Barry Crimmins : Political Satirist

Reseed

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Al Giordano has moved The Field to greener pastures, where it will be untainted by the censorship and cowardice of mainstream political hacks. I couldn't be more pleased.

A fallow Field will now feature Dem Party careerist Tracy Russo's safe views. (Safe, that is, for the status quo.) Several weeks back, Ms. Russo's work was moved off the Field and into isolation on the aptly titled "Back Forty" to protect her from further embarrassment brought on by unavoidable comparisons between her weak efforts and Giordano's sharp insights. Almost no one wasted the energy it took to click over to continue to read her pap.

The original host of the Field, Rural Votes, has failed to post anything about the cataclysmic turn of events on the blog that Al made into the biggest success story of online punditry in the 2008 election cycle. Within days of its startup, tens of thousands of daily readers found the Field. Among those readers was every other credible commentator on this year's presidential race. Now Al vanishes and Rural Votes doesn't expect anyone to ask any questions? What do they think we are? Scared corporate employees hoping to hang on after a misguided shakeup? Al Giordano made the Field great and helped Rural Votes in the process. Rural Votes has responded with all the tact and ethics of a Central American death squad.

Predictably, Al's readership has followed him to his new location. The only problem that remains is making sure that Al's original hosts at ruralvotes do the right thing and cough up the
funds raised from HIS readers to send Al to Denver. They should also rename their now filleted blog. I trust they will do these things as a matter of good faith and not simply because the entire internet will cave in on them should they make the wrong choice.

I'll be watching.

Barry Crimmins

PS --If you appreciate Al's work, this would be a great time to make a donation to The Fund For Authentic Journalism. It funds Al's indispensable Narco News and the Narcosphere, the new host of the Field.

UPDATE: I have heard from Deb Kozikowski of Rural Votes and she says they will issue refunds to those who contributed for Al's trip to the Dem Denver Convention (those, that is, who request refunds). But that leaves many logistical problems-- Al's readers want him there. The reason the money was raised when it was, was because accommodations are very tight in Denver. Even if Al can get something else, it's likely it will cost a lot more money. So some sort of reasonable compromise needs to be reached.

At the time the funds were raised, everyone was acting in good faith. Good faith certainly should be put back to work to straighten this out and make sure Al ends up in Denver where dozens of people tried to send him.

last updated Wednesday, June 18, 2008 4:47 PM

COMMENT ON THIS

Mr. MieTuesday, June 17th 2008 2:01AM

I'll just add that not only di he gain over 5 grand from The Field's readership to go to the convention, he's been credentialed as well.

Thanks for thatMonday, June 16th 2008 11:00PM

I'm totally confused by what happened, can't figure it out from Al's post at his new home, and the old site said not a word. That's very odd, and disrespectful to their readers.

I agree on the money thing. My very first (small) contribution was small, but entirely meant to send Al to Denver. Why can't they simply pay for the trip that way? At minimum, I hope he can keep his reservation, and use the money raised to attend the Convention on our behalf.

ravenwindMonday, June 16th 2008 6:16PM

Well, my old eyes bolixed up the spambot filter phrase. Too tired to rewrite my comment, tho. Glad Al's back and the Alinsky post as well.

ADD YOUR COMMENT

John A. Joslin ( Detroit)Monday, June 16th 2008 1:10PM

Thanks for the timely heads -up on the authentic " Field's" new location !!

Now that an unprecedented ton of creative political heavy lifting has been done by young, hard-working ,smart folks & some wide-awake intelligent elders as well... it looks like the sleepwalking slug division of ye olde misnamed Democratic Party , loyal hack wing , has received its Slithering orders . Not to mention its Smothering instructions ... as in anything or anyone that looks like it's alive, kicking, and still possessed of hope.

Keep the hack/slime alert bulletins coming, Barry. I know Al Giordano will.

- J.Joslin ,( union construction worker in Detroit )

Mary in SeattleMonday, June 16th 2008 9:23AM

Since you're in contact with Deb, please tell her some Field Hands want to know why Rural Votes is not explaining with a banner or link on the site (1) that Al is no longer writing at their site, and where he is writing, and (2) that donations to Al's Denver trip will be fully refunded to the donor if requested.

I'm kind of amazed at the lack of class and lack of maturity Deb and Rural Votes is evidencing. Even comments on the current posts explaining where Al is are deleted (mine was in response to another's "Where is Al?" post).

LisaSunday, June 15th 2008 9:50PM

Quite agree. Especially if previous funds (April 30th) were used to secure that room.

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LisaSunday, June 15th 2008 8:27PM

I got an e:mail from Deb suggesting that Al's hotel room at the convention is already paid for...

The question is: will Al ends up in that room? They raised a lot of money to "send Al to Denver." And they raised a lot of money to "keep Al writing." If they spin things to make it seem like they are somehow restricted from using the funds raised in Al's name for the purpose intended, a lot of people are going to be very upset.
Barry

Mary in SeattleSunday, June 15th 2008 1:43PM

Thanks for keeping on top of this. I was a regular Field reader and have made a small recurring donation to the Fund for Authentic Journalism.

I wish Rural Votes would consider putting a link to Al's new location. Instead, when you go there it's like he never was, and comments with the redirection are also gone. Unfortunate way to handle it. (And I so agree about Tracy's writing!)

LisaSunday, June 15th 2008 1:04PM

Have stopped Denver and monthly dontaion to Rural Votes via American Express. Apparently, funds are not being directed to Al. Refund promises are sketchy. Very disappointing. Would have liked to support Rural Votes but they are coming up short on some "easy ones."

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JoySunday, June 15th 2008 11:33AM

Thanks Barry. I wondered where Al went. What a pissy thing to do. Supposedly if you write to the ombudsman you'll get a refund, but she's not giving the money to Al directly. I didn't see the original post there nor was I aware one had been censored. I wonder if Deb thought Al was getting too edgy - one of his best traits as far as I am concerned. Glad you are feeling better.

E. DuvertSunday, June 15th 2008 9:47AM

Thanks, Barry. I read your posts because Al recommends them. Otherwise, I'd probably still be wondering where Al was.