More Accusations of Plagiarism
Most of you know by now District Attorney Paul Gallegos is back in the frying pan again (has he ever been out of it?) for his last My Word column in the Times- Standard. Looks like a lot of what he wrote was taken from something someone else published.
I guess it could be called plagiarism, depending on how much of the writing came from him, and how much from the other writer.
Myself, I don't get as fired up as others do about it, if only because I've used a paragraph or two from other writers myself, at times, when writing letters to the editor. Every now and then I'd receive a good commentary via e-mail and found, if I just used a few sentences and paragraphs, I could customize the commentary to the way I wanted.
Is that plagiarism? Perhaps, even though I'd usually clear it with the original author first. What gets me is that, with all the people being outed for using other people's words in commentaries around here as of late, you'd think Gallegos would be astute enough to try and avoid having fingers pointed at himself.
Besides, no harm done, as I see it. I'm not the only one who had a hard time reading his My Word piece. It obviously didn't benefit him. I suppose it could make the author of the comments he used look bad, by associating Gallegos' piece to the one he gleaned the words from. Is that fellow complaining?
One good thing to come out of this is some publicity for that old Henry Fonda movie, The Ox- Bow Incident. I hope everyone's seen that one. Assuming Gallegos finds value in that flick, I'm with him on that.
For those that haven't seen it, it's about a couple guys that get wrongly accused of murdering a popular rancher. The posse catches up with them and they insist the guy that was killed was alive when they left the guy's ranch. The posse will have none of that and string them up.
Shortly after the hanging, someone shows up with the news the rancher, thought murdered, was still alive and had simply had an accident, or some such. Too late, the posse already lynched the two guys.
I first saw the Ox- Bow Incident in either elementary or junior high school, where it was a standard piece of the cirriculum. Do they show movies like that in schools nowadays?
Great movie. Everybody should see it. Should be available on video now.
posted by Fred Mangels @ 9:39 AM
50 comments
50 Comments:
The difference, as I see it, is that Paul Gallegos is a DA. As such, he should adhere to a higher standard, and he should be held to a higher standard.
I figure he's entitled to borrow a few lines, just like anyone else. How many lines is appropriate? I don't know.
I could see it if he'd stole an excellent hard- hitting commentary (like so much of my writing) and published it as his own work. But here, he just used some lines from someone else's work and filled in the rest with his own. It came out pretty lame and probably only made him look like a poor writer.
I don't think it was the borrowed lines that made him look like a poor writer. It was the way he put the thing together. I don't think he gained anything by that My Word piece, whether it was all his writing, or not.
I don't know that one would be able to see, at first glance, that he used someone elses lines. Heck, it was hard to understand any of it, much less easily link those lines to the original author.
Which brings up the question, since I must have missed it: Who brought this to light in the first place? Heather Mueller?
How'd she do it? Google the entire My Word article for similar phrases somewhere else?
I'm wondering why these people frothing at the mouth knew about a story the day before it appeared in the paper (see Eric and Heraldo's blogs and comments list yesterday afternoon)...
What does this tell us?
--> Do ER reporters post on these blogs? If they do then we should all be worried because the people who posted were pretty crazed about things - is this what happens when an ER reporter becomes "Anon"?
Wendy Butler, Heather Mueler is that you? tsk, tsk...
OR
--> Did someone tip off Heather Mueller, someone who posts on these blogs? If so, why did she listen to them and write a whole story on the topic but didn't listen to Buhne (and others) and write a similar story about Stunich?
Hmmmm.....something shady going on.
I never saw the movie, but I read the book. There were 3 hung in the book, one was a Mexican. I'm guessing the movie left that character out.
Intellectual property rights are a really big issue in this age of easy duplication. Music and movies and writing are all at risk of losing income. Another weakness of capitalism.
(Ooh, ooh, think anyone will accuse me of being a collectivist?)
Three? I remembered it as being two, but you're probably right. I think that Wikepedia link mentioned three. It's been some time since I've seen that one.
But there was a Mexican that was hanged(?- I think the proper form is hangED. Most people use "hung" but, seems to me, some English teacher told me "hangED" is the proper form of the verb, although it seems awkward. Maybe a visiting journalist can help us out on this?).
I just remember the Mexican and an American guy that owned a small ranch. They'd bought a bull, or some such, from the guy everyone thought was killed and started home. Then the posse came upon them.
Was that supposedly based on a true story? I can't remember.
The thing that I took out of the ER article today that really bothers me is the District Attny's outright DENIAL of having written anything line for line...unless somebody wrote this for him, this is just such an easy lie catch, particulary with the two pieces side by side, as presented in the article.
Anon 10:36, attacking the messenger doesnt detract from the fact that what our DA botched this in a way that can only prove to be an embarrasment for him.
"Anon 10:36, attacking the messenger doesnt detract from the fact that what our DA botched this in a way that can only prove to be an embarrasment for him."
That's true. Paul fucked up and he looks like an idiot for trying to deny it. I agree with you. But I'm still sticking to my points above. Sketchiness is all around us fellow bloggers!
I never saw the movie, but I read the book. There were 3 hung in the book, one was a Mexican. I'm guessing the movie left that character out.
Nope. That character was played brilliantly by a very young Anthony Quinn.
Incidently, the Eureka Public Library has a copy.
11:16-you know as well as everybody else that people post here, reporters read it, research it and stories are written. Don't act so surprised.
Blogs are even mentioned in the papers.
Big deal!
Get back to the person who committed a dishonest act who is our chief law enforcement official.
What if the police chief did this, how would you feel about his credibility?
Who would have thought anyone would google Stunich's piece? And why? But they did, and now it looks like it will be commonplace. So everyone is on notice. don't plagiarize, you'll get caught. May not be serious, but it isn't honest and it makes you look bad.
BTW for a little fun, I'm going to g-g-g-g-google all of G-G-G-G-Gallegos' My Words over the last few years.
Well, we do know that Joel Miekle posts here but he goes by a different name Carson Park Ranger and Hank Sims also posts. Shawn, Charles and I'm sure quite a few of the "other" style reporters also post here.
Still, the record for "Most Foaming At The Mouth We Gonna Get You Sucka" anonymous followers goes to Kevin Hoover.
If all this came down 6 months ago, Paul would not be in office.
Spin spin spin. Andy did this, Susie did that, but the District Attorney - you know the one that stands for justice- did it and got caught. Anonymous was right "he fucked up". Gallegos is the district attorney, a position of trust. He should be held to a higher standard.
And all you little Gallegos (actually Salzman and Miller) butt boys deflecting by doing a movie review of the OxBow Incident are really quit ammusing.
Like the one blogger said, what if the Chief of Police did the same thing-how would that affect his credibility?
It's not the ER's fault, it's not the reporters fault, it's not the fault of the person that may or may not have pointed it out to the reporter. It's PAUL GALLEGOS' fault, he did it. He should have the balls, character to apoligize and admit his bad conduct. But he won't. Mr. Paul thinks he's untouchable. He won the recall, he won the 2nd election. He can do whatever he wants. Wasn't it his buddy Timmy Steon that was quoted after the recall win something like ' we own this county now or we own this place now'.
Well folks that is your District Attorney, yours too Fred. I'm a little disappointed in Fred for going over the edge to spin for Gallegos.
The article about Gallegos' plagiarizm is accurate and portrays him for the person, the elected offical that he is. This goes to credability and character, it won't be going away toooo soon.
I can't wait to see whose fault this is tomorrow.
12:35 wrote, "I'm a little disappointed in Fred for going over the edge to spin for Gallegos.".
Over the edge? Maybe, but I don't know that I'd consider it "spinning" for Gallegos. It just turned out a good movie was involved in this affair, albeit from a distance, and I thought I'd give the movie a plug.
It is a good movie, a classic for sure. But Gallegos' conduct, as an elected public official is in question.
Fred do you agree or disagree ? that the elected District Attorney, representing truth and justice, should be held to a higher standard when it comes to honesty and integrity ?
What do you expect when he had a campaign manager sending in letters to the editor under false names? And then kept that individual involved in his last campaign knowing what he did.
His choice of associates and this incident speak volumes about his character or lack thereof.
fred, you didn't answer?
1:11 wrote, "Fred do you agree or disagree ?" and "fred, you didn't answer?".
Because, contrary to what it may seem, I don't spend all of 24 hours a day sitting at this computer waiting for comments to respond to. I spend the other hours a few feet away, at the laptop, playing Aces High (Eight kills in this last hour, but did poorly earlier on).
Anyway, yes, I suppose someone in Gallegos position should be held to a higher standard. I just don't get too excited about it, since I know he's capable of screwing up like the rest of us.
I also try not to get too involved in issues where one side might not be so critical if it was someone on their side under fire.
Fred, despite what it may seem on these blogs something's are just not right PERIOD. Who's side you're on doesn't come into play. Not everybody has a side.
Never mind, go back to "Aces High".
Damn, seems like I'm going to have to actually read the newspaper to understand what Gallegos allegedly did or didn't do. I was hoping I could infer it from these comments, but I got stuck in the mud.
And Kevin, I don't believe that's you. I think it's someone posing as Plazoid posing as you :)
I don't believe Oxbow Incident is based on an historical event. The movie has 2 characters hanged or hung or strung up whereas the book has 3. You know how that is, movies condense.
The theme of the story is guilt by omission. Is Gallegos being accused of guilt by omission? Did he accuse somebody else of it? Alright, I'll go read the newspaper.
Nobody bought my my collectivist bait? Where's the "greek cop" when you need him?
If you ain't angry, you ain't paying attention. If you ain't laughing, you ain't understanding.
The book, Six Days of the Condor was made into the movie, Three Days of the Condor.
The real problem here is trust. This man has the power to file lawsuits, court cases, or otherwise make people's lives complete hell. Can you trust this man to turn over all the evidence in a court case now? Trust him not to doctor things to get his way?
I didn't have much trust with him using Salzman, but this lets us all know that he can not be trusted and will say and do anything to remain in power.
Let me see, Local Solutions was created to help stop the recall of Paul. Then they helped him get re-elected and now are high profile in their new endorsements. So their you have it. Vote no on Bonnie Neely, Peter LeVallee, Larry Glass, Ron Kuhnel and Nancy Abrams. We have seen enough haven't we. Or are we going to be held hostage to a few Liberals anti growth policies? Maybe the moderates and conservatives are too busy working!
Amen anon.r.mous Amen.
"Paul Gallegos focuses on truth and integrity, deserves re-election"
This was the title of Patrick Riggs's letter to the editor during the election.
How ironic.
Jeff, you ought to blog more often.
Jeff said: "..Nobody bought my my [sic] collectivist bait? Where's the "greek cop" when you need him?"
YOU know who I am. I'm not Greek and no longer earn my bread as a "cop". We have already had the "collectivist v individualist" discussion elsewhere. Having been prosecuted by Gallegos' office, (unsuccessfully) for a noncrime , I have a low opinion of the justice system in Humboldt county. Gallegos was elected and continues in office to serve the interests of what amounts to the ruling class of the county. He will continue in office at their pleasure whether or not he engages in "plagiarism", theft or fellatio on the courthouse steps. That's the way it will continue. The choices are: follow the rats or bend over and smile. Incidentally, at least Gallegos did not lift an entire speech from a British politician as did a Democratic presidential candidate (who shall remain nameless).
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
give it up, do not leave him nameless!
We have already had the "collectivist v individualist" discussion elsewhere.
And you lost. Big Time.
"I just don't get too excited about it, since I know he's capable of screwing up like the rest of us.
I also try not to get too involved in issues where one side might not be so critical if it was someone on their side under fire."
Fred, I don't typically agree with your libertarian ideology, but I really appreciate your nuance here. Everyone is human, and everyone is capable of making stupid mistakes.
That said, Gallegos made a really stupid mistake.
Does second 7:09 know the diference between a "discussion" and a debate?
Hank's Dandy today was absolutely downright fun-n-nn-ny, and then, then I read the Eureka Reporter. HA HA HA HA HA HAHAHAHAA - gasp!
7:09 here. Aeonidas used the word 'discussion' to describe something that was more accurately a 'debate.' He (or she?) is the one who used the wrong term.
The surfing DA is an intellectual...."
HE IS ALSO A PLAGIARIST
"Jeff, you ought to blog more often."
5:11 PM
Thanks for the encouragement. I'm trying. Life is full and temporary.
"YOU know who I am. I'm not Greek and no longer earn my bread as a "cop". We have already had the "collectivist v individualist" discussion elsewhere."
I wasn't making fun of you, I was making fun of him. Yes we did, and I thank you again for it. I learned a few things.
sorry, gots to go.
Everybody is Kevin Hoover except for Keving Hoover.
That should read Kevin Hoover, not Keving Hoover. My keyboard can't spell.
Tune in to KMUD on Friday morning (today). Salzman'll probably call in he always does and Estelle will help him make up excuses for poor beleaguered PG
7:09 and 10:10 not only does not know the difference between a "discussion" and a "debate" it doesen't know the difference between a lamda (Λ) and an alpha (Α). Go play in your sandbox and stop annoying the adults.
7:34 wrote, "Fred, I don't typically agree with your libertarian ideology".
I'm shocked! How could anyone NOT agree with my libertarian ideology after reading all of my hard- hitting commentaries?
Awww, Fred, you know we love ya!
I wouldn't go that far but ...... you're OK Fred.
How about one of those hard-hitting commentaries on Plagiarizm part 2 ? You could call it "Plagiarizm, there is no doubt" or something charming like that.
Damn. I wish I would have read your comment first. Plagiarism: Part 2, would have been better than the title I used.
I'm shocked! How could anyone NOT agree with my libertarian ideology after reading all of my hard- hitting commentaries?
Where are they Fred? I'd love to read them.
ba dum dum (that's the drum beat that accompanies a joke)
I noticed the Greek ex-cop came out of the woodwork again ? You'd think he would have learned his lesson.
I guess it's not accusations anymore ! Your deceptive, dishonest, discredited DA made a pulic apology ! Not too sincere and I'm sure he didn't mean it but it's the best we'll get of someone of that calibre.
Still, his apology said he did it "inadvertently", so he didn't admit to anything. I think this REALLY has to make you question his integrity and honesty!
Not to mention question, yet again, his writing skills. His writing is so terrible, "...like I believe Robert Kennedy would have been are and have been..." What kind of convoluted bulloney is that?
I think he knows what a poor writer he is so he tries to use others' writing to help him. I guess it really bit him in the butt this time...
AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO
He's got a nice butt.
Richard you shouldn't pretend to be Rose! Remember all the shit that happened when you pulled the R. Trent ?
Post a Comment
<< Home