Even as I finished the latest Vox Populi page, brimming with mail about Phil Martin's latest column on Senator Trent Lott's motor mouth, more e-mails poured in. I'll try to publish those, and any responses, later this week.
It seems that lots of you like the idea that we've increased our frequency once again. I suspected that you wanted to see this site refreshed more than three times a week, and your visits and recommendations to your friends appear to evidence that.
This new trend could not come at a worse time. Besides trying to cover the Cambodian election story, the first results of which we should have for you on Tuesday; putting together plans for our move to New York; I'm trying to nurture the Day One column(let me know your feelings). Pant, pant!
28 JULY - I don't often feel compelled to update this page during the middle of the week, but this is one of those times. The New York Times, the putative Newspaper of Record here in the U.S.A., has been covering the Cambodian election simultaneous to our own coverage in G21 Asia. This added note is written because we mean to talk about getting the story "right."
Part of my morning ritual, when I attended Wesleyan University during the Jurassic Era, was to read the New York Times cover to cover. I took everything reported there as Gospel.
I revered the writers at the Times, and knew that they would get the story "right," no matter how long it took.
I am older now. I've been around this game for a while, and --- like most of you --- I have no iconographic feelings for the "mainstream press." I've seen them blow important stories too many times.
Considering all the recent concern about the quality of news coverage in the Mouthpiece Media, I think this comment is apropos. The contradition between what the New York Times has reported(up until today) and what we have learned from people on the ground in Southeast Asia is so great that Yours Unruly has been provoked to write an Open Letter to the New York Times.
As you can see, G21 has welcomed the Times to explain its coverage.
Everything we have learned, which you can read in our G21 ASIA series on this story, speaks about a country on the brink of revolution. Dispatches(as of noon today, Pacific Daylight Time) from both the Associated Press and Reuters support our version of the story. What does this mean? Well, let's see what the Great Grey Times believes it means.
Here, we stand by the efforts of our investigative team, and the statements, which are reprinted in today's G21 ASIA from the major parties(in opposition to the CPP) who participated in this election.
G21 to the New York Times: "We're waiting..."
Anyway, as Dean Martin used to say, keep those cards and letters(e-mails) coming in, folks. Let us know how to make this an even better magazine, and don't forget to tell a friend.
We're glad you're here. We have a lot to offer this(and EVERY) week. Stick around. More importantly: TELL EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS. We want you here EVERY DAY.
WHY?
Because we like you....
Be Good to Each Other,
Rod
Our Editor does listen!