Oh, My Aching Poll...

Emperor Carty rants in today’s Blade about the “inflammatory and derisive” poll that showed his job approval numbers at around 40%. It is his contention that this story will make his job harder, it more difficult to pass his budget, and that the newspaper does the city a disservice by discouraging new political talent. Well, I have some follow-up questions for hizzhonor:

- It is your contention that this article will make your job harder. Where in the job description of Mayor does it state that the job will always be easy?

- Should articles that speak poorly of the administration not be run by the newspapers and other media? Or just articles and reports that question your pet programs? Do you think that such restrictions qualify as censorship and violate the First Amendment?

- Did you complain that the Blade was attacking Republican candidates prior to the primary and general elections, attempting to link every candidate with Tom Noe without a shred of proof?

- Have you complained that the national (and local) media have constantly harped about the President’s declining approval numbers while he is attempting to put down a terrorist insurgency (does it effect his “ability to govern”)? If so, is it because you only disapprove of attacks against yourself, but approve of attacks against your political opponents – and is this fair?

- Do you think that the Blade’s stance on Republican and conservative candidates discourages new political talent, with new ideas, from running? If it does, do you disprove of it?

- Will you now ban Blade reporters in the same manner you banned reporters from WSPD?

I cheerfully invite Mayor Finkbeiner to answer these questions, and will be happy to publish such – in the interests of fairness. But, I’m not holding my breath.