And The Winner Is

Reporting is probably a very difficult job. Crime reporting is probably the most difficult. This is my opinion and one I am too lazy this morning to research. But, I think it is difficult and for the most part I give crime reporters a lot of credit and thanks for getting information on a subject I have a great interest in. On missing person cases, I am always happy to see any coverage., However, there are times when you really just want to slap someone who asks a really stupid question. I always wonder why. What were they thinking? This seems to happen most often on cable news (mmmmm., a topic for another rant). But, today I found a real doozy by Carolyn P Smith of the Belleville (IL) News Democrat. First, the link. http://www.belleville.com/mld/belleville/13853767.htm The story is about the case of Anquiatte Parker and Cermen "C.J." Toney, who have been missing in the East St. Louis area since November 6, 2005. Ms. Parker was seven months pregnant and was babysitting her four year old cousin when they both disappeared. (This is another case that has not gotten much if any media attention nationally as they aren't pretty young white girls,.but, I digress). Police have a possible person of interest, an unidentified person of whom they have an eyewitness sketch that was seen near Ms. Parker's car, which was found near the VFW in Fairmont City, IL (near East St. Louis). The article is about ongoing police efforts in the case. "From 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Saturday, about 10 Illinois State Police agents, and volunteers from the State Park, Mitchell and Caseyville fire departments used backhoes and a cadaver dog to search for Parker and Toney. Lt. Greg Fernandez, who is heading up the team, said, "We've never stopped looking for them." (emphasis added) Okay, now, Ms. Smith, the reporter, then not only asked one of the stupidest questions ever, she was proud enough of it to include it in her story (of course had she not, we wouldn't know about this). Back to the story - "We did lots of digging," Walker said. "The volunteers out here with us donated their time and equipment to help us." Fernandez said the backhoes were donated by McClair Asphalt Co. in Fairmont City and C. Grantham Co. in Casevyille. "Without this assistance, it would be much harder. We're very appreciative to the volunteers and donors who have willingly worked with us," Fernandez said. The cadaver dog, named Candy, was donated for the search by Brad Stahlman from Quest Search and Recovery in Union, Mo." Informative, but this is followed by this gem. "He said the areas where the men dug were "places of interest." When asked whether he was looking for bodies or live individuals, Fernandez said: "When we do searches like this, we are looking for recoveries." (emphasis is again, mine). WTF??????????? They are digging in the ground, they are using backhoes and a CADAVER dog, for crying out loud. Why would anyone ask if they are digging for live individuals??? Carolyn, Carolyn, Carolyn!! This is so stupid I really don't know what else to say. Anyone reading the article should have figured that out right away. You not only insult your reader, but, you know the family of the missing persons are reading every word written in a case like this where little is. As a result of this article I have decided to award the first Cracked Award in the category of Media's Stupidest Moments (MSM) to Carolyn P. Smith. The Cracked Awards are a new award I just dreamed up for idiots in the news. You just know there will be plenty of contenders.