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Charlie Sykes: Sykes Writes

SHUT UP, UWM ISLAMISTS EXPLAIN

By Charlie Sykes

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Anti-Israel activists bully student newspaper over story on hatefest.

 

Bottomline: The reporter's account seems to be accurate and is supported by the editor of another paper that covered the same event. The editor's excuse for caving in to the pressure by pro-islamist activists is  beyond weak; the "sourcing" issue is merely a pretext for surrendering to the campus PC bullies.

**


 

Hello Mr. Sykes,
 
My name is Savannah Hunnicutt and I am a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.  I recently wrote an article for the UWM Post, a student-run newspaper, about an "End the Occupation," event held on campus.  After the Post published my article, negative response from the Muslim Student association and from other students quickly arose.  I was asked to stop writing for the news section because of accusations of biased and in-accurate reporting.  I was shocked that a university publication would bow to a select group of clearly-biased students, rather than stand behind me, and what was honest reporting.  I thought you might appreciate this story, and understand the magnitude of this issue: that across the country, not just at UWM I'm sure, the anti-Israel voices are heard loud and strong, where any event or story that is remotely pro-Israel is swept under the rug. 
 
 
 
Here is a link to my article; I would be happy to share any further information if it interests you. 
 
A story on the same event was published in the November issue of the Jewish Chronicle.
 
 
Thank you for your time and YOUR commitment to honest reporting.
 
Best Regards,
Savannah Hunnicutt
 
**
This morning, I received this note from the author of the Jewish Chronicle account of the same event::
 
I heard your piece this morning so this is likely too late but here are my two cents:
I think that Savannah accurately captured the tenor of the event.

Also, please note  that my piece was an opinion piece. FYI.
Elana


Elana Kahn-Oren
Editor
Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle
**

 

The editor of the UWM Post says that he "retracted" the story even though he had no evidence that it was at all inaccurate.

Dear Mr. Sykes,

The story was retracted because the quotes were not verifiable. The reporter was asked if she had audio of the story and didn't respond to messages asking if a recording existed. I allowed the story to run without hearing from her and without being able to verify the existence of an audio recording.

This is inconsistent with The UWM Post's usual standard of having sources that can be fact-checked for news story. In the past, especially in the case of a controversial topic, the Post has required audio recording of these kinds of discussions and forums. I take complete responsibility for not making sure that audio of the Middle East forum existed.

It's my opinion that the story shouldn't have run in the first place. The retraction did not claim inaccuracies in the story. It simply claimed that the story did not have adequate sourcing....

Thanks,

Kevin Lessmiller

Editor in Chief

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  1. James - Nov 05, 2009 11:34 AM

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    Anti-Semitism has become "en vogue" on the left so I'm not surprised a liberal newspaper editor would spike any critical reporting on an event like this or the religion of infidel body pieces. He sympathizes with them and their hate and wanted destruction of Israel. Besides, simple cartoons resulted in death threats, so it's rational for the editor to want to perserve his life.

  2. Tim - Nov 05, 2009 11:40 AM

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    This is just plain sad. She was not stating her opinion just what was being said. We need more jornalists that simply state the facts and not there opinion. I applaud her for her story. Gee since I'm the first comment are others afraid of retaliation from the extremest if you post something they don't like. We as a country are already on a very slippery slop going the wrong way. Scipture says I will bless those who bless my people. We stop supporting Israal were in big trouble.

  3. Renee - Nov 05, 2009 12:05 PM

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    Jews need to stand up for their rights, but they have a Faustian bargain with the Liberals and won't see their complicity in their own destruction. The jihadis have slowly gained control of our institutions and are following the same path as in Europe. One thing that is different is that we have a strong Christian presence here who support Israel. We can't do it ourselves. The Jewish people have to help us!!

  4. 8rent - Nov 05, 2009 12:35 PM

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    Way to throw your reporter under the bus, Lessmiller. You only retract or correct in instances where the story or facts therein is/are explicitly inaccurate; otherwise, like your reporter, you stand behind the report.

    What a coward, and what an embarrassment for UWM.

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