Spokane7
55°
January 31, 2011 in City
Pedestrian killed in police car crash ID’d
A Spokane man who died after being struck by a police car has been identified as John A. Van Curler.
Van Curler, 52, died at a hospital after he was hit at the intersection of North Monroe Street and West Montgomery Avenue just after 10 p.m.
A Spokane police officer responding to a call in his marked patrol car struck Van Curler, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the crash with the Spokane Police Department and Washington State Patrol.
The officer’s name has not been released, and investigators have not said if he had his emergency light activated or if Van Curler was obeying pedestrian signals.
Van Curler’s brother, Jdon Van Curler, said the man battled alcoholism and had been living with his step mother and collecting aluminum cans for money. He was born in Spokane, graduated Shadle Park High in 1978 and worked at Inland Empire Plating until the early 1990s, Van Curler said.
“Our heart goes out to the officer that was involved, because it obviously was not intentional or malicious,” Van Curler said. “It’s a terrible tragedy.”
Human trafficking suspects released 
meghannc on January 31 at 7:00 p.m.
The previous comment thread on this topic was closed because of poor choices by our commentators. I was reluctant to provide another thread for commentators to abuse, but the need for the public to know the identity of the pedestrian outweighs those concerns. Please don’t allow this comment thread to deteriorate. General guideline: If you wouldn’t post it under your full name, don’t post it.
PhiltheBibliophil on January 31 at 7:17 p.m.
Meghann, maybe the posters are angry that the police in this town seem to be out of control? And by deleting the previous “frustrations” you are denying freedom of speech, or does the Spokesman Review only want to hear what it wants to hear? With this attitude and no other outlet to express our Anger, this travesty of justice on our citizens will only continue!
Kaitmonster on January 31 at 7:22 p.m.
Phil,
The Spokesman isn’t denying your freedom of speech in any way. Something you may not know is that a news organization is legally responsible for any and all comments posted on their site. If a comment is libelous, they could legitimately be sued for that.
So before you start spouting your anger in a moderated public forum, and then complaining when your anger is…well…moderated…maybe you should consider the other side.
That is all.
greenlibertarian on January 31 at 7:41 p.m.
Free speech is about the GOVERNMENT restricting your speech, NOT a CORPORATION, even a MEDIA corporation.
Decrease the ignorance, please.
flutieflakes on January 31 at 7:47 p.m.
Exactly. All these comments are property of the Spokesman Review once they are posted, and the Spokesman Review can manage their assets as they please. If they wish to make their site look less stupid, they can do that.
ginniet on January 31 at 8:01 p.m.
I think we should take Mr. Van Curler’s brother’s comment to heart and not automatically assume that the police officer was at fault. Every time there’s a story about an officer-involved incident lately, some “commentators” always assume that the police officer is at fault, no matter what the circumstances are. I didn’t get a chance to read the previous comment thread, but I can imagine how it went, based on comment threads on other, similar stories.
danne on January 31 at 8:04 p.m.
It’s amazing how little information comes out right after an incident.But the police have already started to defend one of their own by stating that the officer was responding to a call and questioning where the pedestrian was standing when Hit. Lights and siren are hard to ignore,so what we have is just one more speeding cop claiming he’s doing his job and the man wasn’t in a crosswalk.This is one more time when the victim is dead and and the officer is going to blame the man’s behavior for his own demise. I’m surmising here a lot, but I’d bet this is what’s going to happen. Manslaughter is not intentional it’s just reckless.
reservedparking on January 31 at 8:22 p.m.
Ginnie: No imagining necessary:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jan/31/police-officers-car-fatally-injures-pedestrian/
Ed Byrnes on January 31 at 8:25 p.m.
Meghhan, I concur with your assessment of the previous forum and the decision to close it, and am grateful that you are trusting those of who use good judgement to continue to do so. I hope that my fellow posters will heed your guidance, which you stated in more temperate language than the posters who most need it used before.
I maintain that there is still insufficient information for any of us to arrive at any cogent assessment about this specific incident.
I concur with the victims brothers statement that this was a tragedy.
My thoughts about why the previous forum deteriorated so very quickly is that there is a widening chasm between Spokane citizens and LLE. Citizens who question LLE come from a broad demographic within our community and the questions raised are legitimate. I believe that citizen participation in a transparent review of LLE alleged misconduct and citizen fatalities involving LLE is one avenue, among many since there are no single solutions to complex problems, for building the bridge that is so needed between civilians and LLE to heal our community.
Right now far too many citizens feel helpless in the face of a LLE that they perceive as unaccountable and empowering civilians to work with LLE to address questions about LLE behaviors can restore mutual trust between us.
I encourage those who seek other avenues for increasing LLE transparency and accountability to pursue those, and also ask for your support when citizen review is put before you as one option.
Ed
PlanB on January 31 at 8:26 p.m.
I’ve made comments on other threads about the gross negligent driving behavior I’ve observed by various law enforcement and this is exactly the result of that behavior. The death of a citizen. For nothing. I have seen these guys drive like total freakin’ maniacs with total disregard for the laws of physics too many times.
Recently someone who was involved in an accident that injured three law enforcement officers was quickly tried and found guilty of three felony charges.
You think this LEO will be prosecuted? How about those that shoot first and ask questions later? Do you think I would be immune to prosecution if I did the same thing? Heck no.
This is NOT and anti law enforcement rant. This is about being responsible, taking your public safety job seriously. Law enforcement in this area is living in the dark ages and they are a danger to themselves and the general population. Because they live in a bubble. Or so they think.
It might seem like a stretch, but compare this with the current events in Egypt. Think that can’t happen here? Seems unlikely, but at what point to people get so fed up with the corruption and lies that they take to the streets in protest?
mediasux on January 31 at 8:32 p.m.
Philbsophil, “the police in this town are out of control” ? I hope you need one soon to come to your aid and they are 5 minutes late!
SpokyDaBear on January 31 at 8:38 p.m.
Read the comments on SFgate… This is nothing..
People are only mad because the Press in this town is covering for the Police and are afraid to report the real story, instead of just the one that the police feed them.
Now we are hearing the man hit was a alcoholic and a homeless man collecting cans. In other words, he was trash and so we shouldn’t really care about him.
Soon we will hear about prior arrests…or failure to pay child support.. or stints he spent in jail.. we will be spoon fed this information bit by bit, until the public sees that the poor cop is the real victim and the pedestrian is the real bad guy, and he deserved to die.
It’s the same old story.. The Cowles Family owns this town and controls everything. As long as the police only bug and harass non-Cowles related issues, they can do whatever they want.
misjustice on January 31 at 8:44 p.m.
It doesn’t change. People are told & told & those that spew the worst venom are the ones at it again.
The victims brother said it best & we need to listen to him. It was an accident & the officer shouldn’t be blamed.
IMHO the brother is saying his brother was more than likely drunk & stepped/stumbled in front of a car. Police car or civilian car, doesn’t make any difference, he is gone. Blame will not bring him back.
We need to not guess what happened & wait for the official autopsy results & the official report. (yes, I know I was speculating when I said the brother was indicating his brother was drunk).
One question……..what happened with the call the officer was in response to? Was a rape taking place? Did anyone show up to that house? Was the call cancelled? Nothing was reported about that in the paper.
zelda on January 31 at 9:10 p.m.
SpokyDaBear — Actually, I’ve seen the opposite happen on many occasions, where a victim’s life story was elevated and embellished by reporters beyond what was plausible. This is the style of journalism that was satirized in “Bonfire of the Vanities.” Seems like half of the victims of homicide around here are people who would give the shirt off their backs, were trying to turn their lives around and get their kids back and planning to go to community college to better themselves. While probably true, you have to wonder what their chances of success really would have been.
This kind of post-mortem treatment takes to extremes H.L. Mencken’s observation that the role of newspapers is the comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
So, on the subject of cops, there are bad apples in LE, but there are many more who do their jobs admirably and courageously. I don’t know if Spokane has a higher proportion of bad apples than other cities, but what I do know is that the economy is horrible, people with means have fled large portions of the city to live elsewhere, the poverty rate here is a major concern and people in dire straits are doing desperate things.
That’s not a blanket excuse for bad police work, but people should at least acknowledge that the grim times we’re living in make the streets especially dangerous for both cops and civilians.
maria on January 31 at 9:14 p.m.
mediasux: Are you wishing someone dead here? Not cool. Don’t you already have enough of that in Spokane?
MrEmeralddog on January 31 at 9:25 p.m.
I too am not happy about the increasing incidents of SPD shootings. I think something is out of control and I know WSP who are concerned as well. Regardless of that, I do not think this officer should be tarred with the same brush. It is easy to get worked up when you have become fearful but that is very dangerous - maybe even more dangerous - than having some police being less disciplined than they should be - both reactions are likely driven by the same thing - fear. This officer very likely is not guilty at all and while there may be some police who drive faster than some of us are comfortable with, remember, they are on the way to stop a potential disaster. It is totally unfair to condemn this officer in the press because he hit and sadly killed someone. Its time to calm down and remember what it means to be fair. Lynch mobs can not be tolerated - period. Most of the SPD and SCS officers are excellent and lay their lives on the line every day potentially for us. Don’t forget that, you may need one some day.
KRW1 on January 31 at 9:26 p.m.
I would just like to add my story here…it was New Year’s eve, so granted I can understand a lot of cops out trying to get drunks off the street and such…I was driving up Post, towards Buckeye. There was a white somewhat new SUV behind me. This guy was ALL up in my junk! I was doing 35, only five over the speed limit. I did a break check cause I was angry, and finally decided if he was just going to keep riding me I would pull over. I pulled over, the guy went past me at at LEAST fifty. At the Post/Buckeye intersection, he flashed his incognito cop lights JUST to get through the light! It was ridiculous! After passing through the intersection, he turned his lights off and gunned sixty up the Post hill! That’s not rushing to a call, that’s just abuse of power!! I wish I had gotten the full plate number but he was going so fast! Cops riding people like that…come on!!!
I don’t know the case here, but there is A LOT of law enforcement power misuse going on around here! I hope that the cop was not just doing what the cop behind me was, they certainly DON’T need anymore bad press around here. Why not some good news about cops in Spokane for once?!?!
Cheezwhiz on January 31 at 9:55 p.m.
I posted this earlier on the thread that was shut down, and I believe it is an honest solution. I’m not happy that it would cost taxpayer money, but maybe it’s necessary.
I’ve got it! I have the mother of all solutions for everything! It will end all of the public distrust and outrage, as well as aiding investigators of police abuse and neglect!
First of all, amend the law that prohibits recording citizens in Spokane County.
Require all officers to wear a helmet cam. They are a whole lot cheaper than most of their equipment. Maybe a custom model that is very difficult to destroy or remove the “black box” from the uniform, and has a memory card that is sealed.
This would show the officer’s viewpoint and exactly what he saw (or didn’t see) at the time of the incident.
Require the memory chip to be downloaded to a computer network that is accessible to independent parties, within 15 minutes of the incident, through an onboard computer in a prowler. This way, the video couldn’t be altered.
Destruction, loss, or just plain not wearing this would be punishable by automatic termination of employment.
In this case of the cop waxing a pedestrian, it would show where his eyes were looking, (wouldn’t it be interesting if he was texting?) the conditions of the road, conditions of lighting, speed, warning signals, such as overhead lights and siren, where the victim came from, and what the victim was wearing. We wouldn’t have to take the word of the cops as to their version of these factors. No more excuses, and the public would be satisfied.
We would have had answers in so many controversial cases, except maybe Shonto Pete. Wouldn’t you like to know what Hirzel saw?
Here is an example of a helmet cam. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0eootaHR0Q
Artworks on January 31 at 9:59 p.m.
The police do all sorts of good things that society never pays attention to. I feel bad for both parties involved in this. I wouldn’t want to be a police officer being expected to asimilate into every problem society can create. I respect the police and would want them there if my life was in the balance. Shhhh I’m sorry if I offended anyone with my statements.
maria on January 31 at 10:03 p.m.
Newsflash: Bad Press Sells
opiemuyo on January 31 at 10:04 p.m.
Back on topic here, so apologies to the trolls, thoughts an prayers for the family of the victim, and the officer an his family that is also suffering. This is a nightmare for all and it is to bad some people lack the civility to respect that.
maria on January 31 at 10:09 p.m.
What the Spokane cops need is a good training program:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLsg0EvZozI
lewis8457 on January 31 at 10:15 p.m.
It has already been stated the area is poorly lit. and any cop should know that is a busy intersection with the adult school tavern, and mini mart.
It was stated in the article above the car was marked. but we still don’t know if the lights were on. i have seen many a cop car roll through red light intersections with no lights on in this town. So even though this fellow will be painted as a drunk. Those flashing lights are really bright it would be hard to believe he did not see them if they were on.
it doesn’t really matter the level of society our citizens are living at before they were shot or killed. We all have the freedom to live the way we please, and as we all learned last summer even if your a pastor businessman and radio show host you can still get gunned down in this town.
And so it continues……..
zelda on January 31 at 10:16 p.m.
Well, let’s see, they kept a guy from jumping off the Maple Street Bridge, re-routed the MLK Day parade and prevented something horrible from happening, stopped a guy from shooting the bejesus out of a neighborhood at NW Blvd. and Monroe, busted a bunch of burglars and robbers, with diligent police work solved a heinous rape which happened last year near N. Town, etc. So there is good news about cops but people don’t tend to notice when things go right. The volume of mistakes, however, diminish public respect and that’s a big problem for citizens’ trust and morale on the force.
danne on January 31 at 10:26 p.m.
This is simply the bed Spokane police have made and now they have to sleep in it.They are paid to “serve and protect the public” I only ask that they respect that motto.
D Statler on January 31 at 11:05 p.m.
I am surprised we don’t see more tragic accidents with LEO’s involved. I have witnessed several high speed persuits down residential streets.Every time the police take a chance of paisting a kid or unsuspecting person backing out of their driveway. This is risky buisness that should be avoided at all costs. I am sorry for the cop and the victims family for their loss of a loved one. We all need to look closely when traveling thru intersections while walking and driving. I am sure that this event had to have been recorded somewhere at such a buisy intersection.Lets hope the whole story comes out for us to read.
zelda on January 31 at 11:11 p.m.
I didn’t say the SPD was perfect or that LE anywhere is above reproach. (Sometimes I think half the people on this comments blog are or were behind bars.)
Hey, if you really want to get some perspective on the way money talks and where cops look the other way, take a look at this column from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Busch family (think Budweiser) doesn’t even own the newspaper.
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/columns/bill-mcclellan/article_deced4dd-e427-564d-bf2b-70fe4e9b0650.html
Artworks on February 01 at 12:14 a.m.
(Sometimes I think half the people on this comments blog are or were behind bars.)
You may be right Zel!! This debate was based on an auto/pedestrian incident. Not some percieved notion that SPD or law inforcement as a whole has it in for random souls. Spokane isn’t use to the worst our world is in for with regard to SpokyDaBears spin on this matter. Thats what Blogs do, “I’m sorry I forgot what Spoky was talking about ;-)
Spoky Try giving us something we can believe in Please….
hammer1969 on February 01 at 3:05 a.m.
Won’t it be fun when all the anti-gov hooligans are shown once again that their biases overpower their intellect? I’m guessing that the Officer was simply driving normally when a drunk pedestrian wasn’t paying attention and walked against the don’t walk light. But since this is Spokavegas and all the inbreds are of one mind (as simpletons can be) ignorance is bliss.
Ron_the_Cop on February 01 at 4:26 a.m.
@SpokyDaBear 10:42PM
For once you’ve said something I can agree with. In short as I summarize in the Creach OIS - Failure to Thoroughly Investigate, Failure of Police Leadership, Potential Civil Liability, Risk Mitigation and Crisis in Confidence in Local Law Enforcement
cozzster on February 01 at 6:11 a.m.
Man, I have only been out of Spokane for a few years and there seems to be so much dissent towards cops. I mean I know people did not like them when I was there, but it didn’t seem like it was to this extent. I feel the cop bashing is a bit off topic however, and we should focus on what we know.
I look at it like this: if I’m going to walk across a street I look both ways and I listen and I continue to look and listen as I cross. This is why I have not been hit by a car. I saw many pedestrians walk out in front of traffic cause they figure cars will stop, not always the case. Not saying that is what happened here, but I have seen it. Where I live now, it is much worse and the idiots get hit. Moreover, this occured around 10pm if I read right, so the pedestrian would have had the advantage of looking for headlights at a minimum, if not police lights.
As a pedestrian you need to protect yourself because you will never win against a vehicle.
Now, was the cop speeding? Did he have his lights on? I don’t know and I don’t think the details have been released yet, but cops sometimes do need to drive in excess of the speed limit to respond to a call, hence the term emergency. They often respond to emergency calls and must get to them in a timely manner.
If the cop was wrong, then he should take responsibility, but from what I have read so far it is hard to tell, unless you take the brother’s statement into consideration.
The bottom line is this, if you are going to cross a street, look both ways. Don’t assume because there is a green light or a walk sign that the coast is clear. We all know the world we live in now this is not true and cops and ordinary people alike do not always pay attention to these signs when occupied with something else. Protect yourself and your loved ones first, man…
Scoutster on February 01 at 6:41 a.m.
It is hard to imagine this as anything other than a sad set of circumstances. A tragedy for everyone involved.
In the interest of thorough investigation, however, I do hope alcohol and drug (including steroids) readings are taken on the deceased (which can be done post-mortem) and on the driver.
I assume that is the protocol, and that I would be asked for the same information if I hit a pedestrian in my car by accident.
Bob_Knows on February 01 at 7:18 a.m.
Another day, another Spokane man killed by the blue shirt gangbangers. These are the killers who the lying media always calls “Public Safety.” How many dead men will it take before Spokane wakes up and runs the lot of them out of town on a rail?
The killer will get rewarded with a bonus 2 week paid vacation for killing a “civilian.” One question is left though. Does killing a “civilian” with a car count toward making “ACE Pig?” Or, do they only count killing with clubs and guns?
Bob_Knows on February 01 at 7:23 a.m.
Ever since the American Revolution the question has been, “Are Americans smart enough to govern ourselves?” That was the basis for the founding of America. Then more than a century later Progressives decided that they could establish police state armies to own, control, and dominate the people. Their police state are the antithesis of “free men.” We the People do not need them and we do not want them. We would all once again be Free Men if the lot of them were run out of town. A lot more of us would be alive too.
valleyman on February 01 at 7:56 a.m.
It seems it would be a lot easier for the SR to ban some posters/IP addresses rather than shutting down threads… Time for SpokyDaBear to go!
lewis8457 on February 01 at 7:57 a.m.
Here we go more advice from the defenders look both ways drop the gun blahblahblah.
What if he looked both ways and was in the crosswalk? will that make it OK to assume the person that is dead was in the right?
Why is it the defenders always make it the victims fault? How is that even possible 7 people die and everyone of them were in the wrong? the odds of that happening are astronomical.
All you out of towners want to tell us to settle down and not get so worked up. You don’t live here you don’t have a target on your back after Mr. Creach we all found out any one of us can be killed not just the depressed suicidal folks. And there isn’t a darn thing we can do about it.
but keep running your mouth and calling us idiots while you live in your gated communities with a armed guard at every gate.
lewis8457 on February 01 at 8:01 a.m.
valleyman if you go back to the thread you will see Kivaari was the one throwing arrows dipped in dung.
your buddy Mr. Know it all cant help but get nasty i suppose that is his ex cop mentality.
Ron_the_Cop on February 01 at 8:23 a.m.
Lewis look I do value your input from time to time but speaking from those having been resurrected from the dead (banned for life by Steve Smith for telling truth to power) you’re pushing the envelop.
And BTW I’m an outsider:-)
cozzster on February 01 at 9:22 a.m.
Lewis, I think if he looked both ways and was in the cross walk, then he is a terrible judge of speed. If a car is coming at the crosswalk and looks like it might not stop, why take the risk?
It’s like I said: we know a walk sign means walk, but it’s not guaranteed it’s safe to walk, you have to look out for yourself.
Cheezwhiz on February 01 at 9:56 a.m.
Honestly, Valleyman, wasn’t your post demeaning and slanderous?
Let’s not be the pot and kettle.
valleyman on February 01 at 9:58 a.m.
How so cheez?
lewis8457 on February 01 at 10:02 a.m.
cozztar granted that could have happened. We just don’t know do we? i think that is the most maddening thing they take a week to get the story straight.
Just tell us what happened! the cop was talking on his cell phone and looked up and wamm or the cop slowed for intersection proceeded through and John stepped off the curb.
Or give no info at all we know he was on the way to a call we know it happened at a intersection, we know John was in dark clothing, we know the cop gave aid, we know john was a recovering alcoholic and homeless, we know his family has no hard feelings towards the officer.
so they leak out info but just bits and pieces almost like it is game of baiting the public. After the Creach killing I tend to agree with Brad and Ron they shouldn’t release nothing until they know all the facts.
And that way if they do lie they can keep all us concerned citizens at bay with false stories and we wouldn’t know.
Ron the cop you don’t have to like me I really don’t care. I think you tend to drone on and on about your abilities but guess what nothing is changing. so maybe all your emails to tucker are going the same place mine are in the delete file. But i do wish you good luck:)
lewis8457 on February 01 at 10:05 a.m.
OFF TOPIC SORRY!!!
Meghann I am begging please get rid of the bottom banners, put them on the right side and make them roll over banners. Most people are righted handed, they will have to read the ad at some point rather then just clicking it off. $$$$$$
lewis8457 on February 01 at 10:08 a.m.
valleyman I think he is referring to nothing intelligent to add? That is by your opinion correct? Therefore slander?
that is deep man.
Ron_the_Cop on February 01 at 10:12 a.m.
Blog Gods - I do have to agree with Lewis’ comment re the pop up banner at the bottom of the page. It’s annoying. I know you have to make money but PLEASE put it elsewhere.
valleyman on February 01 at 10:18 a.m.
Lewis:
You know exactly what I’m saying when I say nothing intelligent to add…
How is saying I am the product of an incestuous relationship or calling me a girl adding ANYTHING?!?
Slander is saying something that is provably false with the intent of causing harm to another… Libel is putting it in print…
So again I ask… how is this adding anything to this blog?
So many of you act in the same way when backed into a logical corner… you thrash about and call names…
I’m issuing a challenge to see just how many of you can say something without putting others down or just acting out of emotion… Facts leading to suppositions would be awesome… Emotionally-laced tirades are getting old…
Ron_the_Cop on February 01 at 10:21 a.m.
Lewis,
I’ve never said I don’t like you. I will defend your posts here whether I agree with them or not. I’m just saying stay on point and don’t flame others regardless of their positions.
You do touch on very important issues that need to be addressed by this community re the professionalism of our local law enforcement. I just wouldn’t be so quick to blame the rank and file. I will lay the blame shortly on the police leadership of SPD. The question is why they are allowed to remain in positions of authority by our political leaders? This is real discussion this community must have if there is to be any meaningful change in police behavior.
I was always polite and respectful of former S-R Editor Steve Smith, it was he didn’t like the subject material of my posts and I was subsequently banned for life.
Of course Mr. Smith is no longer here and I am:-) Interesting this new alternative/social media. Probably drives those folks at the S-R nuts who think they can seriously control the flow of information in this new environment.
cozzster on February 01 at 10:27 a.m.
Yeah, man I get it that it’s frustrating they put bits and pieces of info out. The problem is each outlet wants to be the first to report and have exclusives to stories, but info then gets convoluted. Just wait until you have a complete story and report with integrity.
In my job, I have done similar (though smaller in scale) investigations, but I make sure I am thorough, get all the facts and am satisfied with my findings before I present them to higher command. I am still on a timeline to get the info out, but I just ensure I do a good job. It’s kinda the same thing, but get it that the public is hungry for news updates every minute and the news media is hungry for updates from agencies/companies, whatever the case may be. Maybe everyone just needs to relax and let the info come when it is ready.
Cheezwhiz on February 01 at 10:59 a.m.
Valleyman,
Demeaning>>>>”exemplify the lowest form of communication available to those residing in a civil society.”
Slanderous>>>>”You have nothing intelligent to add to this thread” (although Slander is defined as oral statements that are false and damaging)
If I have to explain any further, it will be a waste of both of our time because you probably wouldn’t understand. It might be embarrassing for you, if I do have to explain further. I can, however, post the Webster definitions, if that would help, but it would behoove you to look them up yourself. I have to get back to work.
Behoove- necessary or proper.
valleyman on February 01 at 11:10 a.m.
You really don’t get it do you…
Cheezwhiz on February 01 at 11:12 a.m.
You really don’t get it, do you???
Cheezwhiz on February 01 at 11:14 a.m.
Man, I really crack myself up, sometimes!
valleyman on February 01 at 11:23 a.m.
The way I see it, the Spokesman Review has the opportunity to raise the dialogue on the threads if they were to actually enforce their posting policy rather than just shut down threads that get too heated.
To date, I haven’t seen any effort in controlling the vitriol expressed towards other bloggers, so it’s no wonder the majority of the bloggers this site attracts are those that can’t string facts together to form a coherent thought and instead resort to tearing others down.
I keep hearing this from those who attack me: If you attack the ideas or facts of a person, you are attacking that person… this could not be farther from the truth. The varacity of debate is fed through challenging ascertians, asking for proofs, and demanding excellence in argument. It is a shame the Spokesman cannot help us all in the quest of this excellence by showing some who cannot and will not follow the rules the door.
Ron_the_Cop on February 01 at 11:45 a.m.
Valleyman,
These threads are the new town square where the give and take of civil discourse and debate of significant local issues now take place. Those who flame throw will get their own just rewards as no one will pay attention to them long:-)
Cheezwhiz on February 01 at 11:46 a.m.
Generalized, demeaning attack that is borderline slanderous>>>> “it’s no wonder the majority of the bloggers this site attracts are those that can’t string facts together to form a coherent thought and instead resort to tearing others down.”
Show him the door.
Cheezwhiz on February 01 at 11:52 a.m.
Hypocrite:
: a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings
lynns on February 01 at 12:43 p.m.
The reason the standards are posted is so that there will be less need for us to come in and be thread mommies. Obviously, it doesn’t work as well as I would like, and we all have a lot of other work to do without having to check a massive thread every few minutes to make sure people haven’t started exchanging juvenile personal insults. A few rude people can really make our job harder and can keep us from doing as good a job in our other work as we’d like to.
I’ve deleted several offending posts, so I’m sorry if some of the responses to them no longer make sense.
Please ignore offensive commenters and flag their comments — we do check those as often as possible.
-Lynn, Web producer
valleyman on February 01 at 1:28 p.m.
Thank you Lynn. I apologize if I came off a bit crass. I was just getting tired of some of the dialogue.