[jeffk]

Originally Posted by Airwaves

Nope, just because it comes from media it is not automatically correct but there is a reasonable chance it is.

I disagree. Media tells stories, not necessarily the truth. Reporters talk to sources who may or may not provide accurate information. When it comes time to print the paper the story is written with what the reporter thinks that they know. Further, other people can edit the original story, sometimes skewing the original information. What we get is the best effort that can be produced in a limited time frame given the resources available.

In several instances where I have been in the know, I read the story in the paper and wondered where they got their incorrect information.

Further, in followup stories, as information evolves, the new information is often presented without comment that the original story was inaccurate.

Originally Posted by Airwaves

Skip points to the Belknap County Attorney as the ultimate source of the indictment information and is correct on that point. However since the Belknap County Attorney does not post that particular public information on his website we (you and I ) can only see the information in the indictment from the press release (?) that he issued to NH media.

Since Skip quotes a NH media source...and the source I quoted was a NH law firm...

Skip quotes the Manchester Union Leader to provide us "further information" but later he trashes his own source and then blames my profession generally for routinely mangling information.

Since Belknap County is the agreed ultimate source, if there is confusion about the content of the indictment it would make sense to go to the original source rather than to keep quoting the media article or a blog.

I would suggest that Skip did not reference Belknap initially because he knew it was not accessible on line. When he realized there was confusion he added his knowledge of the law, and I assume, information from people he is acquainted with in the department.

The NH Law firm source that you quote in turn quotes the Laconia Daily Sun for it's information about the indictment, another media source that probably got it's information from the same press release that the Union Leader did. We're not chasing our tails here are we? Further, is there any reason to believe that this law firm has any special insight into this case?

Originally Posted by Airwaves

Didn't he read the Union Leader article first? If he did read it before linking us to it then he apparently was okay with it until I raised question about it.

Skip gave a pointer to a publicly accessible source of information. He did not state that the article was absolutely accurate and he is not responsible for it's content. As questions arose he provided more information in a responsible manner.

Originally Posted by Airwaves

Many of you take what Skip says as gospel. You should rethink that opinion.

Skip has, time and time again, provided well reasoned responses to questions of law, usually providing detailed references (RSAs) for those wanting to follow up. When additional questions have come up he has calmly and respectfully provided more details, examples, and occasionally his opinion on the law. On the occasion that he has missed a nuance of the law he has graciously accepted correction or extension of his original premise.

I don't take anyone's information as gospel but when someone consistently provides rational and respectful commentary backed up with solid references I consider that person as a very good source.

It seems that you have your own problems with law enforcement people and that seems to bias your views.