Follow-Up To “Shooting Self in Foot” Post
By Chris and Allison Kaftan on Wed 10 May 2006 |
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Since we posted the original post, “Gallaudet Community Shoots Self in Foot,” that included a story from an anonymous but trusted source about students going to Jane Fernandes’ house, we have been searching for a source that would both confirm the story and allow us to publicize it. We have found none.
The closest we came was to a colleague who asked Jim Fernandes if their safety had been in question, and Dr. Fernandes preferred not to answer and instead wanted to focus on a positive outcome of Gallaudet.
In light of our inability to definitively confirm the story, we’re recanting it. We are not saying it is not true, only that our first source was either misinformed or was given information the Fernandes’ do not want known, and therefore, we cannot continue to stand behind it.
We do apologize for the confusion.
We still stand behind the rest of the post, despite the divisive results.
We realize many of those who support the Unity for Gallaudet/FSSA cause felt their movement and those connected with it received more criticism than those who support Dr. Fernandes’ selection. That was not the intent, and, certainly, there have been incidents where Fernandes supporters exhibited hostile behavior as well (i.e. one staffmember nudging a protester with her car, and a certain faculty member aggressively pushing people to abandon the cause they believe in).
Our only intent was to point out that Fernandes’ selection and subsequent events have caused a tremendous amount of pain and an incredibly stressful situation for all who hold stakes in the outcome of the leadership controversy. That point was further proven by the multitude and range of emotion expressed in the responses to the original blog.
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Will not read your posts and believe anything you guys say from now on.
lol What a maroon!
a blessing to some =)
Be careful what you guys say before post here. Find the truth first then post I hate people twist their words.
Maroon??? Did you know that Maroon is a color. So you are saying the Kaftans are the color Maroon?? I think you need to go back and learn how to spell. Use spell check before you criticize someone.
Amy, you KNOW what he meant! He meant a MORON.
From Urbandictionary.com:
* * *
A term of derision often uttered by Bugs Bunny when referring to an interaction with a dopey adversary. It is a mispronunciation of the word “Moron”
“What a Maroon!” “Will ya get a load of this maroon”
* * *
Now you have learned something new, Amy.
Now I know why you’re called Deaf dummies. I know he meant MORON. YOU MORONS! This is why no one gets along cuz you Deaf people suck.
The Kaftans were smart to acknowledge that this could very well be a simple but false rumour, though not completely verified. At least they had the guts and humility to come forward with this information and an apology to readers. At least they are not the ones calling people names with derogatory comments. It takes fortitude and humbleness to know when one makes a mistake.
It’s my first and probably last time I agree with you. Well-said, Mike.
Kaftans, thanks for letting us know. Appreciate it very much! It’s not easy thing to do, I’m sure of.
Thank you for sharing this with us. We appreciate it. In the future, PLEASE be careful of who your sources are and throughly investigate before you report. I would, in fact, recommend that you go down to Tent City and spend a day or two there to more fully understand what is going on. Find a babysitter, go check it out. Or bring your daugher if she is no longer ill. It is a very kid friendly place.
WSS - Please share this very same sentiment to your team at Tent City. It goes both ways.
We practice what we preach at Tent City.
I am frightened by this comment. I do not quite think people are THAT bad.
(Note your desire to commit murder on specific sect of people…)
like I TOLD YOU GUYS all along…. *walks away*
You’ve used unverified sources “faculty member” (how vague can you get).
I think an apology is on hand from you as well.
Heck no. I stand by my source. The person who I spoke to prefers to be not named.
Oh ok, then no one will believe you. Your proof was hearsay. I know better reporters than you, the kind that goes to the FIRST person not report second hand information.
Apologising will only make you a better person.
sometimes silence makes a better person. =)
If I may be so bold, Ms. Jonas… Your comment on CK’s Xanga yesterday:
“okay okay for the record, you guys… I paged Fernandes, but i never got a reply. I paged her twice, she didn’t reply. This is extremely ODD and FISHY because every time I have paged her in the past she has responded almost INSTANTLY.
I asked a reliable faculty member to query her when I did not get a response. That faculty member recently paged me and said that Fernandes said that she had no idea about any protesters visiting her house, and to her knowledge, it had not happened.
THIS, to me, says that Fernandes KNOWS that nobody went to her house, but that she DELIBERATELY chose not to respond to me, to fuel the fires of speculation. This has GOT TO STOP.
Posted 5/10/2006 at 11:53 AM by jonasfiles”
Does that sound like a comment that instills certainity that your “source” is credible?
Calm down, “ma’am.”
Thanks for the follow-up on that! In all honesty, the FSSA members should be verifying their own hearsay and rumors as well, but I haven’t seen much evidence of that on their side.
It is interesting to note that during all of my readings upon this subject, just how many blatant discrimination and true natures are showing through. For instance, some comments (when talking about the diversity on campus) stated that Gally was plenty diverse, with deaf, Deaf, hard of hearing, and yes, even CI’s…..I personally have a CI, and to be include as a grudging member does not sit well with me at all. Most folks seem to forget that when I take off my CI, I’m as deaf as anyone. No different from your regular hearing aids.
I digress obviously, but my point is I really do respect and admire you guys for being honest. Don’t take all of these divisive comments to heart….
Repeating post from other page:
The time is? Now. Who’s willing to make the protest a cohensive unit? Everyone. The message is what? Unity for Gallaudet, end the corruption. What do we want? (make list here)
*These are concrete and important components to making this whole thing work. The longer we stay divisive the bigger the problem will get. One voice, one message. The solution can be found. I beseech all of you to make it work.
Oooh, relying on James Fernandes as the source? NOW it makes sense.
R-
Once again, I’d suggest focusing on the integrity of your own blog.
Didn’t I see you shoot Barry of Deaf Digest down for some reason or other and tell him to “go back to his corner?”
Yeah. Go back to your corner.
Ricky’s own blog (ridorlive) has already attributed malice, and motivation (their desire to defame) and declared that the Kaftans “simply lied”. Little Ricky also claimed that he verifies all information on his site. Has he verified the Kaftans’ motivations, and determined that they “simply lied”? No, I didn’t think so.
This is amusing. This is further proof how disconnected deaf people are from the world that they can’t consider anything else but how “deaf” are you. World War III is right around the corner. It will start as a limited nuclear exchange, but the resulting fallout, along with the economic collapse from having no more oil will result in the systemic destruction of society not to mention widespread starvation. Will anyone give a darn how deaf you are then? You will be the first ones to be killed and eaten because it’s easy to sneak up behind a deaf person.
Don’t you realize the nation form their opinion of us based on what YOU KAFTANS wrote? You just had to go ahead and tarnish our reputation by using that “unverified” source! (As a matter of fact, a lot of things in your blog are not verfied anyway so let’s not go there).
And you claim you support Gally FSSA? I just hope you guys don’t show your faces in Tent City.
what fricken difference does it make? the opinion was already set long before the Kaftans even posted anything.
I’ll be frank, what the Kaftans posted in the first entry of “shooting self in the foot” (oh the irony!) Was pretty much another example of how often many people on this campus fly off the hook and post something that will just make things worse. but hey… it’s their blog. in addition to that, I have to admit that the Kaftans have more “balls” than most of the student population in being modest enough to admit their mistakes and people are jumping all over them. pffft.. hypocrites.
oops forgot to check follow-up box.
Have you heard of the right to free speech? They made a mistake and admitted it. GET OVER IT! Again you don’t have to read their blogs–that was YOUR choice.
hey go get a helping of Ridor, i’m sure he can relax you. Oo
Hey, hey, hey, Gallaudetine… Let’s not resort to the blame game especially since you have at least one person in your camp with a National Enquirer-esque blog (starts with “R” and ends with “R” - guesses, anyone?). Anyway… Don’t be so quick to shred the Kaftans. They at least posted a follow-up while this unnamed individual has never posted a real retraction nor would he be willing to admit that his “sources” are verifiable or even real.
Plus… Do you recall a certain famous Xanga blog (begins with E) when she blared to the world that Gallaudet would be cutting off the electricity for Tent City? Last I checked (yesterday) there were still wires all over the place going from tent to tent. They seem to be enjoying electricity even as we type. Retraction anywhere? No.
Let’s go to the interpreter thing. Once again… that Xanga blared interpreters would be cut off from the “residents” of Tent City. Next thing we know, we get an email from Van Cleve saying that GIS is still operable and still providing interpreting services. See a retraction anywhere? No.
Those are just a few examples of people from your camp who don’t bother to post a follow-up. Don’t be so quick to shoot your foot off. Oh and um… your comment “Don’t you realize the nation form their opinion of us based on what YOU KAFTANS wrote?” Yeah. The world is also reading the National Enquirer blog from your camp and that Xanga. Hello? People believe half-truths over there.
Plus you missed the point of this follow-up… The point was - the Kaftans supported FSSA and saif in public they do and yet… you saw how many FSSA (who practices a “peaceful and non-violent” protest) attack the Kaftans for simply sharing their observations (the Fernandes household notwithstanding). They saw a person getting harrassed. They had trouble getting off campus on the day police were supposed to come, they reported a suspicious materialization of monies for GFA, and so on. Missed the point above there, didn’t you? Why are you attacking one of your own? What would be the point if you’re practicing “Unity?” Does “Unity” fit in your narrow-minded viewpoint that you reject anyone who doesn’t fit in your definition of unity?
I think you absolutely hit it on the nose here. Good points. I think this is what sets DeafDC.com apart from other sites, we do try for a modicum of journalistic integrity =)
To be honest with u guys. I have been trusting Adam’s integrity. I enjoy reading his entries. I know him personally. He’s one of the great journalists. I am disappointed that Kaftans didnt write so candidly.
RITer - I, too, agree that Adam is a wonderful blogger. The Kaftans are just as good as Adam. I’m not sure I understand your point about the Kaftans not writing “candidly.” Their post above indicates a candid approach. They followed up with one part of their last post. Are you completely disregarding the entire point of their last and current post?
Pippin and Cox,
You both are very much entitled to your opinion. :)
As for me, I just find it very interesting that both the Kaftans were the former Editor in Chiefs of Buff and Blue and are very familiar with the rules when it comes to writing based on observations and sources they acquire, etc. For that reason alone, I have come to expect greater things from them.
(I love Deafdc.com because of its prestige and group of excellent writers! As for ridorlive.com and xanga.com – well, unlike Deafdc.com, they keep us updated nearly every hour of the day, so therefore they cannot be expected to fact check their sources and facts all the time. The bloggers of Deafdc.com are different because they have TIME to analyze facts and produce opinions, then post it on their Web site.)
Anyway, in this case, I didn’t. It is difficult to accept the fact that they endorsed their support for the FSSA and at the same time made a mockery of them. It is OK to comment on things that happened during the protest. They just can’t expect us to smooth-sail through this!
As you know, there were protests in the history that are more violent than this that produced results! We have a dream and that is to ensure the selection process is fair and the president is an effective leader of our community.
Because of the fact that Deafdc.com is popular, readers read and take the Kaftans very seriously. For that reason, Kaftans, being former Gallaudetians themselves, just made it slightly harder for us to get our message out.
P.S. I apologize for the first blog I wrote, it wasn’t well thought out. I hope that by submitting this blog, it would help clarify my position on Kaftans’ recent blog. Thanks! :)
G- So you do admit FSSA’s bloggers are prone to weak fact-checking because of “time?” (refer to your comment that “The bloggers of Deafdc.com are different because they have TIME to analyze facts and produce opinions, then post it on their Web site.” It appears to me that these other bloggers have all the time in the world to post because they post what seems like every hour on the hour. You’d think they would be interested in strict fact-checking to make thir case for the protest much stronger? Why would E or R blog about something that’s questionable? Plus FSSA has sent out letters in the past telling people to “read Elisa and Ridor” about the protest and what’s happening. That, to me, sounds a heck of a lot like the organization is putting a lot of faith for people who “don’t have time” to fact check their sources.
Notice how the Deafdc.com bloggers tend to submit entries a couple of hours after (or before the announcement of an event) the incident occurred. Unlike Deafdc.com, the FSSA bloggers are trying their best to keep the public informed on what’s happening in Tent City and elsewhere. They usually go back to the entries already submitted and clarify things. As for ridorlive.com, well – that dude is famous for malice, gossips (and for good laughs!) and etc. And he KNOWS it. A big difference there.
And I stress that this is just my opinion/observation.
Umm… hookay. Anyone bother to tell Ridor he’s a joke?
That’s what concerns me about FSSA. They endorse people like Ridor, and well… Hearing people will read his blog and go, what the heck?!
It’s hurting FSSA’s casue. Oh well. And Ridor doesn’t care what you say to him. As long people read his blog, he’s happy.
As Madonna once said, bad pr means free pr. Oh well… come to think of it, you have to give credit to Elisa and Ridor for being on site and cover these events then blog all about it on-line every day. Besides Deafdc.com (mostly one sided view and severely congested with protest bashers), Elisa and Ridor are the ones who drew attention and relayed information directly from the heart of Tent City. I haven’t seen anyone else devote their time blogging about these events. I don’t see you guys doing that. I can’t neither, for I am far away. So…
Deaf Pundit, I had to laugh at your comment, “Hearing people will read his blog and go, what the heck?! It’s hurting FSSA’s casue.” I DISAGREE with you. Ridor is doing a fantastic job with his reporting. His web site is linked to practically everywhere out in the Internet. He is, in fact, IN ACTION AT the Tent City and AT the meetings. Where are you all NOW??? You are not THERE in person to witness what’s going on, listen to what’s discussed at the meetings, and get feedback from the protestors and FSSA. Frankly, I trust his web site more than I trust this DeafDC.com because all you do is bicker and whine. Speaking of whine, would you like some cheese? :-)
I think Ridor’s blog (as well as gallypreswatch, when it was running) are hurting the cause quite a bit actually.
P –
Trust me, Ridor is NOT helping the cause within the hearing world, at least within my part of the universe.
Pippin,
The text found in Elisa’s site did not claim that electricity WILL be cut off by the university, only that there were RUMORS of it being so. The site did not claim the above future counter-measure by the university as a FACT.
R- So why would they not follow up like the Kaftans did above? Throw that rumor out there on some blog and then neglect to follow up? What would be the point other than to create hysteria? The Kaftans, at the very least, investigated and posted their follow-up blog. Where’s Elisa’s or Ridor’s? You’re basically saying that it’s okay for Elisa or Ridor to blab about half-truths and rumors but it’s not okay for the Kaftans to follow up with a fact?
Pippin,
Both (Ridor and Elisa) have declared whether a rumor is actually true or not, I think you missed it but I dont blame you, its hard to keep track (a full time job in itself!). Ridor would, usually, use blue strikethroughs to “cancel” the incorrect statements or words, and Elisa, normally, would post an updated post.
Wait a min. Actually, Gallaudet did cut the electricity off between the line from Tent City to Tower Clock and the sign board facing the Florida Avenue.
the students improvised and turned the electricity towards Fowler Hall.
And it was verified and confirmed. But we do not see the need to advertise that, though.
What next? Trying to dissect my facts?
R-
Hey Pippin! I read Elisa’s blog a lot. Yes, she did say those things (electricity and interpreters), but she did quickly correct the information as soon as she found out that those rumors were false. She was only passing on the information from people. Back off and leave her alone!
JBH–I’m SO SORRY–this was intended for Jane and I put it in the wrong box… So this is really for Jane’s blog.
Again my deepest apologies to JBH.
HAHA i Just read this LOL… i’m sorry, please ignore my comment =P sometimes blogging can be fun. =D
I have known R…R for a long time. Trust me, he likes to twist everything and is insensitive. R…RLive.com’s website quotation said it all (Observe But Do Not Interfere). He’s Mr Scrooge of Deaf Community waiting for three ghosts to visit him.
why don’t YOU give him a fat lip and clothsline him? save us all the trouble. =)heh
R…R’s Friend, you are R…R’s FRIEND? You speak in negative terms; therefore, you are NOT his friend. Please don’t talk in tongues.
“Follow-Up To “Shooting Self in Foot” Post”
What an ironic expression! I think, you two shoot yourself in your foot. Haha!
Look at the big picture. Generally, when a president or a nominee is under siege, it is very probable that his or her security could be threatened. Do you know how easy it is to find out where you live and work through the Internet?
Surely, some of us would expect that a few students would think of “checking out” her place for the hell of it. It doesn’t matter if it was true or false because would you be surprised if it actually happened? No. Look what happened to Baldwin. Would you be surprised if Fernandes took some precautions in securing her residence when the protest happened? No, if she feels that if is absolutely necessary.
You don’t realize that there are several university presidents who have had their residences thrashed by angry students and faculties. Yes, it happens under extraordinary circumstances, but still it’s not surprising though.
So, cut some slack to the Kaftans. They’re articulate and intelligent students who made an EASY mistake. If you compare them to someone like Ridor whose babbling nonsense doesn’t amount to anything, I think they have more merit than many of us bloggers here.
*coughs* i have a lot i would like to say. however, since my respect for my sources, whom have requested to remain confidential, is enormous, i will not say many of the remarks that are just itching to burst out of me.
simply, as people who know me will confirm, i do have connections to very reliable sources within the administration and the faculty.
since i have some modicum of integrity as a journalist, unlike some *cough* I will just shut up now. you can crucify me or the kaftans, i really could care less.
now, to take the words of the brilliant and hilarious ridor, you all can go back to your corners.
Sure, Jane. Go back to your corner and drink some Nyquil. Maybe that’ll help with your cough.
you support the infallicies of Ridor?
hmmm…..
(throws out all benefit of the doubt for jane)
hey there!
jane jonas is a close friend of mine and i feel the need to stick up for her. she is a journalist with an incredible amount of integrity, who has contributed countless hours to documenting this protest, without nary a word of praise. she did an interview with jane fernandes that answered a lot of our questions. she has taken great pictures of the protest, and helped out with the FSSA media in many ways small and big. Behind the scenes is how you would describe her. I would very strongly doubt that she would fabricate anything or anything of that manner.
she has been one of the strongest advocates for free speech and social justice that i have ever seen, inside or outside of gallaudet. even if she’s a little wild, sarcastic, and frequently “disrespectful,” she is going to be one of the BIG names in the deaf community. behind that somewhat disheveled appearance hides a razor-sharp wit and a brilliant mind. you should think twice before you badmouth her. it will come back to bite you in the ass.
Changing your story does not amount to “journalistic integrity” as Jane Jonas has done so (Texting Fernandes and getting a reply, Texting Fernandes and getting no reply). Now it seems that her experience with Jane was pleasureable according to you.
If Jane Jonas has such ‘an incredible amount of integrity,’ then why don’t you ask her why she was fired from the buff n blue? If I remember right, it had something to do with plagiarism. *gasp*
Notice how the Deafdc.com bloggers tend to submit entries a couple of hours after (or before the announcement of an event) the incident occurred. Unlike Deafdc.com, the FSSA bloggers are trying their best to keep the public informed on what’s happening in Tent City and elsewhere. They usually go back to the entries already submitted and clarify things. As for ridorlive.com, well – that dude is famous for malice, gossips (and for good laughs!) and etc. And he KNOWS it. A big difference there.
And I stress that this is just my opinion/observation.
Oops, I meant to reply to Pippin’s comment to mine. Sorry about that, folks! :)
Oh yeah - that’s so wonderful. You all non-DeafDC.com bloggers have more edge in journalistic integrity just because you’re more quicker on reporting and clarifying the latest news. Bravo. I’m really proud of you all.
Threats made against JKF in video! Did anyone see the CSD video on JoeyBaer’s website this morning? one of the three people in the CSD video made a threat against JKF, did anyone copy this? this should go to the police! and it came from WEST coast and it was promoted by Joey Baer and FSSA! I witnessed this… did any witness this? I cannot believe that Joey would post a threat on his website and allow someone to do this! Is this a peaceful protest? NOT! He took down the CSD video just hours ago! Someone must have caught it!
I watched the video twice myself — kinda boring, since not much of substance was said. No threats, but there was a big editing chop between the boy and the girl who came after him. Mostly the students just asked questions about JK’s ability to lead. nothing new.
It’s not the video with the CSD students. It was a video with 2 women and a man. That’s what was reported anyway.
reported? so you haven’t see it yourself?
No I haven’t seen it for myself. I don’t like Joey Baer’s website.
And the comments about the threats in the video can be found in the comments on Elisa’s post about the BoT visiting Tent City.
Whoa!! Wait a minute, RonSign! Joey Baer was HERE in DC when that video was produced and posted in California. Word got to Joey, he checked the video, and had it pulled off. Sheesh, RonSign, control your emotions!!
I personally saw the video with two men and a woman in it. I saw nothing wrong with that man’s comments. He was NOT threatening. He was only making STRONG suggestions that JKF resigns, period. I guess each individual has his/her own perspective as to how this man presents his message. You all are taking this out of proportion!!
Let’s be clear, these aren’t really “men and women”, they are high school students.
What threat? there was no threat made on JK… It was a passionate plea for JK to resign from gallaudet. Pretty much repeated what everyone else is saying. Quit making false claims…I felt the other 2 clips were important to remain on Joey’s blog. It’s expensive to maintain a streaming video website.
Check out the comments on Elisa’s Xanga site. They talked about the threat. And they’re definitely pro-Fernandes.
Needless to say, I hope the police are investigating this accusation.
SEVERAL people have commented that the boy’s statements were inappropriate for the Vlog.
Don t see anything on Elisa’s site. Doesn’t seem to be updated since yesterday…
Unfortunately, the resignation of CM Baldwin will be associated forever with West Coast, we are not accusing anything. In fact, it was published in the FSSA website. Looks like the West Coast shot themselves in the foot. So much for producing videos.
Mississippi,
How many times did the east coast peeps shoot themselves in their foot? Look, we’re in a blog world where everyone shoots themselves in their foot a couple times. You’re nuts to categorize west coast as whole on an unconfirmed rumor. In fact, CSDF has been very supportitative of CMBaldwin ever since she came back from Gally. She’s moving on with her life…
I’m still catching up with events (have been out of town for a week), so forgive me if I