A civilian police officer employed with the United States Marine Corps Support Facility at Blount Island accidentally shot himself Thursday morning while training at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office firing range at 4727 Lannie Road, according to police.
The unidentified federal police officer was putting his handgun in his holster at about 10:55 a.m. when he shot himself in a leg, base deputy commander Jim Hooks said.
“The trigger was pulled and he shot a round through his calf,” Hooks said.
Ahhh, finally we have a proper reporting of a negligent discharge, "he shot himself in a leg."
Now, what was all that nonsense about reporters having to use the passive voice and blame the gun in order to avoid law suits? Greg insisted on that wild explanation for all the lousy reports we've seen.
Will there be legal ramifications because of this one, Greg?
The reporter printed what base commander Jim Hooks said. That's what they do.
ReplyDeleteWhat are you saying, the reporter accidentally reported it right? If allowed to describe the events himself, he would have anthropomorphized the gun like they usually do which, just happens to diminish the responsibility of the gun owner? And that's done for legal reasons???
DeleteThe journalistic style is fact based, very literal, and largely includes interviews from official or witnesses with knowledge of the events. It is not their job to show up and “flesh things out” as you would. Police who are used to being interviewed also tend to answer in guarded comments. They say what they know at the time. If there is any doubt, leave it out. If they say it, the reporter will print it with attribution. You’re the only one who makes a big deal out of this.
DeleteActually, on The Truth About Guns they make a big deal out of it too. Some of them have the integrity to admit that the passive construction is wrong, period. The reason I object is because it minimizes the culpability of the negligent gun owner, which I suppose is the reason you like it and defend it.
DeleteNo, Mikeb, it's typical for journalism, and it's appropriate mostly. Journalists report stories and say only what they can substantiate. You want to flesh out stories without evidence.
DeleteWhy would I like that? How on earth does that help me?
DeleteIt helps you because it diminishes the responsibility of the negligent gun owner, who by his actions makes all of you look bad.
DeleteIt would look worse if it were "the guns fault". Do you remember how we don't like to blame the object?
DeleteAs TS said, the reporter is quoting a source, not making a claim. Is critical thinking really lost on you, Mikeb?
ReplyDeleteYou'd be hard put to turn something said by a Marine officer into a passive voice. Reporters cant control what they get when a statement comes out about an incident. What they can control is what questions they are willing or able to ask. All too often their ignorance of the subject or their belief system results in the questions not even being asked.
ReplyDelete