You missed the boat on Free State

To the editor:

You had a chance to print a community-based story on the local Free Staters exploring the human face of the project. What drives people to give up their old lives to move to this state and start over again'? Can it really be a desire for self ownership and a life free of coercion? That is the real story.

Instead you chose a patchwork interview and website hash of misquotes and poorly reported misconceptions concerning this nation's, and our project's, core ethical beliefs. A divisive strategy driven by a need to provoke conflict instead of opening communication channels.

Will Stewart had the opportunity to engage in real journalism at a level where his story was being lived. However he declined, or was ordered, not to accept our invitation to join our meeting as a true journalist would have. Instead a photographer was sent to record the gathering. By the time of the meeting Will's story was already pre-written. No human element desired.

Free Staters accept these offers to disclose our convictions and hopefully avoid the misperceptions hyped in your story. We're in the same ship as every other American. We're as concerned as others about the looming crises facing this state and nation. If this ship goes down so do we all for only the wealthiest can afford a lifeboat. For this we are endlessly caricatured by the press but seldom honestly portrayed.

Before condemning our solutions, at least legitimately hear us out. You missed that opportunity this time around. We have a traditional view of community-based solutions that never make it to the table for discussion because the media lacks the ability to set aside their prejudices. How sad.

We'll keep trying though. I have faith that there is a principled media dedicated to fairness still alive somewhere. If you ever want the Porcupine Perspective on local or state issues you know where to reach me.

Quality of life score: 0 (nothing new here)
Comments: Hippo's commitment to journalistic integrity is trumped by scare tactics debasing true communication.

Calvin D. Pratt
Goffstown

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