The perspective you describe that drives your work includes these two assertions:
"Not a partisan or liberal viewpoint, but the viewpoints of seasoned local journalists who have the freedom to call bullshit when they smell it.
But the bullshit is not spread evenly across the field. Not even close".
You are right. There is the perennial question about bullshit in organizations: does bullshit flow uphill or downhill? I suggest the answer is "both," and often, concurrently. Also, sequentially, in an ever-widening pattern. Our institutions of governance are particularly vulnerable to this dynamic. Sadly, increasingly so.
The Agenda is an honest attempt to shed light where it is desperately needed--and often succeeds. This is a profound public service and offers an essential channel for promoting common sense and fostering the practice of responsible governance.
Keep up the good work; the need will be around for a very long time.
I do appreciate your willingness to call out bullshit. Some ideas are just that, and trying to understand that is like trying to understand someone when the say the sky isn't blue.
I have always thought of myself as a moderate but the (let’s call a nut a nut) MAGA crowd in Arizona has pushed me off into the “what are you stupid” liberal side of the political scale. Republicans have always been more conservative in Arizona because of the primary process. They’ve now become deaf to the needs of the state and the animosity is at a level I can’t remember in my 55 years here. Sure they hated Napolitano but it wasn’t personal like it is with Katie Hobbs. (Not confirming her agency picks is petty and cripples the state, Jake Hoffman) I love hearing the back stories and from our more conservative leaders. The thin skin of Republican leaders robs us all of what they really think and why. Keep it up. Dig deep. I love gossip on both sides.
I want you to never stop calling out the bullshit no matter what political party affiliation they're in. The hard truth though is it will mostly likely be those on the right. When you support a pathological liar, misogynist corrupt human being, and then worse, keep going out of your way to keep licking his nut sack just to kiss the administration's ring for favors, then expect to be blasted on this forum. Is that what they call being "too liberal?"
I would suggest to the subscribers that they read Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt. It will clarify the differences between liberal vs conservative thinking and issue framing.
Also, AZ Agenda is liberal because journalists ( I have the degree too) see themselves as superior morally and intellectually to the vast majority of elected officials they cover. Too, journalists see government generally as good thing (no profit motive) and therefore support activist elected officials who are usually liberals.
"We do news with the facts, context, history, backstory, subtext, analysis and perspective that helps you make sense of the news. And, yes, we add some snark and gossip to help keep us sane. Unlike the corporate newspapers we’ve previously worked for, the Agenda is written from a viewpoint." Thank you for articulating this. It reflects my experience of reading the Arizona Agenda, but I do not think I have seen it expressed so directly. It is why I must read you every day.
Please tell me about those who are opposing Paul Gosar. We've been stuck with him too long!!! I just got a text from 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗸𝘆 and would like to know more!
If being 'too liberal' means expecting ethical behavior, integrity and basic human decency to ALL, no matter color, gender, religion or $ in the bank, then sign me up. And, the snark adds just the right spice to keep things relatable (we can eye-roll together) and interesting!
Regarding “too liberal” comments:
My take is that our diets of corporate media and social media have altered our perception of the presentation of facts.
When one reads reports without bias on real negotiations, deliberations, and facts they are now perceived as “liberal”.
Please take a minute and reflect on this, people.
Agree. I always try and point out that this is Arizona...not Amherst. There aren't any "liberals" here.
BTW- I worry “snark” interferes with unbiased reporting. Snark is opinion. Save it for an opinion piece, described as such.
Well YEEHAW!!! Snark and gossip die on a cloudy day in Arizona.
The perspective you describe that drives your work includes these two assertions:
"Not a partisan or liberal viewpoint, but the viewpoints of seasoned local journalists who have the freedom to call bullshit when they smell it.
But the bullshit is not spread evenly across the field. Not even close".
You are right. There is the perennial question about bullshit in organizations: does bullshit flow uphill or downhill? I suggest the answer is "both," and often, concurrently. Also, sequentially, in an ever-widening pattern. Our institutions of governance are particularly vulnerable to this dynamic. Sadly, increasingly so.
The Agenda is an honest attempt to shed light where it is desperately needed--and often succeeds. This is a profound public service and offers an essential channel for promoting common sense and fostering the practice of responsible governance.
Keep up the good work; the need will be around for a very long time.
I do appreciate your willingness to call out bullshit. Some ideas are just that, and trying to understand that is like trying to understand someone when the say the sky isn't blue.
I have always thought of myself as a moderate but the (let’s call a nut a nut) MAGA crowd in Arizona has pushed me off into the “what are you stupid” liberal side of the political scale. Republicans have always been more conservative in Arizona because of the primary process. They’ve now become deaf to the needs of the state and the animosity is at a level I can’t remember in my 55 years here. Sure they hated Napolitano but it wasn’t personal like it is with Katie Hobbs. (Not confirming her agency picks is petty and cripples the state, Jake Hoffman) I love hearing the back stories and from our more conservative leaders. The thin skin of Republican leaders robs us all of what they really think and why. Keep it up. Dig deep. I love gossip on both sides.
For what it's worth, I'm in the pro-snark category.
Keep up the great work!
I want you to never stop calling out the bullshit no matter what political party affiliation they're in. The hard truth though is it will mostly likely be those on the right. When you support a pathological liar, misogynist corrupt human being, and then worse, keep going out of your way to keep licking his nut sack just to kiss the administration's ring for favors, then expect to be blasted on this forum. Is that what they call being "too liberal?"
I am one who likes the snark especially when it comes to the trumpers, who intensely like dislike fair laws and fair journalism.
I don't think your post are too liberal. I think they are even handed.
I would suggest to the subscribers that they read Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt. It will clarify the differences between liberal vs conservative thinking and issue framing.
Also, AZ Agenda is liberal because journalists ( I have the degree too) see themselves as superior morally and intellectually to the vast majority of elected officials they cover. Too, journalists see government generally as good thing (no profit motive) and therefore support activist elected officials who are usually liberals.
Thanks for the book idea. I'll check it out.
"We do news with the facts, context, history, backstory, subtext, analysis and perspective that helps you make sense of the news. And, yes, we add some snark and gossip to help keep us sane. Unlike the corporate newspapers we’ve previously worked for, the Agenda is written from a viewpoint." Thank you for articulating this. It reflects my experience of reading the Arizona Agenda, but I do not think I have seen it expressed so directly. It is why I must read you every day.
Please tell me about those who are opposing Paul Gosar. We've been stuck with him too long!!! I just got a text from 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗸𝘆 and would like to know more!
If being 'too liberal' means expecting ethical behavior, integrity and basic human decency to ALL, no matter color, gender, religion or $ in the bank, then sign me up. And, the snark adds just the right spice to keep things relatable (we can eye-roll together) and interesting!
I want to fine a subscription as a gift. Can you send me a link. Rea@cox.net