Troubled times at The Washington Post?

October 29, 10:16 PMDC Ward 5 Community ExaminerRobert Vinson Brannum

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These must be troubled times at The Washington Post.  No, I am not referring to a recent report highlighting the continuing diminishing circulation of the Nation's major newspapers. Rather the turmoil, which must be happening inside its press rooms regarding the impact of the editorials of The Washington Post.

Editorial page editor Mr. Fred Hiatt and editorial writer Ms. JoAnn Armao must be wondering how long they can write editorials covering, if not softening the ineptness of D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and the mismanagement of DCPS Chancellor Michelle Rhee.  While reporters of The Washington Post may try their best write articles they feel are factual, accurate, and complete; Mr. Hiatt and Ms. Armao seemingly are not bound by that principle. 

If the testimony of Chancellor Rhee and DCPS Chief Financial Officer Noah Wepman before the Council of the District of Columbia regarding the October 2nd personnel firings is not enough to shake the sensibilities of the editorial board of The Washington Post, then there is not an action which Mayor Fenty or Chancellor Rhee can commit that is controlled by law.  Moreover, if the principle of accountability is to have any real meaning in this government, Mr. Wepman should be relieved of his duties.

Their combined testimony was breath taking in showing their flagrant disregard for Council acts and how the Fenty administration considers itself above the law and untouchable or unstoppable by ethics.  Despite growing outrage over Chancellor Rhee mismanagement of DCPS, the heightened public notice of Mayor Fenty's disregard for the District laws, and the public's annoyance at their arrogance and disdain for open government, the editorial board of The Washington Post would have its readers believe everything is great under the leadership of Mayor Fenty and Chancellor Rhee.

It is pains the spirit of common sense that some members of the Council are eager to mask over or to sidestep the managerial atrocities of Chancellor Rhee and Mayor Fenty under the rouse the public must support their ignoring District laws because they were doing for the children.  That argument is as phony as is the statement great successes in public education reform have come under Chancellor Rhee and mayor Fenty.  Through trick manipulation of data, the editorial board of The Washington Post misrepresents research from the National Center for Education Statistics within the Department of Education to give a false impression on the education reform initiatives of Mayor Fenty and Chancellor Rhee.  

By failing to publish letters to the editor and op-ed submissions that are critical of Chancellor Rhee and its position on District private school vouchers, the editorial board of The Washington Post has lost credibility as a newspaper of fact and objectivity.  The clear disregard for the principle of fairness by Mr. Hiatt and Ms. Armao has  jeopardized the credibility and the integrity of reporters for The Washington Post.

Disclaimers aside, most readers do not see a bright wall between the editorial board and the newsroom, particularly when opposing views and comments do not appear on either the editorial page or within its news pages. It is bold arrogance and hypocrisy for the editorial board to support the mass removal of DCPS employees without supporting facts and shred of compassion by Chancellor Rhee and Mayor Fenty; yet ask the public to give them both a break when they reportedly violate District laws.

The "lawlessness" of Chancellor Rhee and Mayor Fenty should not be supported by the public or condoned by a major corporation or newspaper.  

E-mail contact: rbrannum@robertbrannum.com