Councilperson Emily Evans is quite nettled by a recent story in the Nashville Scene where Jeff Woods rehashes Rob Briley’s recent events.
So, it leaves me wondering if this article was meant to satisfy the prurient interests of the writer, the reader or both because it sure wasn’t news. There is a real, human cost to exploiting these types of stories well past the point where one has ceased to educate and inform the public.
Woods admits as much in his story, following up “Until now, it has gone unreported in the media” with, a dozen words later, “Their relationship was common knowledge at the Capitol.” But, to conclude that “it has gone unreported” would be to omit this. And this. And the post and comments here. And to fail to read between the lines here or here.
Though, to be fair, the above stories only hinted at infidelity. The Scene story was the first to brand the Scarlet A.
Emily Evans said,
ReplyDeleteon October 12th, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Also to be fair, should you not mention that my post does not mention the Nashville Scene, Rob Briley or Jeff Woods and for all you or anyone else knows I could be talking about any number of people. Which of course, was the whole point.
Act 3 said,
ReplyDeleteon October 13th, 2007 at 12:59 am
Of course everyone knew what you were referring to, Emily. Then again, if everyone was able to see what is obviously left unsaid, there wouldn’t be a job for Jeff. Even Kleinheider said this when Jeff’s story came out: “Woods goes and makes plain what other media outlets have only hinted at.” Several bloggers only hinted because they had no proof. One even said “only two sources.” Jeff doesn’t need any proof or sources. And then with the “I’m first! I’m first!” thing like a three year old, while the staff there argues that bloggers don’t count because of lack of editorial standards.
wtf scene said,
ReplyDeleteon October 13th, 2007 at 1:27 am
That was some of the most irresponsible journalism I have ever read. Anonymous sources, hearsay and prurient gossip…wow, that’s top notch reporting.
TN Native said,
ReplyDeleteon October 13th, 2007 at 11:09 am
A prominent local politician is having an adulterous affair with a lobbyist who just happens to be in the same field as the committee he sits on. Then said local politician makes national news after leading police on a drunken high-speed chase, calling the officers nazis, and vandalizing a police cruiser.
Local politician then does the cliched “going to rehab” thing. Instead, he busts out of rehab, rents a Mustang and hightails it to Tunica for a little convalescence. All the while, still holding onto his seat because people like Emily Evans refuse to recognize “ethics” as anything other than lip service.
Bedding a lobbyist who wants influence legislation you happen to sit on a committee for is beyond “the appearance of impropriety”.
As long as we’re dealing with open secrets, are there any other legislators having open affairs with lobbyists you’d like to share, Miss Evans? I would have asked at your site but you don’t allow comments.
Ethics are how you behave when no one is watching. Briley’s behavior bears the hallmarks of someone who behaves this way all of the time because it’s acceptable to his peers.