protestors, a strategy seen before in civil rights protesting. https://twitter.com/atlanta_press/status/1663905742099759104?s=20