Have the PNJ--and Others that Possess Stolen County Files Unlawfully--- Committed a Felony?

 Today's hatchet piece in the PNJ was not entirely surprising to me.  They were named, along with two others, in the county's lawsuit over stolen county records.  They knew that the files they received were stolen.  They have been told the files have been manipulated.  They have published anyway.

The Judge in the case has called a hearing and it will come soon.  The Gannett lawyers assigned took great umbrage to this, according to what I have been told today from staff.

I'm told lawyers for Gannett have even actually called the county attorney's office in advance of the soon to occur court proceeding with BS garbage about why they are entitled to hang onto these un-redacted, stolen county files that contain personal identification information on five individuals or more. They are the "media"--that's why!

The problem for them is---nobody has been able to find a single exception to the Florida Statutes that speak to personal identification information being  possessed, unauthorized, by the "media".  

There isn't one.  

Gannett's lawyers probably know that, thus the first of what will be many hatchet jobs as they seek to maximize the damage they attempt to cause with the stolen, manipulated county property they possess unlawfully.

Here's what the relevant statute,  § 817.5685 , says.  No "exception" for media outlets so far as I can tell.

Meanwhile, the PNJ has been served with an order to show cause as the county's lawsuit for replevin and conversion regarding stolen county files is moving rapidly through Escambia's court system.  It is coming up quickly, scheduled for February 5th.

Discovery and depositions are coming--get ready!

Thus, it is not surprising to see their (PNJ's) hamfisted hatchet piece online today--where they once again place me in a false light with actual malice by snipping and cutting purported text messages from the stolen county file they have in their possession (that they know has been manipulated)--putting exchanges out of chronological order purposely and glossing over the fact I was telling anyone and everyone my plan to bring Perdido Key back to D1 once the board decided to rush through the redistricting in a shortened timeframe.  I said it directly to my peers on the board at the first workshop in September of 2021 in no uncertain terms---so  to attempt to convince readers I have acted unlawfully and violated the state's sunshine law by discussing something I had already stated at an open advertised meeting as well as on the radio prior to discussions with a citizen is preposterous and ridiculous.  

That assertion is wrong, and PNJ knows it. It's garbage rubbish and they know it.

These files are manipulated, they know this, too and again the chronological order of the conversations in their hit piece is changed by the PNJ.  On top of this fact--in order to make the reader believe unlawful, shady, unethical requests are being made---the reality of the situation is that in the timeline PNJ shared with the readers it is quickly apparent that before this particular text exchange happened I had already told all board members my intention----in public meeting(s)-----to go back to the year 2000 district lines again where Perdido Key was in District 1!!!!  I'd also discussed it on the radio and publicly at an advertised meeting.

I also did a blog post on this topic three weeks before the redistricting meeting on October 5th.

It wasn't a mystery--certainly not to the other board members.

They (PNJ) leave that out purposely and conveniently, put conjecture in, change the timeline, and add in opinions from ill-infomed individuals on the sunshine law to add "credibility" to their attack, and insinuate I have done something illegal.  It is all garbage though-- a false light attack with actual malice.

This is par for the course with them: they (PNJ) are throwing spaghetti at the wall--because they know that there is likely to be a temporary restraining order issued to curtail their selected release of stolen, manipulated, unverified, and unredacted county files that they and others possess unlawfully.

So they'll likely be priniting a raft of similar stories, based upon these stolen files, over the next several weeks ahead of a potential temporaty restraining order that will prevent them from continuing to publish stories based upon these stolen files--but will rather force them to acquire public records the proper way----by requesting them like everyone else has to do.

That all said, though----------- the most important development to come from PNJ's B.S. garbage pile hit-piece today is the news that yes, they, (PNJ) do indeed have a complete copy of my downloaded iPhone.  They admitted it by posting this picture:

Prior to this article and this picture being published by the PNJ today--there was some question as to whether or not a complete copy of my iphone had been stolen unredacted from the county's servers.

 Jonathan Owens clammed up when approached by investigators--although he has mentioned multiple times in the media that he has a "jump drive".  Others have lawyered up.  So nobody knew one way or the other for sure-------------------until today---------------that all of the phone backup files had been stolen and disseminated unlawfully.  Thanks, PNJ, for confirmation!  

There was suspicion, but not confirmation, until today.    

So that will be more good information to develop questions for the coming depositions in the civil trial where folks won't be able to "not answer."  Can't wait for that.

Meanwhile-- with today's publication of this picture  above (which I verified was on my original, unadulterated, unmanipulated download from the county this evening when I got home from work)---we now know that whomever it was that has possessed this file not only possessed it unlawfully but also at a Felony level due to the fact that the pictures on this file contain personal identification information on at least five individuals, as stipulated in Florida Statutes.

In addition to all of this, I am also aware now that others that possess this file have lied about it to authorities and there is compelling, new  information on this now being looked into by investigators.

The thing to remember is not to lie.  Tell the truth, or the truth will find you.

Lie to the FBI and all bets are off.  period.  That's a felony and they don't like being lied to.  And it doesn't matter what title you hold or what office you occupy.

Lie to the FBI ad it is a felony. Could be a career ender.

So don't do it.

Fight the Power! Part I: How Do You Fight a Goliath?

When attacked unfairly over and over---It becomes time to fight back!  How about starting out by depriving the attacker of about $100K yearly in revenue?  It's like Matt Damon's seminal question in Good Will Hunting..."Do you like Apples?.....How about them apples?!"

No, this post isn't about the Public Enemy song.  (It's more about this Kid Rock Song!, but not really)

It's actually about something far more important; it's about fighting against something that many locally perceive as a "Public Enemy."  Our only local daily print newspaper, the Pensacola News Journal.

Hypocritical, biased, and unprofessional.  Many have cancelled subscriptions, which is good, but that doesn't solve the problem.

The PNJ are hypocrites.  They allow an employee to remain---no they PROMOTE the employee----- who uses disgusting racial and misogynistic tropes---including the "N-Word"  in his cartoons.  Disgusting and unacceptable in 2021 that this goes on unabashed.  Others get cancelled, this guy gets a Gannett promotion and a syndicated cartoon!?!  See--it's all about the money for these folks.  More on that later in this post...

Is this sort of garbage acceptable in 2021?

The PNJ endorses the cartoonist's behavior and they simultaneously, incessantly bash others and report half-truths and incomplete information.  

Is this sort of garbage acceptable in 2021?

They selectively disallow certain folks and elected officials(like me lately) from submitting letters or viewpoints to clarify positions and correct the misreporting.  It's all about message control.

They do the bidding of powerful, local business intersts and allies and carry the water of these selected individuals by tailoring "news" pieces to the whims and desires of these folks--and then--insidiously--- they write editorials that are scathing and based on the very source articles that are inaccurate and present half-truths to demonize those opposed---particularly elected officials.  Kind of a nifty little trick they employ, right?  Nifty if you are not the victim of it.

But what's the PNJ's objective?  It appears that the objective is to marginalize the voices with whom they disagreee, and to "amplify" the topics of their selected patrons to a level that does not represent the community's level of interest.

A vote goes the way they don't want it?---they demonize those who made the vote until it is rescinded.

Want a change in the makeup of a board?--they jump on the bandwagon to oppose those they dislike--with unfair, inaccurate characterizations and hatchet job cartoons.

Can't control the vision and initiatives of a duly elected body?--amplify small numbers of voices that want governance models altered.  

Because now It's no longer about reporting the what, when, and where,-----the facts.  

No.  Now its more about shaping the message and social engineering.  

And more to the point---it's really, at the end of the day, all about three things:  Power, Control, and MONEY.

Gannett and PNJ purposely promote their cartoonist--the guy who uses the N-Word in his cartoons-- because he generates MONEY for their paper.  It's all about the money.  As if this isn't bad enough--they then do dozens and dozens of cartoons insinuating elected officials (with whom they disagree) are racists!  Talk about PROJECTION!  

We have African American employees in our organization---including an African American member of the Board.  We have a significant population of African Americans in our community.  It's disgusting, disappointing, and unacceptable that this form of racism is tolerated.  That's about to end.  I'm not going to tolerate it, I'm going on offense.

Andy Marlette of Gannett's PNJ says you can trust him:    ---he'd NEVER use the N-Word in a cartoon!  Who are you going to believe?  Him, or your own lyin' eyes?

So how do you deprive a GOLIATH in the community of what they love and covet above all else, MONEY--when they hold a MONOPOLY on the daily print media in a community? 

Easy:  Go after what they covet, money.

Escambia County spends as much as $100,000.00 yearly purchasing "Legal Ads" and notices, required by law, in the Pensacola News Journal.

As of the end of last month---we are cutting off this gravy-train income source the PNJ has enjoyed

Calling Your "N-Word" Using PNJ Gannett Cartoonist......

"N-Word" Using Andy Laughs at you, laughing all the way to the bank with the PNJ..  He'll patronize you and tell you to "Press "1" to leave a complaint.......Maybe they'll get back to you.  Probably not....Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha

Trussssssssst Andy Marlette: He's not a racisssssssssssst.......

Andy Marlette Uses the N-Word in his cartoon.  Fake news media and others allow it, and reward it..

"Diversity" at the PNJ?

This email (above)  was sent, unsolicited, to members of the BOCC Friday evening.  It mirrors the sentiment(s) I have heard from many area constituents.  I wonder if Gannett and Gate House Media realize that this is how their local affiliate, the Pensacola News Journal, is percieved by the community they serve?  Or the larger more ominous question is obvious:  If it is profitable---do they even care?

 

Late Friday evening, the members of the Escambia Board of County Commissioners received the email above.  It was ironic as I read it the following afternoon as I had heard earlier from another dissatisfied PNJ reader while I was playing tennis in Milton Saturday morning.  The individual on the court expressed a lot of the same frustrations that the email above describes.  I can't help but wonder if the PNJ (and more importantly their corporate handlers at Gannett and Gatehouse, realize this is how they are percevied by many in this conservative community?)

My conversation with this area resident, a retired military veteran, started on an unrelated topic.

"Hey Jeff, how are you doing?"  to which I replied "I'm doing great, we are getting a lot done and making a lot of progress on a number of projects for citizens--although you'd never know that looking at the PNJ and their coverage of us."  At this, he walked over toward my court and said, dryly, "We all know, a lot of us stopped taking that paper because of that---they just don't tell the truth and they don't represent this community!"  I thought that was interesting to hear----especially  given Friday's unsolicited email from someone else which essentially echoed this sentiment.

I've actually heard that from a lot of citizens and constituents that pay attention to things locally.

And so I also see in this email from Friday evening (above) that this person actually sent it to the PNJ--as well as to the members of the BOCC.  It will probably NOT be printed, though.  Like several of my submissions that PNJ wouldn't print.  Or like Judge Tom Dannheisser's very timely article on Fatherless Families leading to more incarcerations locally.  That truthful op-ed by a local Circuit Court Judge last May was printed by Rick Outzen on his blog, but it was never printed in the PNJ--even though it was sent to them.  The message didn't apparently suit their narrative, I suppose.

At one point, the viewpoints and LTE's were handled at the PNJ by a gentleman named Carl Wernicke.  Now, he and I did not agree on a whole lot, but he always printed my submissions.  In fact, he once told me "Our unspoken rule on the editorial board is that we print all LTE submissions that do not violate our guidelines."

Looks like PNJ has definitely moved away from that policy.  

The shift seems like the pivot a lot of the mainstream media has made over the last decade and a half;  facts are unimportant, slanted coverage and political agenda's are the order of the day--particularly secular progressive pieces grounded in preposterous, outlandish, and destructive social justice constructs that actually "promote" racism toward asians and caucasians.  Sickening.

And meanwhile, outlier small local publications like the PNJ continue to make money and survive.  With white, privileged liberal cartoonist Andy Marlette  using the "N-word" with no remorse(he

Pimp & Twits Part I: Croc Goes Ballistic! (a *Parody)

The Setup:

A long time ago, in the sleepy, swampy southern Florida town of Patronville, our protagonist, Croc (also frequently and affectionately known as "Pimp" for the special way he treats his acquaintences, business partners and friends) sits alone in his darkened office overlooking the bay.  He recently returned from a disastrous trip to Belize where an experimental anti-aging and cosmetic procedure that was supposed to cut 30 years off of his appearance and add 50 years of longevity to his lifespan went horribly, badly wrong.  Instead of the machine utilizing the DNA of the crocodile to accomplish this miracle feat--the scientist at the controls made an error which left our character disfigured;  he came out of the chamber a crocadile/human hybrid (not unlike Jeff Goldblum in "The Fly"--except worse... ) Upon returning to Patronville--he was assured by his loyal, obsequious assistants Maya and Phaedra, that he didn't "look that bad....."  So being in a sullen, saddend state due to his reptillian appearance, his anger suddenly intensifies......As he reads an article on an unrelated topic in the Patronville Observer Sentinal ("POS", for short) , he realizes that yes-- to his utter anger and dismay--- that he, himself, personally, has been mentioned in an unflattering light in an unrelated article written by Andy, a dimwitted, untalented writer on the "POS" staff.

PIMP: (Yelling)   Phaedra!!! Maya!!!

PHAEDRA AND MAYA IN UNISON:  "Yes sir, how can we serve you, how can we make your day outstanding, meaningful, and fantastic sir!"

PIMP: "Get me the POS's  Lisa on the @#$$%%& phone right now!!!"

PHAEDRA AND MAYA IN UNISON:  "Yes sir!!"

PIMP: "Do it now @##$$%%%  why are you standing there looking dumb!!!"

(---speakerphone on the desk rings......ring,   ring,  ring,)    

LISA--(through the speakerphone:)  "It's a great day at the P-O-S--how can I help......"

PIMP: --cutting her off  "It's me, Croc--cut the #$%&.  Why the #$%&*  F*&% is my name in your POS paper today?!?!?  What is that #$%%&* Andy thinking?? We know he's a dimwitted idot--but what is this??  And why the #$%& would you allow that??!!

LISA:  "Sorry sir, we're just trying to..."

PIMP: --cutting her off  "I don't give a #$%& what your're trying to do, I don't care what you think, and I don't want to EVER see my name in any unflattering negative light ever--in your POS paper.  Do you understand me?  NEVER!!  You know that, we have discussed this many times.  Never me, never negative, only positive!!  What the #$%& Lisa??

LISA:  "Sorry sir, but..."

PIMP: --cutting her off  "Just shut up.  Nothing you say means anything, I've told you that.  Don't you #$$%&* make me come down there, don't make me do it!!  It is almost 3:00--you know what happens at 3:00--- and I will be down there and you don't want that, understand me??"  

LISA:  "Sorry sir, terribly sorry....no, don't come down, please, let me manage this sir.  I am a POSemployee, and Andy is a POS employee, so technically...."

PIMP: --cutting her off  " You are both POS employeess, but don't forget the money I spend with your

The PNJ New Reporter Orientation Session Part I: "The Chain of Command" (a Parody)

Andy Marlette, his Patron, Lisa Nellessen Savage, and the PNJ put out ANOTHER non-realistic, untrue, and non-factual attack cartoon on members of the BCC  in today's paper; what's presented above, however, is far more apropos.......😏

 ANDY:  "Welcome aboard, CUB, and congratulations on being selected by GateHouse Media, Gannett, and the PNJ to be our next County government beat reporter!"  I know $22K, social security retirment program, our discounted pharmacy plan plus government subsidized health insurance is not glamourous--but hey, we all had to start somewhere"

CUB:  "Thank you, I'm like, really, really excited!!"

ANDY:  "Alright--do you have any questions for me, I mean, uh, US, before I have Lisa show you to your cubicle?"

CUB:  "Well, yes I do.  How come Lisa the editor isn't conducting this orientation--I mean---isn't she the boss, the editor?"

ANDY:  "I'll take this Lisa...Listen CUB, that's none of your business, but suffice it to say that I run the show here, not her.  I'm a big-shot cartoonist, and I bring a lot of revenue in for the company here, so although my title is "cartoonist"--I actually run this show and call the shots.  I'm a big deal!!  Although I am white and privileged like you are--unlike you I can even use the "N-Word" in my cartoons and not get cancelled!  I'm the man, so don't you forget that.   I've worked here a long time and I've had four or five editors like Lisa come and go during my time here..They're disposable but I remain.  It's because I'm talented, that's why they keep me here in this small market.  I bring revenue, I follow the chain of command, and I run this b*&%h!  You got any other smart alec questions CUB?"

LISA: "Actually, my role here is.......

ANDY:  "Shut up Lisa!  I've got this!  Don't speak until I tell you too, you got that?  I'm doing this orientation, and I run this show.  If I want your opinion, I"LL GIVE IT TO YOU!  Remember who brings home the bacon here, B*&%h!  If I leave, the Patron pulls his money,  and if "Rooms to Go" cancels their weekly full color ad--you know what happens---so don't push it.  Shut the F%&* up and let me run this, capeche!

LISA: "Yes sir!"

CUB:  "Uh, sorry, but you are being really rude and mean Andy, you are bullying her!  and I'm feeling very, very uncomfortable.....where is this office's safe space..."

ANDY:  "Look CUB, get over it.  This is a nasty business, and it get's ugly sometimes.  Get used to it.  Remember, all you have to do is a few things: Number One--only write unflattering stories about people we don't like.  Number Two---DON'T do any stories we don't approve of first---like telling the truth about locally elected politicians.  Remember--we control the message, not you.  You're nothing but a CUB, and you have to earn your stripes.  And three--and MOST IMPORTANTLY---always understand the chain of command here at PNJ.  Always.  Otherwise, I have to use this head chopper (laughs creepily). But Don't worry, cub, we only use this head chopper on folks who won't recognize PNJ's Chain of Command! "

*This cartoon and this story is a work of fiction.  Any similarities to persons living or dead, or actual events-- is purely conincidental

PNJ Article Twists Facts into a Knot and Mixes in Lots of Innuendo, Lies, and Hearsay....Disgusting

When a newspaper's content is dictated by advertisers and special interests and the resultant output is deliberately built on lies, hearsay, innuendo, and deception----there is a problem.   And truth, integrity, and honesty---along with readers--become  the casualties...

In what will be an upcoming Sunday morning hit-job by the PNJ cartoonist--once again important facts are left out, lies are told, truth is obfuscated, and good reputations are purposely impugned.   Some legitimate reporting by a PNJ columnist is contorted, taken out of context, and then jammed into this rant ostensibly to add a level of legitimacy, and to fit a defective narrative in order  to inflict damage on County Attorney Alison Rogers and multiple members of the Escambia Board of County Commissioners.

It is astonishing to me that they get away with it.  I'll do my part and call a liar what he is, a liar.  Andy Marlette is a dishonest liar. 

Interesting these Andy Marlette types proclaim to support free speech--they even put a blurb in their paper, an excerpt of the First Amendment.  Heck---Andy Marlette even uses the "N" Word in  his cartoons with no pushback by anyone to illustrate his ability as a white privileged man to say and do what he wants, whenever he wants, with no ramifications whatsoever.  Crickets....from NAACP and media.   No, wait,  Marlette not only uses the N-word in his cartoon and gives the finger to anyone who would criticize that despicable word choice---He actually gets rewarded with syndication $ for his dumb and non-humorous comic strip. Others get cancelled.  I guess If you're nothing bt a liberal tool that nobody knows about, cares about, or thinks is funny, I guess you are immune from cancellation.  

How about that?

Yet folks like Andy Marlette  hate when they, themselves, are called to task for the putrid tripe they put

Two Editorial Cartoons in One Weekend!!

 

Andy Marlette Shamelessly plugs his stupid, non-humorous comic strip, Pimp & Twits, at the Pensacola Beach Air Show July 10, 2021--with the same predictably disastrous results as PNJ's news, editorial, and features output and as equally dismal as PNJ's feeble attempts at subscriber growth and retention.....it all just ends in a fiery mid-air disaster......

Wow! PNJ Editorial Cartoonist Andy "Dandy" Marlette and the crack 2-person editorial PNJ team have been  busy little beavers this weekend, once again on the attack, lashing out at the hard working Escambia Board of County Commissioners.  We got two (2) cartoons this weekend, one on Saturday and one this morning.

Andy must be really, really lathered up and exercised to take a "Sunday" slot (the only day PNJ has any circulation over 200 readers) and pivot away from Trump, Rubio, Scott, and DeSantis---to attack us!

It's amusing

But the smaller and smaller number of subscribers PNJ clings on to must be wondering what his anger and venom is all about.  Around town at various social events I attend, I'm always asked "Wow, the cartoonist is always after you--what's up with that?" to which I simply respond, "He's an idiot, he is glib, everyone knows it, and I live rent-free in his head."

So yes, I understand Andy hates those of us that roll up our sleeves and do the difficult yet necessary (and often messy) work of local governance --work he himself couldn't do and couldn't handle---yes, we all get that.  Yes, yes we know he has a fixation on the BCC and yours truly in particular.   Yes we know he has been drawing cartoons about us that are stupid for years now, and yes we know he makes some money for the failing PNJ with his syndicated cartoons which help keep the PNJ financially viable.  (He punched his ticket by attacking former president Trump mercilessly over the last 5 years--which gave him "the creds", apparently, to have a nationally syndicated comic strip given to him--from which he more than likely makes a few bucks).  He uses the N-Word in his cartoons, so what says his employer?   It's not like he's someone that should get cancelled like the Bachelor host, right?  Yes, he hates Trump, makes money for the liberal PNJ, runs a recurring schtick that he's a "Republican" (yeah, right), and does as he is told by his local advertisers---- so they, in turn, ignore that messy piece of nastiness about Andy Marlette, a privileged white man who used the N-Word and flipped the finger to those who wanted to cancel him.  Apparently, he is untouchable unlike so many others who got cancelled for doing the same.  So, yes, PNJ keep him around because of that.  He's nothing but a useful tool.  For the money, and because he does the Patron's bidding unflinchingly.

But when he makes stupid cartoons about me and what I do, I'll continue to manipulate them and make them actually funny.  He really hates that which is also very amusing.  It drives him nuts but he can't do a damn thing about it!   So.............

Introducing "Pimp & Twits"

Introducing "Pimp & Twits!"

And now, with all of this ruckus in the backdrop--- stay tuned for a brand new, actually funny "cartoon" strip of my own based upon Andy's failing, stupid one that nobody reads and that isn't funny.  My version will be titled "Pimp & Twits"  ---Set in the fictional, Florida coastal fishing town known as "Patronville" Starring a meth-addicted, media-obsessed Crocadile who is actually a former human being known as El Patron ---but  who was tragically transformed into a Crocadile/human hybrid in a life-extending, youth enhancing plastic surgery procedure that went haywire in lab in Belize. In addition to becoming a crocodile, his mind became warped and he suddenly, genuinely believed he was loved by all, respected by everybody, and that all people would do his bidding universally. Surrounding the croc, affectionately known as "Pimp"(because he "pimps" everyone around him to do his bidding)  are his cast of cronies that run his deals and his games for him.....  Lisa and Andy, two simpletons that love to dress up like characters from Hogan's Heroes and play-act scenes from that 60's  show, two dimwitted

PNJ Editorial Board: Truth is their Enemy, Lies are their Stock-in-Trade, Propaganda is What They Are...

This piece of trash op-ed that will appear in tomorrow's edition of the PNJ is probably one of their worst yet.  Of all time. Tomorrow's garbage editorial is nothing but a haphazard, fact-barren ad hominem personal attack on four of the five elected Escambia County Commissioners.  And disgustingly, the most important, factual information is ignored in favor of a salacious attack on four of us.  The piece, most disturbingly, is built entirely on lies, rumors, insinuations and assumptions.

But it's foundations are lies.

PNJ Lie # 1.)  Janice Gilley was fired over the discussions of the 401(a) plan.  Not true, not even close.  (Hint for PNJ propaganda squad:  What did the ECAT union vote the week before the firing request?  Think.  You even covered it!  Nope, no mention of that... What about the almost $200,000.00 settlement that happened the same week--the second one based on harrassment in public safety?  nope, no mention of that even though your paper covered it.  What about the fact that the only other area printed newspaper publisher has openly called for Janice's termination for months now?)

PNJ Lie #2.)   An insinuation that the board and members of the board violated the Florida Sunshine law and "orchestrated" the firing for months.  This is a straight-up, bald faced lie and a fabrication.  If they think we did it,  have the guts to take your proof to the SAO and push for us to be prosecuted!  You are liars, PNJ editorial team,  straight up.  And this insinuation is a lie.  Shame on you both, Andy Marlette and Lisa Nellesen Savage.  You have no integrity.

PNJ Lie #3.)   That I purposely gave a "milquetoast" explanation of my rationale for firing Janice.  NOT TRUE!  roll back the tape and re-watch.  I said I didn't want to publicly discuss it.  "I like to praise in public, punish in private!"  That's what I said.  And when you try to sell the fiction that the other board members "couldn't muster specific reasons or a public explanation for their vote." That, too,  is a straight up lie and you know it.  Each of us with the exception of Doug intimated that we did not and would not make a public spectacle of a tough circumstance and would not "air dirty laundry"---out of consideration for Janice.  For you to accuse us of purposely being deceptive is a LIE.  Watch the actual meetings and what we said--instead of peddling lies and mischaracterizations.

To the PNJ "Editorial Board" that wrote this garbage:  The bottom line is this board has the authority to do what we did.  She works for us under a contract, we hired her.  Sometimes entities and leaders part ways--you know that.  CEO's and companies, Baseball teams and star pitchers, AND yes--counties and their administrators.  It's not personal for any of us so far as I can tell; certainly isn't for me.  It's business.  But it is disgustingly bizarre for you to use Janice Gilley as your straw man man here to attack us with lies and mischaracterizations.  You don't care about the truth, and you sure as hell don't care about Janice Gilley--obviously.  You are simply using her and this uncomfortable situation to aid in yet another attack on those of us who lead, regardless of what this is doing to her and her family.  I harbor no ill-will toward Janice, I think she is and was a great person.  Don't use her termination as fodder to attack, that's reprehensible.  Here is a novel concept PNJ:  Go back and do some basic reading on honor, truth, and journalistic integrity.  You have HUGE deficits in each of these areas and we all see it.

Fake News Media Give "N-Word Using Andy Marlette" a "Pass"

White PNJ Cartoonist Andy Marlette used the N-Word in a disgusting, racist cartoon--and signed his name to it. It was posted recently on the official PNJ Facebook page and NOT immediately taken down.  It is still up on their site.  Is this acceptable in 2021?

A cartoon created by Andy Marlette of Gate House Media's (Formerly Gannett) Pensacola News Journal was recently posted on the PNJ's facebook website.  A censored rendition captured from a screenshot is above.

In this era of "cancel-culture"--a dangerous practice that I do not condone-- I find it to be astonishing that Andy Marlette gets away with writing the N-Word on his cartoon, and signing his name to it.

No ramifications, no apology, no explanations, nothing.

One media professional with whom I spoke on this recently about this matter specifically told me, candidy, "we tend not to report on other media figures unless it is something really beyond the pale, or unless citizens come forward and press for it"

So while the rest of us apparently have to watch Classic Disney movies be de-platformed, while decades old pictures in Dr. Seuss books get cancelled, while "The Bachelor's" 20-year host Chris Harrison gets canned----and he didn't use the N-Word like Andy Marlette did--- and while many average, everyday citizens who say and do much less get cancelled- "N-Word using Andy Marlette"---a white, privileged liberal elitist--gets to use the N-word in his cartoon, sign his name to it, and carry on smiling in 2021.  

And the FAKE NEWS MEDIA GIVES N-WORD USING ANDY MARLETTE a PASS!

The PNJ is apparently so unabashed about their support for this conduct, they left the facebook post up where this Marlette cartoon was posted.  Look at it here.  Wow!

Andy Marlette is a public figure, just like I am.  Andy frequently accuses others of being racists.  He is a dishonest, toxic fake in my opinion; he has accused me of being a racist multiple times via his cartoons and insinuations in his articles over the last 15 years. 

When he requested a meeting with me, he was frenzied in his rapid-fire, condescending, and harried questioning and accusations.  I was calm, cool, and collected in my rational, cogent responses to him (which he frankly did not deserve)  But boy oh boy, he sure was angry when I looked him in the face and told him I'd continue to manipulate his cartoons whenever I want to.  He shrieked like a squealing pig to his editor about it.  He was unhinged; totally and completely unhinged.  But he is/was a hypocrite who was projecting, apparently.  Because come to find out--He's the one that is racist, apparently, so far as I can tell from his cartoon above.  He uses the "N-Word" freely and nobody says a thing.  NAACP is silent.  BLM is silent.  Gate House is silent.  PNJ is silent.  FAKE news liberal press doesn't report it.  Rooms to Go continue spending massive sums of money advertising with PNJ.  The silence is deafening.

I guess Andy Marlette  must make too much money for his bosses in the liberal press establishment for them to call him out or at least make him offer an explanation and apology for this disgusting racist cartoon.   

Media is biased, and they most certainly condone,  no,  ENDORSE this; it illustrates the double standard they enjoy--which is disgusting and one more reason why more and more people distrust them!