As I sit and ponder the past election one common theme comes to mind: What happened to ethics? In college I was a journalism major and studied ethics. You see, as a journalist it is our job to give the citizens an unbiased view of what is happening around them - to be their eyes and ears. As I look at the world today I can barely find any sign of ethical behavior. Sadly, even in my hometown - Warsaw.
For the past few months, a certain media outlet in town has targeted a local family business with a bias and unfair light. After hearing lie after lie reported from this outlet I decided to call their general manager to find out why they were reporting false or one-sided stories. Having worked for this company in the past, I felt confident that I could find some help and answers. Unfortunately, I was mistaken. I was interrupted in every sentence with yelling. And in the end more lies.
Since nobody else is interested in telling the truth, I will. Fahl Manufactured Homes has been painted in a horrible light these past few months for a claim at the attorney general's office. I agree this is a newsworthy occurrence. But what is the truth? That Fahl is the horrible corrupt company that this certain media outlet likes to portray? Or that this was simply brought on by a man trying to get a free home out of Fahl? Fahl was forced to put a lien on this man's home as he had made no payment on it and still owed over $75,000. In an attempt to pull himself out of trouble, he goes to the attorney general with allegations that his home is not set correctly. For months Fahl tried to negotiate a solution with this man only to have him back out of his part every time. He won't even allow Fahl on his property to fix his problem. Does this sound like a man who wants his problem fixed or someone looking to point the finger somewhere else and get out of paying for his house?
This man told Fahl that it is his life's mission to put them out of business. He also went around to everyone he could find who bought a home from Fahl trying to get them to make complaints about something, too. This story started by this man knocking on a reporter's door and asking her to do a story on him. Again, I wonder, what happened to responsible and fair journalism? I ask myself, why would any sane person set such a personal vendetta against someone? Because they really had a problem to fix or they just did not want to pay for their home?
So beware, readers, the next time someone decides to target your family. It could be you getting your trusted name trashed around town untruthfully.
Christa Williams
Cromwell, via e-mail
Note: The media outlet the letter writer refers to is not the Times-Union.
