* Part of the print world’s challenge–beyond technology and pop culture–is manifest virtually every time you pick up a daily newspaper. Have proofreaders gone the way of gas-lamp lighters? It’s frustrating to the point of indifference–and, alas, acceptance.
Words are routinely transposed, names misspelled and photos misidentified. Is it “its,” “it’s” or the illusory “its'”? Subjunctive mood? What the hell is that?
I was reminded again when I read the recent (sorry, Tampa Bay Times) headline “Ex-Christie Allies Plead Guilty.” It seemed at variance with what I had seen online and on TV. Indeed, it was also at variance with the news story’s actual lead: “Two former political allies of Gov. Chris Christie pleaded not guilty Monday to charges they were involved in politically motivated lane closures of the George Washington Bridge … .” Etc.
Is anybody minding the store? Could PolitiFact send over some help?
* Speaking of “Bridgegate,” enough of these clichéd “gate” affixes. There was Watergate that ultimately brought down a presidency. Now there is “Deflategate,” which ultimately brought down the weight of footballs and will cost the disingenuous Tom Brady a suspension and the arrogant New England Patriots’ organization a fine and draft choices.
* And let’s not forget “Obamacare.” The media should have never enabled and legitimized this scornful, partisan broadside, even if “Affordable Care Act” is unwieldy for media purposes.