News-Record.com

Okay, I understand.

Mr. Robinson also offered a blog on the subject of libel on February 3 ("The Editor's Blog"). Being pretty well-versed on the subject, I responded. YOU posted a challenge that asked me to "enlighten" you if there was a case that the News & Record had overlooked. I did - by responding to you directly by e-mail. The case is in Asheboro - an area apparently no longer on the News & Record's radar - or its list of areas to cover (although you do sell newspapers and have an office there). My parents subscribe to the News & Record. Lately we've noticed that the regional insert is not the "Randolph Section", but "High Point" instead. We don't live in High Point.

It is a case that has to do with the abuse of physicians & healthcare providers by hospitals (in this case, a "not-for-profit") using unethical and unscrupulous tactics to silence whistle-blowers, monopolize public resources for private gain, and increase their market share. It's a case about federal programs being misused, the public's pocketbook being picked, a Boards of Directors that left ethics at the door and slept on the job, and state & federal laws that are not enforced because it is "embarrassing" or inconvenient for the local DA (and/or state & federal officials) to do so. It's about a local newspaper publisher who does not want to open a "can of worms". And it's about a doctor who said "NO!", the patient comes first.

After I sent my e-mail, I added a post that stated I looked forward to hearing from the "investigative journalists" at the News & Record. That was a week ago. And so far, I've heard a big fat nothing. So tell me, "Lex", who exactly did you find to be the "proper owner" of this story?

It seems to me that your blogs are not so much a public "square" or forum, but a cowardly way to avoid the responsibilites of journalism - which sometimes come with risk. Your position seems to be to let the bloggers post the stories - while at the newspaper, you continue the status quo. It's journalism by the back door - you'll take an interest (or spare a reporter) only if the posts (or should we say polls?) indicate you might sell more newspapers.

Mary, I passed that information on to John Robinson, who said he would take it up with the city editors. Since I have been out sick a couple of days in the past week, I'm out of the day-to-day news flow and not sure what the status of the story is at the moment. But I will find out and get back to you.

Dr. Johnson, we're aware of your interest. Please understand that we only have a few investigative reporters and a long list of suggested investigations. We'll try to get to you soon.

Well, I guess there's no point in trying to maintain some semblance of privacy on your blog now (I've previously signed in as M Johnson), so I won't even try.

Respectfully, with regards to the reporters you can "spare" and the number of story ideas you've gotten from blogging, I daresay I've been in line longer than most (seven years on February 2). The News & Record, to the best of my knowledge, still has an office in Randolph County. I've protested in front of Randolph Hospital - NO NEWS COVERAGE. I've appeared before the Asheboro City Council - NO NEWS COVERAGE. I've filed a criminal complaint with the local DA (Garland Yates) - NO NEWS COVERAGE. I've file complaints with the Department of Health and Human Services, the Medical Board, the State Bar, the North Carolina Attorney General, Howard Coble's office and (of course) John Edwards - NO NEWS COVERAGE. I've even tried to buy ad space to get this story on the journalistic radar, and have been turned down.

My father, born and raised in Greensboro, died waiting on his little girl to see justice - to be vindicated. We waited seven years. Now that I seem to have gotten your attention, I sincerely hope you can spare a reporter soon.