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News / Clark County News

Talking Points: When news travels too fast

The Columbian
Published: January 23, 2012, 4:00pm

What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:

1

Joe Paterno is dead. No he’s not. Yes he is.

Chip Kelly is leaving Oregon. No he’s not. Yes he is. OK, maybe not.

Getting sick of this?

Well, it’s our own fault.

As society demands information at a lightning fast pace, those of us who try to track down that information are more likely to make a mistake.

Add social networking into the mix, and it is a recipe for disaster.

Heck, last week, actor Rob Lowe tweeted that Peyton Manning was going to retire. And THAT became a story. Because an actor made it sound like fact, and that actor has a friendship with the Colts’ owner.

All journalists want to get a story first. But many of us old-school journalists think it is better to be second and accurate than first and wrong.

2

Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas refused to go to the White House to celebrate his team’s Stanley Cup championship with President Obama.

Thomas is upset with the federal government, claiming it has grown out of control. He also said both parties are responsible.

Hey, it’s his decision and he has every right to say no to the White House.But we feel if the President invites you to the White House for a non-political celebration of anything, it is just good manners to attend. Forget the ideologies of either political party and respect the office.

According to the polls, nearly half of the country disagrees with President Obama and the other half disagrees with the Republican leadership. None of this has anything to do with hockey.

Besides, if Thomas really believes the government is out of control, he missed a chance to give his opinion, in person, to the top man in the government.

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