“August: Osage County” is a hit

David Arnett

When the New York Times theater reviewers rave – life is good for any author and pride explodes in family and friends back home.  Such was the case as Barbara Santee wrote to the Oklahoma Women’s Network Blog about her cousin Billie Letts, author of “Where the Heart is” and Billie’s son Tracy. 
Tracy Letts has written a new play called “August: Osage County” that opened early this month in New York.  One of his previous plays was nominated for a Pulitzer several years ago and Barbara expects this play to go to London in the spring.  She attended the opening and reports, “It was one of the most thrilling events of my life.  There were celebrities, poparazzi, the whole shooting match, and a great after-party as we waited for the reviews.” 
NY Times writer Charles Isherwood loved the play and wrote so in glowing terms saying, “Its theater that continually keeps you hooked with shocks, surprises and delights, although it has a moving, heart-sore core.  Watching it is like sitting at home on a rainy night, greedily devouring two, three, four episodes of your favorite series in a row on DVR or DVD.  You will leave the Imperial Theater emotionally wrung out and exhausted from laughing, but you may still find yourself hungry for more.”

Isherwood notes that the play is set in “Pawhuska, near Tulsa” again proving to community critics that Tulsa is a regional city – recognized as such by national media.  He described the play’s premier as one that “blazed open.” 
The full review follows as first published in the New York Times.
December 5, 2007
THEATER REVIEW ‘AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY’

Mama Doesn’t Feel Well, but Everyone Else Will Feel Much Worse

By CHARLES ISHERWOOD

All happy families are alike, Tolstoy told us, and each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. But I’d bet the farm that no family has ever been as unhappy in as many ways — and to such sensationally entertaining effect — as the Westons of “August: Osage County,” the new play by Tracy Letts that blazed open last night at the Imperial Theater.

A fraught, densely plotted saga of an Oklahoma clan in a state of near-apocalyptic meltdown, “August” is probably the most exciting new American play Broadway has seen in years. Oh, forget probably: It is, flat-out, no asterisks and without qualifications, the most exciting new American play Broadway has seen in years. Fiercely funny and bitingly sad, this turbo-charged tragicomedy — which spans three acts and more than three blissful hours — doesn’t just jump-start the fall theater season, recently stalled when the stagehands went on strike. “August” throws it instantaneously into high gear.

Mr. Letts, hitherto best known as the author of the crafty, blood-soaked genre pieces “Killer Joe” and “Bug,” somehow finds fresh sources of insight, humor and anguish in seemingly worn-to-the-stump material: the dysfunctional dynamics of the American family. In “August: Osage County” can be heard echoes of other classic dramas about the strangling grip of blood ties — from Eugene O’Neill’s “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” to Sam Shepard’s “Buried Child” — but Mr. Letts infuses his dark drama with potent energies derived from two more populist forms of American entertainment. The play has the zip and zingy humor of classic television situation comedy and the absorbing narrative propulsion of a juicy soap opera, too.

In other words, this isn’t theater-that’s-good-for-you theater. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that, to quote an immortal line from a beloved sitcom.) It’s theater that continually keeps you hooked with shocks, surprises and delights, although it has a moving, heart-sore core. Watching it is like sitting at home on a rainy night, greedily devouring two, three, four episodes of your favorite series in a row on DVR or DVD. You will leave the Imperial Theater emotionally wrung out and exhausted from laughing, but you may still find yourself hungry for more.

“August” was first staged over the summer at the Steppenwolf Theater Company in Chicago. That production, with a terrific cast superbly directed by Anna D. Shapiro, has been imported virtually wholesale for the Broadway run. Among the many pleasures the show affords is the chance to see actors largely unknown in New York — perhaps, most vitally, Deanna Dunagan, who plays an evil mom to end them all — take the city by storm with the harsh humor, ferocity and keen feeling of their performances.

Ms. Dunagan is Violet Weston, the razor-tongued matriarch of a family from Pawhuska, near Tulsa. Early on in the play, Violet’s husband of more than 30 years, a poet and former professor, mysteriously — or perhaps not so mysteriously — walks off into a sultry summer night, never to be heard from again. (The exhausted paterfamilias, Beverly, played with lovely wit and rue by the playwright’s father, Dennis Letts, opens the play with a lyrical dirge assessing the state of his marriage: “My wife takes pills, and I drink,” he says. “That’s the bargain we’ve struck.”)

The couple’s three adult daughters are called back to the family homestead, husbands or boyfriends in tow, to comfort Mother in her time of need, and try to get to the bottom of Dad’s disappearance. (Todd Rosenthal designed the tiered, haunted-house set, artfully strewn with shadows by the lighting designer Ann G. Wrightson.) All three offspring exhibit clear indications of past, present or future emotional damage.

The mousy Ivy (Sally Murphy), who lives nearby and resents the responsibility she’s had to take for watching over the horror of her parents’ latter years, has never married, although she is secretly carrying on a love affair with her mousy first cousin, belittlingly known to the family as Little Charles (Ian Barford). Barbara (Amy Morton), the oldest and strongest of the daughters, well armored in savage humor, returns from Colorado with her newly estranged husband, Bill Fordham (Jeff Perry), and their sardonic, pot-smoking teenage daughter, Jean (Madeleine Martin). The youngest Weston girl, Karen (Mariann Mayberry), arrives later, from Florida, spouting self-help platitudes about her recently rehabilitated love life, and accompanied by her oily businessman fiancé, Steve (Brian Kerwin).

Surrounded though Violet is by her extended family — which also includes her abrasive sister, Mattie Fae (a howlingly funny Rondi Reed), and Mattie Fae’s henpecked husband, Charlie (Francis Guinan) — she does not really seem to be a woman in great need of succor and support. Yes, she’s got cancer of the mouth. And a serious addiction to downers. She is often self-medicated to the point of incoherence, and prone to childish hysterics when crossed.

But Violet also possesses a spirit of aggression that a pro linebacker would envy, and a sixth sense for finding and exploiting the sore spots and secret hurts of everyone around her. For Violet, a child of poverty, neglect and abuse, the will to endure is inextricably tied up with the desire to fight and the need to wound. She can keep the blood in her own veins flowing only by drawing blood from others. (The play could almost be called “My Mother the Vampire.”)

And so, needlessly, pointlessly and endlessly, Violet sets about psychologically flaying her nearest and dearest, one by one, taking impotent revenge for the miseries of her life by picking at the scabs of everyone else’s.

The results are as harrowing as they are hilarious. Ms. Dunagan is simply magnificent in this fabulously meaty role. Such is the mesmerizing power of her performance that as Violet’s snake eyes scan the horizon for a fresh victim, claw-hand dragging a Winston to her grimly set mouth, you may actually find yourself sinking in your seat, irrationally praying that she doesn’t pick on you. (I was cowering myself.)

The cast does not have a weak link, and the other major female roles, in particular, are rewarding and perfectly played. (Only Ms. Martin and Mr. Kerwin, both excellent, are new to the production.) Ms. Murphy’s sad-eyed Ivy has a plaintive tenderness that occasionally flares up into a defensive assertion of the justice of her needs. Ms. Mayberry makes Karen’s drawly, long-winded narcissism oddly touching — you sense she’s still recovering from a lifetime of being talked over or ignored.

Ms. Reed flaps and squawks hilariously as the vulgar Mattie Fae, who shares with her sister a brazen heedlessness of other people’s feelings. Perhaps finest of all is Ms. Morton’s Barbara, who gradually — and frightfully — begins to metamorphose before our eyes into a boozing, brutalizing mirror image of her mother.

Alcoholism, drug addiction, adultery, sexual misbehavior: The list of pathologies afflicting one or another of the Weston family is seemingly endless, and in some ways wearily familiar. But Mr. Letts’s antic recombination of soapy staples is so pop-artfully orchestrated that you never see the next curveball coming, and the play is so quotably funny I’d have a hard time winnowing favorite lines to a dozen. (Much of the “Greatest Generation” speech would definitely make the list.)

I’ll leave you with one that neatly expresses the bleak spirit of the play, which nevertheless manages to provide great pleasure by delving into deep wells of cruelty and pain. Recalling a night of youthful high spirits in sad contrast to the gruesome present, Barbara seeks to wise up her daughter to the decay of hope and happiness that often comes with the passage of time.

“Thank God we can’t tell the future,” she observes, “or we’d never get out of bed.”

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
By Tracy Letts; directed by Anna D. Shapiro; sets by Todd Rosenthal; costumes by Ana Kuzmanic; lighting by Ann G. Wrightson; sound by Richard Woodbury; music by David Singer; dramaturg, Edward Sobel. A Steppenwolf Theater Company production, presented by Jeffrey Richards, Jean Doumanian, Steve Traxler, Jerry Frankel, Ostar Productions, Jennifer Manocherian, the Weinstein Company, Debra Black/Daryl Roth, Ronald and Marc Frankel/Barbara Freitag and Rick Steiner/Staton Bell Group. At the Imperial Theater, 249 West 45th Street; (212) 239-6200. Through March 9. Running time: 3 hours 10 minutes.

WITH: Ian Barford (Little Charles), Deanna Dunagan (Violet Weston), Kimberly Guerrero (Johnna Monevata), Francis Guinan (Charlie Aiken), Brian Kerwin (Steve Heidebrecht), Dennis Letts (Beverly Weston), Madeleine Martin (Jean Fordham), Mariann Mayberry (Karen Weston), Amy Morton (Barbara Fordham), Sally Murphy (Ivy Weston), Jeff Perry (Bill Fordham), Rondi Reed (Mattie Fae Aiken) and Troy West (Sheriff Deon Gilbeau).

Sen. Inhofe on Senate Farm Bill and Defense Authorization Act

Staff Report

Friday U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.) released his commentary on votes regarding the Senate Farm Bill and, as the senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008.
“After listening to the needs of Oklahoma’s agricultural community, I decided to vote in favor of the Senate Farm Bill,” Inhofe said.  “The Senate Farm Bill maintains a strong safety net for the farmers and ranchers of America who provide us with the safest and most abundant food supply in the world. Thankfully, numerous proposals were defeated during debate of the bill that would have undermined this safety net.
“I am pleased that the Senate adopted necessary and modernizing reforms within the Farm Bill.  It also reauthorized and strengthened rural development programs that continue to promote rural economic development across Oklahoma.”

“One important provision in the Senate bill provides transitional assistance to farmers to produce bioenergy crops, an issue Congressman Frank Lucas and I have worked together to accomplish.  While Oklahoma has long been a leader in oil and natural gas production, we are quickly emerging as a leader in the field of cellulosic biofuels.  Today, world-class scientists and farmers across Oklahoma are working to develop high-yield feedstocks to fuel cellulosic biorefineries.
“I am particularly pleased that the Senate Farm Bill includes two provisions addressing poultry waste, one of the most pressing issues facing Oklahoma agriculture.  Specifically, this bill includes my amendment authorizing the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to establish a ‘Poultry Sustainability Research Council’ aimed at identifying new ways to address poultry waste.  The Council will focus on the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of the industry.  During a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, of which I am the Ranking Republican, Oklahoma State University Professor Mike Dicks testified about the need to harness the potential of this resource, rather than treating it simply as a waste.  There is great promise in creating energy from animal waste, and my amendment will ensure we pursue all options for utilizing this by-product.
“Likewise, I am also pleased the Senate Farm Bill designates, at my request, the Illinois River Watershed as one of the priority areas for regional water programs.  Such a designation makes the watershed eligible for coordinating various USDA conservation initiatives to work together to address the needs of northeastern Oklahoma.
“I look forward to a quick resolution between the House and Senate bills so that farmers and ranchers can begin the New Year with the certainty of a federal farm policy.”
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT

“Providing for our national defense is one of the most important roles of our federal government,” Senator Inhofe said. “In order to maintain the world’s most formidable military, we must provide it with the best resources, support, and technology.  The threats we face in the world are varied and numerous, and we must have the best of everything to ensure our security.

“Providing for our national defense is one of the most important roles of our federal government,” Senator Inhofe said. “In order to maintain the world’s most formidable military, we must provide it with the best resources, support, and technology.  The threats we face in the world are varied and numerous, and we must have the best of everything to ensure our security.

“I am encouraged that the bill authorizes full funding of programs such as the F-22 Raptor, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the KC-X tanker program, and Future Combat Systems’ Non-Line of Sight Cannon which will be integrated in Elgin, Oklahoma.   However, I am concerned that funding for Future Combat Systems was cut by $205 million, delaying future research, development, and procurement of this vital system.  FCS is the Army’s first ground combat modernization program in 40 years and is the core of our Army’s transformation strategy. I am further encouraged that the bill authorizes a 3.5% across-the-board pay raise for all uniformed personnel, and prohibits increases in certain health care costs and insurance co-payments.
“I am also pleased that the controversial Kennedy hate-crimes amendment was pulled out of the bill during conference. It had no place in a defense authorization bill, and was wisely removed.
“While this bill authorizes $696.4 billion for FY08 national defense, the base budget for the Department of Defense of $507 billion still falls short of what is needed.  In the 1990s, the Department of Defense base budget dropped significantly as a percentage of the United States’ Gross Domestic Product. Historically, defense spending has averaged 5.7% of GDP, but today, it is hovering somewhere around 3.6%. Considering the challenges we are facing in the world today, we need a defense budget that is at least 5% of GDP.
“In the bill, Congress fully authorized funding for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, Congress has failed to appropriate this money, and we will soon begin seeing the repercussions of this decision. Just today it was reported that 100,000 civilian employees are due to receive furlough letters next week to free up funds for ongoing operations. This will seriously hamper U.S. efforts around the world. It is vital that Congress fund ongoing operations in the War on Terror before recessing this Christmas.”
 

Federal Emergency Declaration approved

Staff Reporter

Tuesday, 11 December 2007
Update: A warmer rain is melting ice Tuesday morning easing clean-up efforts slightly throughout NE Oklahoma. Forecasters predict rain throughout the day changing again to ice tonight as temperatures drop below freezing. Wednesday may not see much thaw with a projected high at 36 degrees.  Thursday may warm again, but rain with a chance of snow is predicted for Friday.  Click on the Tulsa Today weather link in the upper left navigation bar for the latest forecasts, radar and satellite images.

President George W. Bush has approved Oklahoma’s request for a Federal emergency declaration covering all 77 counties. The emergency declaration authorizes federal resources to assist state and local governments as they continue to respond to the ice storm.  Tulsa County has been especially hard hit. Over the last two days as ice storms caused power outages to more than 200,000 in the Tulsa area.

"This federal declaration will enable the city to better serve our citizens as we try to meet the most critical needs during this emergency," said Mayor Kathy Taylor. ‘Over the past two days I’ve been in contact with the governor and state officials. They have been instrumental in making sure this was prioritized due to the serious challenges faced by our citizens."

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush’s emergency disaster declaration issued for Oklahoma.

“Emergency” is any occasion or instance in which the president determines that federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts to save lives and protect property and public health and safety or to avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States.

Assistance for local governments can include as required:
•    Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
•    Initial FEMA-administered aid is limited to $5 million.  If limit is exceeded, the President reports on the nature and extent of continuing emergency assistance requirements to Congress before approving further federal aid.

How to Apply for Assistance:
•    Application procedures for local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 11 December 2007 )

Ice storm response

David Arnett

Monday, 10 December 2007
The ice storm that hit Tulsa Sunday evening like a crystal blanket is crushing the canopy of trees throughout the metropolitan area and the exploding wood is falling on power lines leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity,  In many cases homes are without heat in below freezing temperatures.  Many have sought shelter with friends and family and public services are responding.

City Police, Fire, Public Works and other departments are working overtime to deal with the tremendously high volume of calls for emergency assistance and for assistance with removing tree limbs that block streets and driveways.

Mayor Kathy Taylor, joined by the heads of several City departments and by representatives from Tulsa County, Tulsa City-County Health Department, EMSA, the Red Cross and other service agencies continue to work in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to direct responses as needed.

Thousands of calls have been made to the City’s 911 operators requesting police, fire, medical and other assistance.

Tulsa firefighters have responded to more than 50 structural fires since the storm began. One smoke-inhalation fatality was reported.  One traffic fatality, in which a vehicle struck a downed powerline and brought a power pole down on the vehicle, occurred Monday morning.

At 2 p.m., Tulsa police had 76 uniformed officers patrolling streets. They were assisted by 65 detectives, academy staff and recruits and other police officers taking calls and looking for hazardous situations.

Public Works had 30 crews removing tree debris and checking bridges and overpasses for ice.

“All agencies are working diligently to deal with the needs of citizens,” said Mayor Taylor. “We will continue to monitor weather conditions and to direct operations as long as needed from the EOC.”

“I want to urge everyone to be very cautious in coming days,” the mayor said.

The Mohawk Water Treatment Plant is without power. Output has been increased at the A.B. Jewell Water Treatment Plant, but Tulsans are being asked to conserve water and use it only for necessary purposes until full power is restored at all treatment plants.

PSO is working to restore power to all hospitals and water and sewer treatment plants. A PSO spokesman said he expects to have power restored at those critical places by the end of the day.

All flights were cancelled today at Tulsa International Airport which was without power. Power has now been restored at the airport buildings, but a regular flight schedule won’t resume until Tuesday. Passengers are urged to contact their individual carriers to inquire about rescheduling.

SAFETY:

Officials offer the following advice:

Stay at home and inside your home. Trees and many active power lines are down throughout the Tulsa area. It is hazardous to travel right now.”

Do not touch any downed tree limbs or power lines. Do not attempt to remove limbs yet; trees and power lines are unstable and may fall. Stay away from fences – energized power lines could activate a fence line throughout a neighborhood.

If you must travel today, drive slowly and increase your stopping distance. Watch for downed trees and power lines across roads. Pack blankets, water, food items and a phone to take with you.

Traffic lights are out at many intersections. Some may not yet have temporary four-way stop signs positioned. Treat all intersections as a four-way stop. Stop, and look in all directions before cautiously proceeding through the intersection.

Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies only. Please do not hang up if you call, your call will be answered in the order in which it was received.

The Tulsa Police Department is on Operation Slick Streets. If you have a non-injury accident, do not call 911; police will not respond. Instead, exchange insurance information with the other driver and complete a accident report. Forms available at Tulsapolice.org or area QuikTrips.

Tulsa City-County Health Department would caution citizens to keep their refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food can spoil within 4-6 hours. More information about food safety can be found on the TCCHD website – www.tulsa-health.org.

POWER/SHELTER:

All major area hospitals except OSU Medical Center are operating on back-up power. AEP-PSO has prioritized restoring power to hospitals first. All hospitals are open at this time, but have canceled all elective surgeries. Some specific hospital units have encountered issues that have lessened capabilities.

The City’s Public Works Department has prioritized clearing arterial streets leading up to hospitals first. These include Utica Avenue (from 11th to 21st Streets), 21st Street (from Utica to Yale Avenues), Yale Avenue (from 21st to 71st Streets), 71st Street (from Yale to Memorial Avenues), Memorial Drive (from 71st to 91st Streets), 91st Street (from Memorial Drive to Highway 169).

Power was interrupted at most Tulsa-area hospitals Monday, but service was restored to all but St. John’s by mid-afternoon.  St. Johns was operating on backup generators.
All area hospitals anticipate the need for additional staffing resources throughout the week. All available employees are asked to call their respective units to provide staffing assistance. Please do NOT call the main hospital switchboards.
Chronically ill individuals who require oxygen at home need to contact their oxygen supplier for portable canisters and further assistance. It could take several days for power to be restored to all homes.
 
Do not seek shelter from the cold at area hospitals. Hospital resources must be reserved to care for sick and injured citizens. Seek shelter at one of the designated public shelters:
           
In Tulsa – the Salvation Army Day Center (102 N. Denver); First Baptist Church (403 S. Cincinnati);
In Collinsville, First Baptist Church (1301 W. Main)
In Sand Springs, Olivette Baptist Church (155 N. 65th West Avenue)
In Bixby, New Beginnings Baptist Church (4104 E. 151st)
In Owasso, Freedom Baptist Church (96th Street North & 177th East Avenue)
In Sapulpa, First Baptist Church (200 S. Elm.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

The Community Service Council’s 211 emergency assistance line is among those agencies whose phone service has been interrupted. For general information, citizens can call the Mayor’s Action Center at 596-2100.

To report downed power lines, call 888-218-3919.

To request removal of branches and trees in the street, call 596-9711.

To request Tulsa Transit LIFT service, call 625-8722.

Public safety resources are currently dedicated to managing weather-related emergencies and incident stabilization. Please refrain from contacting the Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa Fire Department, EMSA or the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office unless you have a true emergency. The Tulsa Police Department non-emergency number is 596-9977. The Tulsa Fire Department non-emergency number is 596-9222.

If you are interested or available to volunteer, contact the American Red Cross at 831-1100.

The National Weather Service reports that more freezing rain may be moving into the Tulsa area this afternoon.

Last Updated ( Monday, 10 December 2007 )

Bates better maybe, but not honest

David Arnett

Monday, 10 December 2007
Media Analysis:  The first thing taught in journalism schools and emphasized at Tulsa Today is to be truthful – in everything.  Make no mistake or omission of fact.  It is a media standard and the first point in the first section of the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics which declares that “Deliberate distortion is never permissible.”

So, should a “contributing writer” promote public financing and development of an industry without including within the article that it is his industry – his full-time salaried income – his private profit being promoted?  Is this something a self-proclaimed conservative leader fond of berating government handouts to private profiteers himself promote?  It appears Michael D. Bates did just that with his most recent prose in the local entertainment weekly, Urban Tulsa (UT) titled, “Even Better Than the Real Thing.”   

Sarah McCauley, a new writer with Tulsa Today, has worked with the McAlester News-Capital and was the only interested reporter in this most recent UT/Bates media ethics corruption example as staff reviewed the local publication file.  (One way we advance our journalism is to learn from plentiful bad examples and question every story published everywhere.)  McCauley made the calls and developed quotes for this review, but UT editorial staff refused to talk with her.  When news sources refuse to cooperate or other media insult our writers – the publisher finishes the piece no matter how tiresome.

Never known for quality journalism or cognitive coherency, UT has been described here previously as “mostly known for come-hither escort and dating advertisements and go-yonder entertainment listings” in a story July 2006 revealing that the same Michael D. Bates is a paid political vendor of campaign services for the same politicians he so often praises in UT.  (Click here for the full story.)

In UT’s December 6-12 edition, Michael D. Bates writes in glowing terms of simulation technology businesses in Tulsa without mentioning that he is employed by one and worked for years for another.  He promotes the industry as “national critical technology” and makes a good case that “Tulsa’s economic development gurus need to support and promote [the] city’s simulation technology industry.”

Bates ends with “For both companies and individuals, there are plenty of fascinating technical challenges to solve and a lot of real money to be made in simulating reality.”

Not bad and better than most of his writing and – as Bates simulates journalism – appropriate, but what is “real money” in this industry that makes it better than other money in other industries.  Could it be because it profits Michael D. Bates?

The story is printed in the opinion/editorial section which, former employees have told Tulsa Today, UT Editor/Publisher Keith Skrzypczak does not even read.  Close to a dozen calls to UT offices did not bring illumination on this ethics issue as no editor would take a call or return a message.  Michael D. Bates did not return calls to his cell phone.  Apparently nobody at UT will answer questions (something politicians should remember when UT calls them – what’s good for the goose is good for the gander).

A few quick calls documented that Bates once worked full-time for Flight Safety Simulation Systems – the first company on his list of those hailed for government subsidies.  Bates currently works for CymSTAR which he describes in his article as “a fast-growing small business, founded in 2003, that modifies existing military aircraft simulators and maintenance training devices to meet new training needs.”

Bates does not quote anyone in his article leaving some to question how UT editors could not know of his affiliations.  Regardless, Bates continues his long vendetta against all chambers of commerce.

“These businesses bring in tens of millions of dollars in new money into the Tulsa -area economy every year. Nevertheless, the simulation industry isn’t well known to Tulsans, probably because these companies are selling to customers everywhere but here. The executives of these businesses are focused on growing their own businesses and haven’t been players in chamber of commerce politics,” Bates wrote.

Apparently Michael D. Bates doesn’t know his former employer FlightSafety International is a current member of the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce.

Since Bates and the entire Urban Tulsa gang seem to have difficulties with journalism ethics, the following is the standard of the Society of Professional Journalists and provided for their enlightenment:

Preamble
Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society’s principles and standards of practice.

 Seek Truth and Report It
Journalists should be honest, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

Journalists should:
— Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error. Deliberate distortion is never permissible.
— Diligently seek out subjects of news stories to give them the opportunity to respond to allegations of wrongdoing.
— Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources’ reliability.
— Always question sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises.
— Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio, graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
— Never distort the content of news photos or video. Image enhancement for technical clarity is always permissible. Label montages and photo illustrations.
— Avoid misleading re-enactments or staged news events. If re-enactment is necessary to tell a story, label it.
— Avoid undercover or other surreptitious methods of gathering information except when traditional open methods will not yield information vital to the public. Use of such methods should be explained as part of the story
— Never plagiarize.
— Tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so.
— Examine their own cultural values and avoid imposing those values on others.
— Avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.
— Support the open exchange of views, even views they find repugnant.
— Give voice to the voiceless; official and unofficial sources of information can be equally valid.
— Distinguish between advocacy and news reporting. Analysis and commentary should be labeled and not misrepresent fact or context.
— Distinguish news from advertising and shun hybrids that blur the lines between the two.
— Recognize a special obligation to ensure that the public’s business is conducted in the open and that government records are open to inspection.

Minimize Harm
Ethical journalists treat sources, subjects and colleagues as human beings deserving of respect.

Journalists should:
— Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
— Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
— Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.
— Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.
— Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
— Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.
— Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
— Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed.

Act Independently
Journalists should be free of obligation to any interest other than the public’s right to know.

Journalists should:
—Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
— Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.
— Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.
— Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
— Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.
— Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.
— Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news.

Be Accountable
Journalists are accountable to their readers, listeners, viewers and each other.

Journalists should:
— Clarify and explain news coverage and invite dialogue with the public over journalistic conduct.
— Encourage the public to voice grievances against the news media.
— Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.
— Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.
— Abide by the same high standards to which they hold others.

Last Updated ( Monday, 10 December 2007 )