Here is a story I found that details a federal investigation of bribery, extortion, and kickbacks involving state Rep. Terri Hodge and numerous past and present Dallas city officials. Federal prosecutors claim that Hodge, D-Dallas, used her office to clear red tape for a Dallas area development company. She has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, five counts of fraud and false statements in connection with federal income tax returns, and eight counts of bribery. She turned down a plea deal and keep her seat until the case is decided.
Along with state Rep. Terri Hodge, the 31-count main indictment named real estate developer Brian L. Potashnik, his wife, Cheryl L. Potashnik, and former City Council Member and one-time mayoral candidate Donald W. Hill and his wife, Sheila D. Farrington.
It is a decent article but fails to capture the intrigue and drama that often surrounds these types of cases. The article is informative but boring. It was like reading the Cliff Notes for The Old Man and The Sea. The article lists the plot, the characters, and the analysis but ultimately has no soul. The case involves 14 people but we don’t get a comprehensive story. What kind of evidence do we have against these people? The article reads more like an outline. It is like the 30 second blurbs you see on CNN.
I also think the article spends too much time on information that I believe is designed to make readers sympathize with Terri Hodge. Why does the reader need to know that Rep. Hodge is a retired single mother? The fact that she has been an outspoken defender of prisoner’s rights is ironic but it does nothing to address the issue. A more conspiratorial person might suggest that the writer is playing the race card. I find it interesting that the article ends with this quote from activist Joan Covici, "If these details are correct, this must be what it takes to get first-class, low-cost housing in Dallas — a city that has never been friendly to minorities — especially blacks and Hispanics. It is almost like the article is suggesting that Rep. Hodge is being brought up on charges because she is black.
You can read the article by following the link below.
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/10/02/1002dallas.html
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2 comments:
wow. yeah its not suprising though that they down play the corruption charges. lets forget that she broke the law and was using her elected position to profit and help corporations slip by the law. its often that major news groups try to distort issues, instead of focusing on the main points.
thanks for sharing.
The author of this piece states a really strong argument about the House Bill which allows Texas residents to carry a concealed weapon in their privately owned vehicles without a concealed carry permit. He gives his opinions and offers much in the way of argument. He also mentions about the tradition of processing a gun while travelling and then clarifies about the “travelling” part. Moreover, he also criticizes the District Attorneys for not protecting their citizens which lead to the situation that “average citizens who want to protect themselves and their families will no longer be treated like hardened criminals.” I also think that he does a really good job on analyzing and I totally perceive the message.
However, I want to add my opinion towards the Bill. I believe that it has pushed the crime into a higher level because everybody could carry a gun without carrying their permit by using the excuse of travelling. In this case, the Governor should find a solution to increase the security instead of letting the citizens protect themselves by owning a gun. On the other hand, some may abused by using guns for other illegal purposes.
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