New Year, New Rules: Newspapers Start Reporting Corruption

To be worthy of the term newspaper, one must report news. On January 6th, a week after the poll ended, the recorded finally revealed that the biggest story of 2014 was the special prosecutor in Michelle O'Connell's case, followed by the election of Mayor Nancy Shaver, who defeated JOSPEH LESTER BOLES, Jr.

"Ideas have consequences." So said my Georgetown University Political Theory Professor, Jose Sorzano, self-described "crazy Cuban" who served as Deputy UN Ambassador under Ambassador Jeanne Kirpatrick and President Ronald Wilson Reagan.

"Ideas have consequences." The idea that you could coverup domestic violence, coverup the shooting of a Sheriff deputy's girlfriend and hold on to political power as the Sheriff of St. Johns County does not work. Sheriff DAVID BERNARD SHOAR must be investigated, indicted, prosecuted, convicted and removed from office if he is guilty of obstruction of justice. Likewise, Deputy Sheriff JEREMY BANKS be investigated, indicted, prosecuted, convicted and removed from office if he is guilty of obstruction of the September 2, 2010 shooting death of Michelle O'Connell.

"Ideas have consequences." Too many local public officials and clergymen have given fawning obeisance to Sheriff DAVID BERNARD SHOAR, shockingly supping with the Sheriff at monthly meetings of the Christian Marketplace, dedicated to proselytizing in government workplaces. Anyone who thinks they will be re-elected in 2016 by standing next to Sheriff Shoar needs their conscience and their head examined.

"Ideas have consequences." The idea that you kiss up to developers and their pet Sheriff while betraying your readers and ignoring a family's demand for justice is untenable. St. Augustine and St. Johns County deserve a newspaper.

The St. Augustine Record is unworthy of the name.

"Ideas have consequences." The Record is guilty, guilty, guilty.

"Ideas have consequences." The Record is guilty of having fired experienced reporters, spiked too many stories, stiffed too many readers' columns out of spite, and tilted the news in favor of crooks owners and controllers. My friend J.D. Pleasant says "if you want something covered up, tell the St. Augustine Record."

What's next? You tell me!
Ed Slavin
Box 3084
St. Augustine, Florida 32085-3084
904-377-4998