Kansas City Star columnist Yael T. Abouhalkah doesn't allow much criticism of his opinions online but a recent plea for financial help from Kansas City's biggest political donor for Crystal Williams was WAY OVER THE TOP and the guy needs to answer for using his paper as a fundraising tool.
Never mind that The Star hasn't provided many details about what Williams has done that qualifies her for the County . . . In one of the many silly "memos" to Yael has been writing . . .
THE KANSAS CITY STAR COLUMNIST COMES RIGHT OUT AND BEGS FOR MONEY TO SUPPORT THE FALTERING CRYSTAL WILLIAMS CAMPAIGN!!!
Now, very little about this race has qualified as news but The Star's financial shilling for Crystal Williams really is unprecedented.
It's not even a good sign given that at $2k a pop, Crystal's TV commercials kinda just make her look like a clueless old broad.
In time, I'll make my own endorsements but I really don't care what people do with their money. Furthermore, for as much as so-called "journalists" want to criticize bloggers for their lack of professionalism . . . Yael's online memos aren't citing any facts, they aren't going over qualifications, they're really just engaging with name calling without any substance like a run of the mill political hack . . . Even worse, Abouhalkah has simply turned the editorial page of a major Midwestern paper into nothing more than a negative political mailer begging for cash.
Here's the passage relating to his financial plea for help for Crystal Williams and advice for Mr. Peanut about his cash:
"It's sometimes necessary to keep your attention - and your money - focused on one election cycle at a time.
That means backing some winners in August of 2010 and then November of 2010 before getting to the KC mayoral contest."
And there it is: An employee of a major media corporation is asking for cash for a candidate from the biggest political donor in Kansas City. Could somebody, anybody tell me how this represents reform?
And while I like to criticize and note the imminent demise of The Star, what I often fail to mention is that this kind of amateur offering from Yael is exactly what is bringing about the demise of this town's paper-of-record.
Perfect illustration of how political donations are spent.
ReplyDeleteThat's a picture from a restroom in the White House, right?
ReplyDeleteIn this economy....reform today often means using the tactics of a power bully platform to fight over jobs that are at the discretion of the winner. Often, it has very little impact on solving the problems of the entire city as a whole...school districts, media, police departments, even the cable install business has suffered in this "no job" world... sad for all who are not connected...
ReplyDeleteAnyone wanna bet that the TKC endorsements lean decidedly to the Rizzo side of the slate?
ReplyDeleteI heartily applaud your decision to start endorsing candidates Tony- but also renew my plea that you make clear which candidates have, in any way, compensated you. That's fair...
I think that's reasonable. Any politico gives me cash (doubtful) and I'll make an announcement post AND any content on this blog that involves payment will be labeled as SPONSORED.
ReplyDeleteHowever, on the other hand, I don't really work for you d-bags and I'm not reporting anything less than $101 bucks (total) because that doesn't sway my opinion. This is mostly related to a free beer or two, a piece of chicken or cup of coffee I might get from time to time and I would feel rude rejecting over some stupid blog.
As always, I encourage most people to stop reading.
That was a really, good comment!
ReplyDeleteEncourage me all you want, I'll never stop reading TKC as long as you keep posting. I used to read the Star daily, until a few years back when a Star reporter sent me a TKC link-now I read TKC daily, and the Star-not so much. Byron's right-that was a really good comment!
ReplyDeleteShe is a lobbyist, Yael has been used what a idiot.
ReplyDeleteYael needs to make a better apology for giving us Mark Funkhouser at Mayor.
ReplyDeleteWilliams may have to report Yael's plea for money as an in-king (excuse, 'kind') contribution from The Star. I like the visual, Tony.
ReplyDeleteI think he should have to do a in kind for fundraising . Or even better the Star. What a douche bag.
ReplyDeleteYael has just been had big time. Welcome to street politics. Too bad we dont have someone to write a editorial on Yael.
ReplyDeleteTKC- thanks for responding! You're right- you don't work for us d-bags but your parameters show you've got integrity. (No matter what the haters say...) Disagree with you vehemently on illegal immigration but always enjoy this blog so you're stuck with one more reader...
ReplyDeleteanon 11:50
Crystal Williams went down for the money thats all i need to know.when you take there money you owe them. You cant serve the people of Jackson County and Jim Nutter plus Yael.
ReplyDeleteWilliams is a disgrace to progressive women.
ReplyDeleteI like Crystal clear , she is really working the System she got Nutter to pay her campaign expense and is saying on tv she is an advocate for children . I looked her up through ethics commission she is paid well for her services and sells to highest bidder. Thats reform
ReplyDeleteI love Tony's KC! And you go, Crystal - kick that corrupt bastard in his fucking balls. You have my vote.
ReplyDeleteI love the way people use the word corrupt , i guess taking 10000 for your seat is perfectly legal. You sold cheap Crystal. Crystals is the poster child for corrupt. SHE TOOK MONEY FOR SERVICES.
ReplyDeleteRizzo will lose. Boo hoo. Let's have a pity party with Arbanas very soon!
ReplyDeleteYael, Kc star, hypocrit. Why did the city allow the Star to expand their facility. What a joke that re-development proposal has been. The star is missing all their rosy projections on their contribution to the downtown revitalization. With employees at half or part time pay they cant afford to eat at P@L.
ReplyDeleteWe can thank Yael and the editorial board for The Co-mayors. They should stay out of politics.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Yael could be banished to the Raytown beat. Then maybe we would only hear from him once a quarter.
ReplyDeleteYael should be added to the lay off list. Please give my personal lobbyist money Daddy Jim. How pathetic.
ReplyDeleteIt's crystal clear, can't vote for anyone trying to buy an election. Canceling subscription to star today
ReplyDeleteYael Abouhalkah is the poorist excuse for a journalist the Star has. His paycheck must be small - otherwise the Star would have booted him long ago.
ReplyDelete9:06 is spot on.
ReplyDelete9:06 is spot on.
ReplyDelete