Mastodawn

Algernon D'Ammassa Apr 19, 2023

A local defense attorney stopped by the #DemingHeadlight to chew the fat. He asked me why I write about "human trafficking charges" when the statute refers to alien smuggling.

Because I don't like calling people #aliens and avoid doing so.

I don't like referring to people as "#felons," either. I've committed misdemeanors, yet I'm not labeled a "misdemeanant" for life.

In #journalism, the way we write about these things makes an enormous difference, and people who hold power notice.

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Algernon D'Ammassa

I've been puzzled about the persistent disappointment that I'm not writing crime #blotters as in earlier days, naming everyone who got a DWI or committed some misdemeanor this week.

The city of #DemingNM and its police chief are so unhappy, the city is now producing its own blotter on its website, naming everyone.

My best guess is that there is a desire for extra-judicial punishment. Might not get a conviction, but we can shame them? I dunno, but that's my guess.