Valdosta Daily Times

What We Think

January 30, 2012

Just the facts, please

-- — The Times has taken some hits this weekend following the reporting of the Rev. Floyd Rose’ rally on Saturday concerning the car which drove into a home, killing an infant on New Year’s, and an incident at Pinevale Learning Center. Some police officers think the VDT is not being fair, and Rose accused the VDT of not printing the facts, but the facts are as follows:

• Rose spoke to The Times’ publisher early last week about the rally. The publisher told him if he had anyone who would speak to a reporter and repeat the details of either incident as Rose said they happened, The Times would be happy to speak to them. No one came forward.

• Mid-week, The Times contacted senior leadership at the Valdosta Police Department, requesting, among other things, the log of the  speed the police car was traveling, and was denied. The Times was informed that the investigation is ongoing and none of the information requested could be released at this time.

• The Times has received angry emails and comments from VPD officers for not providing the details of the incidents, which they say would vindicate the officers involved. The question is, why hasn't the chief of police stepped forward to defend the officers? The issue would have been defused if the chief or the city management took a stand rather than refusing to release detailed reports.

 The Valdosta Daily Times does not investigate crimes. It reports them. And The Times can only report, legally, what the police documents state happened, and what any witnesses who will come forward on the record will state.

To those who are angry that the “facts” haven’t come out: until the VPD releases detailed information and until those who say they know what really happened come forward, these cases will have to be tried in a court of law. Which is exactly where they should be tried, not in the court of public opinion.

Text Only
What We Think
  • Congratulations, VSU Softball!

    This weekend, Valdosta State University Blazers Softball became the latest team to add to Valdosta’s TitleTown legacy.

    May 21, 2012

  • School’s out so watch out!

    Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.

    May 20, 2012

  • Qualifiers are next leaders

    While the national media focuses attention on the presidential election, it should be remembered that we will also choose our local leaders this year.

    May 19, 2012

  • Thumbs up

    THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent    schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.

    May 18, 2012

  • Events that get things done

    Finding something that repeatedly attracts the public is difficult enough, but finding an event that accomplishes that feat while also promoting your organization and helping others … well, in many places, that’s a rarity.
    Not so for the Valdosta area.

    May 18, 2012

  • Furloughs: They beat the alternative

    As summer break nears, many area education boards have spent the final school days preparing faculty and staff for furloughs for the 2012-13 calendar.

    May 17, 2012

  • Getting a jump on hurricane season

    Come June 1, the 2012 hurricane season begins and lasts through Nov. 30.

    May 16, 2012

  • A few thoughts for new graduates

    Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.

    May 14, 2012

  • Video helps veterans

    During Thursday night’s Military Officers Association of America meeting, the local chapter shared a video presentation regarding the Community Blueprint program, which is also known as Valdosta Veterans First.
    For those unfamiliar with Community Blueprint, Valdosta is one of three cities across the nation selected as a pilot city for the program.

    May 13, 2012

  • Happy Mother's Day!

    Mother. Mama. Mommy. Ma. Mom. She fed us when we were too small to feed ourselves. She nurtured us, clothed us, cleaned us, protected us.
    She helped us form our first words.

    May 12, 2012

Top News
Choose your subscription:
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Poll

With schools out, how will your kids spend the day?

Day care / camps
Summer school
With a parent
Spending summer away
Old enough to be alone
     View Results