Pee Dee Propaganda Machine
The front page of the Pee Dee this a.m. represents Ms. Goldberg’s contribution to the journalism here: big, splashy headlines, much wasted space, but scarce information.
The Pee Dee is always on the bandwagon when it comes to “Progress.” However, never rely upon the newspaper for hard evidence beyond cheerleading.
Here’s what we have under the Huge Headline: “Medical Mart now a ‘when,’ not an ‘if’”- 4 and a half columns wide and 13 inches deep before a skimpy 4 inch story. Wish we had more about "how."
“We’re looking at a tremendous economic boon – something we haven’t had for many years here,” says Jimmy Dimora. "This is a turning point and a defining moment for this community," says Tim Hagan.
One guesses these are references to the last “boon” of Gateway.
Not to take the bloom off the rose, but here’s what Hagan and the boys promised in a full page advertisement in the Pee Dee, May of 1990, for the last “boon,” just as a reminder:
“Gateway will create a development that will generate $33.7 million in public revenues every year and provide,” according to its proponents the following:
- 28,000 good-paying jobs for the jobless.
- Neighborhood housing development for the homeless.
- $15 million a year for schools for our children.
- Revenues for City and County clinics and hospitals for the sick.
- Energy assistance programs for the elderly.
And, of course, “No tax abatement.”
None of those promises were realized and the public costs are still piling up now 18 years later.
What's that saying, "Fool me once....
Links:
[1] http://li326-157.members.linode.com/content/here-are-convention-and-meeting-spaces-available-now
[2] http://li326-157.members.linode.com/content/roldo-bartimole-0
[3] http://li326-157.members.linode.com/content/heres-100000-its-not-approval-huh