Better late than never: Franklinnow.com makes blogger's professional affiliation clear

Context is everything.

On more than one occasion - to his livid consternation - I've pointed out in this space that Franklinnow.com blogger Kevin Fischer is an employee of Republican state senator Mary Lazich. This important fact appeared nowhere in his bio atop the blog or in the longer "more about Kevin" page. It was conspicuously missing.

His day job, combined with his stints as fill-in host at local right wing talk station WISN, is arguably dependent upon his maintaining the party line and adhering to the talk points disseminated daily to Republican staffers and media spokespersons. Go against the Republican agenda in a posting or two? He'd likely be out of a job, and WISN would quickly lose his phone number when fill-ins are needed ("seeing both sides" doesn't play well on talk radio).

His employer, Republican State Senator Mary Lazich, wrote a letter in support of the Shoppes at Wyndham Village project (before seeing a final site plan); can Kevin Fischer - her legislative aide - possibly write in a critical or objective manner about that project?

I sent a note or two to NOW online editor Mark Maley pointing out the discrepancy; it is, after all, the responsibility of the publishing entity - in this case, the Franklinnow.com website - to avoid "omissions of convenience" such as the one on Mr. Fischer's blog.

I never got an answer until much later, when Mr. Maley asked if I'd consider blogging for Franklinnow.com. My reply:

I'm flattered that you've asked me to blog for FranklinNOW.com. I've been reading the blogs there daily. Marjorie Pagel, for instance, is quite a breath of fresh air, and it's been intriguing watching Greg Kowalski evolve. At his age, I was interested in little more than when the next Springsteen album was coming out.

This may strike you as misplaced "journalistic piety," but I remain very uncomfortable (as I mentioned in an email to you back in February) with the fact that Community Newspapers provides a venue to Kevin Fischer - - an employee of a Republican state senator and person who aspires to host a show on right wing-only WISN - - without clearly indicating who (and what) he works for. "He now works for the state of Wisconsin" is simply disingenuous, and people are led to believe that the dogma he trots out regularly is simply representative of a middle-aged guy who lives in Franklin. I have no problem with his right to write whatever he'd like or even call people names, but it should be made clear that he derives a paycheck from touting certain platitudes and advancing the programs of certain persons. Making his agenda clear via an honest bio line above the blog is the responsibility of the news organization that legitimizes his material by hosting his blog; the current bio appears to willfully ignore an 800-pound gorilla in the room. 

In contrast, Fred Keller's "eFishWrap," while idealistically consistent with Fischer's blog, seems to genuinely represent the viewpoints of "a 'regular guy' who is doing his best to be a good husband, father, and friend." I can certainly disagree with Fred, but I respect the fact that he is the genuine article.

So, realizing that you are not likely to correct Mr. Fischer's bio on my account, I will have to respectfully decline your offer. Thanks, however, for asking.

Best regards,

John Michlig

Frankly, I held out very little hope that the change would be made even though Mr. Maley said I'd raised a good point (irrespective of whether or not I'd agree to blog for him, I should add).

Yesterday I noted the following item added to Mr. Fischer's blog bio:

"Kevin, who is a legislative aide to state Sen. Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) ..."

It's only a dozen-or-so words, but they are words Kevin Fischer seemed loath to admit. (He even wrote in one entry "Another local blogger on a different web site likes to go after me and my profession" - -without mentioning his profession. Well played!)

This "don't mention my day job" thing seemed to be Mr. Fischer's Achilles heel - - it's "nasty and personal" to point out the way he makes a living. Is it because, like the educators he regularly comments upon, his paycheck comes from the taxpayers?

However, having it made plain at the top of his blog who and what he works for makes all the difference in the world. It provides the proper context for many of the positions he takes; the discerning reader now knows the relationship between his viewpoints and his livelihood. There is nothing wrong with that relationship as long as the "day job" is made clear. I'm grateful to Mr. Maley for making the change and thus improving accountability.

The shame of it is that, like Mr. Fischer, I'm a huge Elvis Presley fan (not to mention a product of 12 years of Catholic school). The impersonal, often hostile nature of blogging (I've fallen into the trap myself on occasion, I'm embarrassed to say) means Mr. Fischer has identified me as an enemy combatant to the extent that we seemingly cannot agree to disagree on certain issues (I'll abstain from the school district debate since my wife is a teacher) while swapping EP bootlegs, vintage 45s, and horrific nun anecdotes on the side.

If it means creating and maintaining a lively, productive give-and-take (particularly on Franklin city/community development issues) that stays away from vindictive attacks, this is my olive branch. Let's disagree or agree, explain why or why not, and see what comes out of it.

In the name of Elvis, who died too soon to deliver us from light jazz and J-lo ...

Comments

[illusory tenant]

Outstanding. Good on ya.

[Kevin Fischer]

John, I think hell just froze over.

For clarification purposes, there never was any conspiracy to keep my "day job" a secret on FranklinNow.com.

I certainly had no opposition to being more specific. As I told you in an e-mail many months ago, my affiliation with Senator Lazich is mentioned every week on my Channel 10 TV show, and I always mention it when I fill in at WISN. I am quite proud to work for my friend, colleague and state Senator. Most people know I work for the Senator.

My bio should have been changed a long time ago. I have no control over that portion of the blog.

Having said that, understand my blog is my blog. When I post and when I appear on radio or TV, I do so without the help or guidance of any talking points or coaching or whispers in my ear. My views and expressions and writings are mine and mine alone. Your readers need to know the entire story.

Finally, give the urban sprawl kick a rest once in awhile and blog about the King. You'll really get a great feeling out of writing about someone who touched your life.

[Greg Kowalski]

*** This comment violated the new "kinder, gentler" tone goal, and therefor deleted ***

[Ron Rady]

I didn’t know that free press or speech was based upon party affiliation. why hide what sould have no impact? could any one who belongs to any party hold any job for the government? oh thats everyone I forgot.

[John Michlig]

Kevin,

Water under the bridge.

As I noted, context is everything. Your recent blog entry "FRANKLIN'S TOP ISSUES-ISSUE #2," for instance, is illuminated by the reader's knowledge of your professional affiliation, the same way a column about global warming gains context when it's revealed that the writer is a member of Greenpeace.

There are things in your posting that I will disagree with or want to clarify, but there are also a few things with which I agree. My goal is to keep the debate crackling along without hard feelings.

COMMON GROUND DEPT.: Were this blog of broader scope - - I would have linked (as you did) to the excellent Peter Guralnick piece in the NYT regarding the misnomer of Elvis's "racism." Guralnick's two-volume bio of Elvis (split perfectly into the rise: "Last Train to Memphis"; and the fall; "Careless Love") are without peer.

I confess, however, that I read them backwards. The latter-day Elvis fascinates me. I listen to the 1974 "Desert Storm" live bootleg with mouth agape: He sings "You Gave Me a Mountain" - - which is basically about Priscilla and his daughter, who are in the audience - - and spends 5 minutes afterward telling the audience it's NOT about them.

Then, in the middle of a new song, not yet released at the time, "It's Midnight" ....

"Trying to be strong, then nighttime comes along and I start loving you,
Wanting you.
[aside]- - Listen 'Cilla - -
Where is all my self control I'm burning way down in my soul
And needing you,
and wishing I could be the man, I try to,
Hating me for wanting to be with you, knowing you don't love me like you used to ...
But it's midnight, oh and I miss you."

Wow. Frankly, The King regularly made a parody of studio gems like "Can't Help Loving You" onstage (he'd reel it off in double time or as a medley), but only a heart of stone could be unmoved by what Elvis reveals during that uncomfortable closing night performance at the Las Vegas Hilton.

I am now disturbed by the fact that, as of a few weeks ago, I am older than Elvis Presley ever was.

And, speaking of age, I should explain that the comment by Greg Kowalski that I used blogger's prerogative to delete was not anything despicable, but it did seem to me to be the sort of thing that would have benefited from a few moments' contemplation before hitting the "send" key. Greg, you are welcome to re-post if your urge persists.

I don't mean to be condescending to Greg, but I was 20 years old once. All I can say is I'm glad there was no internet back then to record my every impulsive outburst (or digital cameras to document my semi-mullet).

And now, back to our respective corners ...

[Kevin Fischer]

John, the latter day Elvis doesn't get enough credit.

Jumpsuited? Yes, but that was for comfort onstage. Presley's voice could handle any genre. The passion and heart he put into each vocal is unparalleled. After his divorce, he went into the studio and poured his heart out on, "Separate Ways," and "You Were Always on my MInd." People forget Elvis did it first, not Willie Nelson.

Elvis had everything, but he couldn't bring back what he wanted more than anything: his mother and Priscilla. Many songs he recorded late in his career dealt with the loss of a woman.

I'd actually like to get together some time and discuss your memories and collections. Maybe for coffee at one of the new Sendik's.

Joel McNally and I are at each other's throats every Friday on Channel 10. When the cameras go off, we're actually good friends.
(Sorry to spoil any wrestling-like story line, folks).

As for Greg, I, too have told him to be more patient and thoughtful before he sends off a testy blog or e-mail. Maybe he'll listen to you.

Thank you. Thank you very much.