vt.Buzz ~ a political blog

Political notes from Free Press staff writers Terri Hallenbeck, Sam Hemingway and Nancy Remsen

9.04.2007

Simmer down, kids

I can see that some of you did not take my advice to chill your political angst over the long weekend, despite the spectacular weather that would have afforded you to do about 1,000 things that would have been healthier than venting your political angst. Suit yourselves.

We must, however, ask you to be more civil, and not use those words that my mother would find offensive. It tends to generate a better discussion, wouldn't you say?

We took down a few of the most offensive comments from over the weekend, when you were supposed to be chilling.

Just because you're not looking across the table at the people you're talking to doesn't mean you should treat them worse than you treat the dirt on the bottom of your shoes.

Nice day outside, isn't it?

- Terri Hallenbeck

posted by vt.Buzz | 11:56 AM |

Comments:

Censorship is alive and well at Gannett! What a shock.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 12:16 PM, September 04, 2007

I agree with Terri. Could we have more exchange of ideas and fewer nasty jabs.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 12:47 PM, September 04, 2007

There is a big difference between censorship for the sake of civility and censorship designed suppress opinion.

I'm all for a more civil tone (well - at least one free from foul language).

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 1:18 PM, September 04, 2007

Bravo Terri! These comments have become everything that is wrong with the blogosphere.

Shouldn't people at least have to register their email addresses with you before they can post? That might cause things to be slightly more civil.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 3:26 PM, September 04, 2007

Yeah, go play in the sun instead of worrying about the erosion of workers' rights. That's just how Gannett wants it. Don't believe me? Ask a Free Press employee.

Ask the paper too why it doesn't report that Douglas is earning $150,000 a year. We're one of the nation's smallest states with a governor who's one of the nation's top ten paid governors. Is this equity?

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 4:32 PM, September 04, 2007

Let's go to Obies house and talk about it over a hot dog.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 5:34 PM, September 04, 2007

"Yeah, go play in the sun instead of worrying about the erosion of workers' rights. That's just how Gannett wants it. Don't believe me? Ask a Free Press employee. Ask the paper too why it doesn't report that Douglas is earning $150,000 a year. We're one of the nation's smallest states with a governor who's one of the nation's top ten paid governors. Is this equity?"

Waaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!!!!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 8:53 PM, September 04, 2007

Thanks for repeating that blogger's post. It was worth reading twice!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 8:21 AM, September 05, 2007

Yeah - It's real hypocritical of Gov Douglas talk about affordability when he has increased more than significantly his own salary and that of his Secretaries and Commissioners. Gov Dean's last salary was about 95-100K --- and Jim Douglas increased his own salary to 125K first year.

Vt's Governor's salary was ranked 28th in 2002, and now under Gov Douglas it is in the top 10. VT is tied with CT as the top Governor salaries in New England.

If you start with Gov Dean's last salary and average through Gov Douglas FY08 salary of 150K, he has averaged 10% a year.

HOW MANY VERMONTERS CAN SAY THAT?

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 11:25 AM, September 05, 2007

Right!

Gov Douglas talks about affordability but then he hires approx 14 PR/Communications people spread throughout State Government with the sole job of making the Administration and Governor look good for re-election purposes.

To the tune of about $800K!!!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 11:27 AM, September 05, 2007

How 'bout that hot dog?

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 4:09 PM, September 05, 2007

I say get rid of all the communication flaks -- including the one the Speaker hired to represent her as leader of a part time legislature.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 5:32 PM, September 05, 2007

The difference is Jim Douglas is using Vermont taxpayer $$$ for his communications flaks -- while Speaker Symington went out and raised the funding for hers.

Jim Douglas -- on the public dole for more 30 years!

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 6:24 PM, September 05, 2007

"Jim Douglas -- on the public dole for more 30 years!"

Yeah, almost as long as Bernie.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 7:39 AM, September 06, 2007

Is Obie really handing out hot dogs, or does he charge for them?

If he charges, I am sure it is on a sliding scale: the more you earn, the more you pay.

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 9:32 AM, September 06, 2007

Is Douglas going to appoint someone to replace Dubie if he leaves?

# Posted by:

Anonymous | 3:18 PM, September 07, 2007