Who Moderates the Moderators?

My question is directed towards the Topeka Capital-Journal, and more specifically, to their online Editor, Curt Kaywood. He's basically boasting about his work on the CJonline website and his efforts to build a community forum. http://cjonline.com/interact/blog/kurt_caywood/2009-03-31/wanted_a_few_good_moderators

Who moderates the Moderators? I think it's a pretty legitimate question because apparently some of their online censors have their own agendas, or like to play favorites regarding the removal of "offensive" posts and banning of certain users.

My complaint is very legitimate and still has not received any answers more substantial than, "Be happy we let you back on".

Yet the posts that I responded to, which were every bit as offensive as my responses to them, are still online.

So to CJonline:

You may think that it's no big deal, yeah whatever, quit complaining and be happy. But you ain't the only ones with a job to do. A LOT of times your reporters have left out crucial information in their stories (such as asking the OTHER side of the story). Or forgot to include websites. It really bothers me when your reporters write a story and only ask ONE side, and don't even bother to ask any OTHER sides. That's not only sloppy writing, it's also counter to what a newspaper is supposed to be. Opinions aren't necessarily news, but reporting them as such is dishonest. And several Capital-Journal reporters have a major problem thinking their opinion is news enough.

In any case, the fact that I alone was banned, while the people who attacked me first and very personally were left alone, is beyond an insult. And the fact that they were allowed to continue posting trash after I was banned, is a direct attack against me.

It's reminiscent of a teacher watching the playground bullies pick on the school nerd. And when the nerd finally hits one of the bullies back, the teacher sends the nerd home to keep the peace. And I don't appreciate it!

In any case, you want a community forum? Then stop letting people make anonymous, libelous personal attacks against other people on the site. A little trash talking is one thing, but serious false allegations are something certain users thrive on. And by you allowing those cyber-bullies to run the game, you kill any chances of making this a legitimate community forum.

Sincerely,

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Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com

Fairness Doctrine?

If we really want to discuss "fair", try walking in a Libertarian's shoes. Or a Reformer's or Constitutionalist's shoes.

It's amazing that the vast majority of people who take the World's Smallest Political Quiz (http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html) fit within the Libertarian side of the spectrum. Yet they hardly know about the Libertarian Party. They are delighted to find a party actually pushes for limited government, and they agree that the government is involved in our lives in ways it has no business being involved. Yet come election time, they STILL vote for Republicans or Democrats.

A LOT of that would change, if their wasn't a BIpartisan effort of Republicans & Democrats doing their best to exclude every other political party from the process.

America has almost irreparably transformed itself from a nation of rugged individualists, to a nation of urban worker-drones. Instead of individuals who live for Freedom, most drones would rather be free from living.

And we are our own worst enemy because WE are the ones electing the same people back into office.

Thomas Lessman
Libertarian Party of Kansas: www.LPKS.org
Constitution Party: http://ks.constitutionparty.com/
Reform Party of Kansas: www.vote-ks.org

Judge "Backroom Deals" Jackson & a Crooked Attorney Named "Pope"

Yesterday I witnessed one of the most obvious cases of backroom dealing I've ever seen, in the Shawnee County courthouse. It was an assault case, with the Shawnee County DA prosecuting one of my neighbors, Scotty Dundee Wilson, for an incident where Wilson assaulted and sucker-punched me in front of a 27 news camera last year during the floods.

I mean literally, the incident was caught on camera, by then-reporter Brian Dorman. At no point did I do anything but defend myself from this 400 lb bully and his 350 lb brother (I'm only 155 lbs). In fact, the only thing I DID do was say some words to him after he attacked me.

Keep in mind, at no point was I on trial; I was only involved as a witness. Wilson purchased the services of an attorney named "Pope". EVERYONE who saw the tape, could see it was an obvious case of a big bully attacking a smaller guy - just because he can.

As I said, I have a witness in Brian Dorman, who at the time was a TV Reporter for 27 news (now he's an Anchor for 13 news). He and I actually became acquainted during this incident, which started when Scotty and Will Wilson attempted to take the news camera away from Brian Dorman while he was interviewing me about the 2007 flood. Scotty Wilson (literally on camera), got in my face, pushed me about 8 feet away, then a minute later got in my face again, and sucker-punched me.

And yet, after going into chambers with Wilson's attorney (Pope), Judge Jackson declares it was "mutual combat". Even though NOT ONCE did I do anything but raise my arms in defense as Wilson came at me.

Next week I will be protesting Judge "Backroom Deals" Jackson. As far as I'm concerned, that son-of-a-bitch has no business sitting on any bench, especially when he cares more about backroom deals than justice.

Sincerely,

Thomas Lessman
Web: www.ThomasLessman.com
Blog: www.talessman.blogspot.com
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Jim Cates

In October of 2002 I started listening to the Jim Cates Show. Before that I hadn't thought much of talk radio. Since then I've become a loyal listener, frequent caller, and occasional guest on his show.

Recently Cumulus Broadcasting decided to terminate the # 1 rated talk show in Kansas. The only details are that the new station management wanted to change the format in a way that would effectively cut the heart out of the show - they wanted to end the Open Lines sessions and censor any "negative" issues.

The Jim Cates Show provided a community forum for people in Topeka, and he allowed anyone to call in and discuss issues of importance. Like everyone, Jim has his own views, but his show was never about HIS views - he allowed the public a chance to speak. Even when Jim disagreed with a caller, he was always respectful about it, but he made it a point to let people speak even if they have opposing views.

I've always liked his show, but I've really been impressed with the man himself. Jim Cates has a level of sincerity and integrity that too many people seem to lack today. It wasn't just on air either; every time I've seen Jim in public, whether at the park, a coffeehouse, or even his favorite local bar, he has always been friendly and cool to hang out with.

This morning we held a rally at Cumulus headquarters in downtown Topeka. I'd say about 30-35 people showed, many of them were people I knew from their on-air voice. Several sponsors were also their, announcing that they were pulling their advertising from ALL Cumulus stations until Jim Cates is reinstated.

After my recent correspondences with certain Cumulus officials, I've lost confidence in that corporation. Regardless of the few short "standard replies" they've given, the fact is that Cumulus has effectively silenced the voice of the people, and basically told their most loyal listeners where we could put our voice...

I hope Jim is able to get his show back on air, perhaps on AM 580 WIBW. Or maybe his Sunday morning show on 49 KTKA will expand to a few days per week? Topeka has a lot of potential, and people like Jim Cates can help us reach that potential.

Respectfully,

Thomas Lessman
Website: http://www.thomaslessman.com/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/
Email: talessman@yis.us

World History Maps by TAL: http://www.worldhistorymaps.info/

Lessman's Farm & Catfish Pond:
www.thomaslessman.com/LessmanFarm/

=======================

(Note: the Topeka Capital-Journal also has a short article about this situation)

Is Topeka Really So Bad?

(Kudos to CJonline's Ric Anderson, who is challenging readers to submit stories about what is GOOD about Topeka. His article is here: (http://blogs.cjonline.com/index.php?entry=7134)

Some people complain about Topeka a LOT, saying there's nothing to do around here, or that Topeka is SO boring, or is just such a terrible place to live. But what gets me about those people who just complain about Topeka is that they have a glossy blank stare when you ask them HOW to make it better.

There are actually quite a few of good things about Topeka. And Shawnee County too! All you have do do is just look around...

Lake Shawnee has so much going on that it's one of the best features of the area. A big lake for boating, camp grounds, a great walking trail, golf, paddle boats, ball diamonds, playgrounds, and plenty more.

Speaking of walking trails, not only is the one at Lake Shawnee a great one, but so is the new Shunga Trail, which goes through most of Topeka. Another cool (unofficial) trail is the levee system along the river. Walk from Oakland to Tecumseh!

Truckhenge, just east of Billard Airport, is a cool grassroots art park that also has the best-stocked Catfish pond in the state. See the website at www.thomaslessman.com/LessmanFarm/

Those are only a FEW of the good things about Topeka. Seriously, just look around and you'll see so many things you hadn't thought of...

Respectfully,

Thomas Lessman
Website: http://www.thomaslessman.com/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/
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Chuck Adkins, the Bitchboy who hates Ron Paul

On Men's News Daily and Blogwonks, there is a writer who calls himself "Chuck Adkins", who apparently hates Ron Paul as much as the columnist who anonymously calls himself "Rogue Jew".

Both of these columnists will stoop to ANY low it takes to keep Ron Paul from getting elected. Aparently they hate integrity and honesty so much that they draft BS distortions about Ron Paul supposedly being racist, homophobic, etc. (Rest assured, Ron Paul is NOT either of those, and he has 100 times the integrity and honesty of ANY of the other politicians running for president).

But Chuck Adkins takes it so personally, he stooped to calling me a "bald headed four eyed freak" when I called him out on his lies. Then to top it off, Adkins actually deleted our whole exchange, probably after realizing his own words exposed how stupid he actually sounds making those false accusations against Ron Paul.

I get annoyed to no end by so-called conservatives (actually they are pseudo-conservatives) who whine about the tactics used by Feminists and liberals, then turn around and use those same tactics to stop a real man of integrity, like Ron Paul.

Chuck Adkins is just another hate-mongering moronic trash journalist, and it seems Blogwonks is getting overrun by these pathetic pieces of wannabe-media.

Thomas Lessman
. http://www.thomaslessman.com/
. http://www.worldhistorymaps.info/
Blog: http://www.talessman.blogspot.com/
Email: talessman@yis.us