April 3, 2007CNN looks into concealed carry database controversyAs many of you may already know, The Roanoke Times decision to post a database of all concealed weapons permittees in the state was the subject of a segment on CNN's Paula Zahn Now show. The segment appeared last night, when Rich Sanchez was sitting in for Zahn. I missed the show but have read the transcript. You can read it HERE. You'll have to scroll through the first two stories. The segment's producers managed to track down a couple of Virginians who were profoundly impacted by the posting of the database, including a parole officer and a woman who lives in fear of her abusive ex-husband. That man is serving a 36-year prison sentence, and the story didn't indicate when he is scheduled to be released, just that the woman was terrified that "if" he gets out he'll come after her. No one from the newspaper appeared on the segment, preferring to let the March 25 editorial apology and the paper's decision to pull down the database after a day serve as the paper's statements on the subject. |
About this blog
While growing up in rural Southern Oregon, Mark Taylor developed a passion for the outdoors while he and his younger brother tagged along with their father on fishing, hunting and camping adventures. Graduating from Northwestern University in 1988, Taylor spent four years as an officer in the U.S. Navy based in Norfolk before moving into journalism. After five years writing about the military for a Norfolk-based publishing company, he became the outdoors editor at The Roanoke Times in 1998. He lives in Roanoke with his wife and twin daughters. .....Advertisement.....
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Comments
[April 3, 2007 3:53 PM]
VaHamI am not surprised the RT failed to be a part of the Paula Zahn show. Their act was irresponsible and the "March 25 editorial apology" spent more time defending their original position than apologizing for it. I for one would like to see these claimed threats the RT talks about. Threats of economic pressure and publishing of publicly available personal information of those at the RT as they did with the CHP list hardly qualify in my opinion as "threats". If they have some true threats then I would like to see them. To state they exist but fail to give evidence of their existence is disingenuous.
[April 3, 2007 11:56 PM]
Rod AdamsWatched the episode. Very well done by CNN. I appreciate them taking the time to focus on this issue and the protection of personal identifing information. I also appreciate your time in keeping this issue in discussion. I have yet to find a valid case where the public safety is served by keeping the CHP list and it's contents public.
[April 4, 2007 7:43 AM]
Skeptical ObserverTsk, Tsk, So the RT published a list of carry permit holders, but that has nothing to do with an Editorial Agenda? Are you sure that you're not owned by the NYT or Wash. Pest? It is legal to carry a handgun in the state, if you acquire a permit. The state sets the requirements for a permit and administers them. Would you publish a list of Driver's License holders with all the particulars? NO, that would be irresponsible, potentially leading to identity theft. DITTO! Shame on you for your lack of common sense or your malicious motives, or both!
[April 4, 2007 7:57 AM]
Brian MessittPower Corrupts. An old observation, still true. As Clinton abused his power for personal gratification (Paula Jones, Monica Lewinsky, et al). You have abused the Power of the Press, for what? To make an obscure point about FOIA? Surely, there were other records you could have made that point with that would not have put people at risk? Like, for instance your own personal records (money-mouth, so to speak). I submit that you have committed this violation of privacy (de facto if not de jure) like Clinton, BECAUSE YOU COULD! Shame, Shame!
[April 4, 2007 4:23 PM]
Randolph CudaIs the writer that compared gun owners to registered sex offenders still employed? Our logic must be similar because I compare "editorial writers" to prostitutes but I don't publish my opinion. Doubt RT will publish this one either but its a pleasant thought.
[April 6, 2007 1:04 PM]
TJMark,
I found it interesting that the Roanoke Times didn't want to be interviewed, or appear on CNN. This would have been a prime opportunity for them to defend their actions and present their side of the story.
I also find Mr. Trejbal's editorial subjects to be all over the place. His last four subjects have been: Concealed Handgun Exposure, Clotheslines, Offensive Bumperstickers, and Puppy Mills. Does he have any focus at all, or is the RT editorial staff trying to see what kind of response he can command from the general public? Very interesting at any rate.
Well, at least your articles and columns make sense and are informative. I didn't think about hunting Turkey before reading about your article on the Serial Turkey Killer. Now I can't wait for next week's season to open!
Thanks! TJ
[April 6, 2007 9:32 PM]
C RamseyI tried to post on the "Round Table" since they started the whole concealed weapon debate, but apparently they are no longer interested in the topic.
The Attorney General rendered an opinion today stating that he felt the State Police should not have released the information requested by Mr. Trejbal. It stands to reason that if the info shouldn't have been released in the first place, then it certainly shouldn't have been published.
The VSP followed the AG by stating that future requests will be denied until such time that the legislature can act on the issue.
It's pleasantly ironic that Mr. Trejbal's "expose" guised as an article praising open records and freedom of information led directly to public records becoming more restricted, with greater privacy rights extended to CCW holders. Talk about poetic justice and the law of unintended consequences.
And though the damage was already done in this case, at least law-abiding CCW holders won't have to worry about this type of privacy violation in the future.
To no one's surprise, the Roanoke Times had no comment about the AG's opinion. In my opinion, that has been one of the most disturbing parts of this whole mess. The way the RT opened pandora's box for no apparent reason other than to get a reaction and then when things went sour, the editorial staff and management collectively stuck their hands in their pockets, began to whistle nervously and walked briskly away, as though they had nothing to do with it in the first place. So far it hasn't exactly been a glowing testament to responsible journalism.
[April 6, 2007 9:49 PM]
Mark TaylorTJ, Obviously, the decision about whether or not to appear on that show was well above my pay grade. I guess the thinking was the paper's leadership felt it made its stance pretty clear in the apology editorial and that was that.
As for CT's recent column subjects, they have been diverse. I actually think "all over the place" can -- emphasis on CAN -- be a good thing. Sometimes columnists can get stuck in their own world, and then they tell us about it week after week after week.
Ideally, of course, that diversity is intended to make as many people as possible interested, and not just to make as many people as possible angry.
Glad to hear that note about the serial turkey killer got you thinking about the season. Just don't follow his example! Good luck.
MT