STAR & HENDRICKS OWE FUNKHOUSER APOLOGY It is almost commonplace today for newspapers to decry the lack of civility in politic discussions. This is often done in response to conservative comments from individuals like Rush Limbaugh and others when it is felt they have crossed a line of civility in political discussions. In the case of the Kansas City Star, it now looks as if it is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Veteran Star columnist Mike Hendricks may have taken incivility to a new low with his ugly and personal comments regarding Kansas City Mayor Mark Funkhouser. In his column (10/20) Hendricks' referred to Funkhouser as having a "horse-face" and "having a face only a mother could love." It is common knowledge since Funkhouser's election that the Kansas City Star has gone from initially being somewhat supportive of his efforts as Mayor to outright hatred. In fact, the newspaper even retracted its original endorsement of him in what might have been a first in the long history of the paper. In fact, the Star has not just attacked the Mayor, but the Mayor's wife has routinely been fair game for ridicule. The newspaper's venom toward the pair almost knows no bounds of decency---or fairness. One can only imagine the response if the Star attacked former KCMO Mayors Kay Barnes or Emanuel Cleaver in such a personal and humiliating way. It is unthinkable that any other public figure would be ridiculed in the Star over his/her appearance. These are difficult times at KC's largest newspaper. Several layoffs the past few years have eliminated many quality reporters, columnists and copy editors. Hendricks himself was reduced to part-time status. By his nature, Hendricks is not generally a mean-spirited columnist. He is a proud liberal who is not afraid to stand up when he feels an injustice has been done. Most of his columns are light-hearted. However, when you know the people giving you your paycheck despise someone it might seem like a good idea to join in the attacks. Writing anything positive about the Mayor is not a wise move for journalists hoping to keep their jobs at the Star. No matter what the circumstance, Mike Hendricks crossed a line of civility and fairness in his column. It is fine to disagree with the Mayor about his policies, but mean-spirited personal remarks about his appearance have no business in a major newspaper. An apology to Mayor Funkhouser is in order. It is the right thing to do. Mayor Funkhouser told Bottom Line he will not respond to the personal name-calling. Hendricks has not responded whether he will apologize or not.
10-21-2010
NEWSPAPER CONDONES IT? "I am blown away that a newspaper would allow and condone personal attacks against Funkhouser. Yeah, I may not like him either. But it has NOTHING to do with the way he looks. "I don't like Zieman and Fanin, either ... but it has nothing do with both of them looking like sleezy used-car salesmen."
HENDRICKS TOLD TRUTH "You are wrong to try to call out Mike Hendricks as being uncivil to a sitting Mayor of Kansas City. Hendricks has every right to tell the truth. Mark is a silly man with a silly face. We now know that the best thing about Funkhouser is his odd face. Like Mike, I was hoping that Funkhouser was finally facing reality and would be announcing his decision to not seek a second term as Mayor. "Sir, where on this blog have you called out the mayor for his many rude temper tantrums. Specifically his press conference of Dec. 5, 2009 where he called the successful EEOC litigant a liar. "Newsmen in this town have given Funkhouser a pass all of these years as they chose to treat him in a dignified manner. They were respecting the Office of Mayor, while Funkhouser was making a foul nest of his position."
Thank You, Susan
MIKE CALLING SPADE A SPADE "Mike's just calling a spade a spade or in this case a horseface a horseface. Btw, Bottomline is not exactly a bastion of civility, couth or manners, let alone the standard bearer for love and grace. "I am also wondering when some newsie in this town is gonna ask the question that inquiring minds in K.C. are dying to hear the answer to, which is... How can you run for re-election when you have said many times that if the citizen satisfactions survey's are in the toilet, that you wouldn't run again and if you did, the citizens in this town should stop you? "I would also like to see all of the comments he made before the last election matched up to the reality of what he's done and said 3 years later." --- Phil
10-20-2010 HENDRICKS? "People still read Hendricks? His comments don't surprise me; they regularly are hate-laced leftist tripe."
LONG, DARK STREET "I think bloggers and the right wing media have lead traditional press down a long, dark street.Both the Star and the Pitch seem to be trying to outdo each other in tackiness.But I know a blogger in town who has definitely led the way.Maybe Mike should quit reading him."
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