UCSD prof a behavior manipulation guru

<i>"But how about helping me improve my abilities to deflect mass political manipulations that are already out there?"</i> That's one of the roles of a free and independent press. As long as the public can choose among publications representing diverse viewpoints, such manipulations can be exposed for what they are. "Framing" is notoriously amenable to deception; it's done in politics all the time. Here's Steven Pinker giving a nice dissection of the dishonest use of framing: by George Lakoff. http://scienceblogs.com/gnxp/2006/10/07/pinker-vs… <i>One can just imagine the howls of ridicule if a politician took Lakoff’s Orwellian advice tried to rebrand “taxes” as “membership fees.” . . . Also, “taxes” and “membership fees” are not just two ways of framing the same thing. If you choose not to pay a membership fee, the organization will stop providing you with its services. But if you choose not to pay taxes, men with guns will put you in jail.</i>
— June 18, 2012 7:54 p.m.

A Better San Diego Forum Attacks Props A, B

Dave, the Center on Policy Initiatives,which you mentioned in your story but didn't otherwise characterize, is another [pro-labor union group][1]. *"The Center on Policy Initiatives is a nonprofit research and advocacy center dedicated to the interests of working people in the San Diego region. Through research, community organizing and public education, we seek policy changes that promote economic justice and strengthen the middle class."* When writing about special interest groups, disclosing their agendas is just good journalistic practice. Also, you soft-pedaled your description of A Better San Diego, which [describes][2] itself as "a community affiliate program of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council." So ABSD is not merely "backed largely by labor groups," *it is a labor group.* Whether they go by A Better San Diego, the [Middle Class Taxpayers Association][3] or the [We Party Patriots][4], these labor groups are singing from the same hymnal. [1]: http://onlinecpi.org/about/about-cpi/ [2]: http://unionyes.org/a-better-san-diego [3]: http://www.middleclasstaxpayers.org/Home.html [4]: http://wepartypatriots.com/wp/category/union-hq/
— April 22, 2012 6:20 a.m.

Davy Jones

<i>". . .not far from the Atlantic coast of our nation's only true tropical state</i> There's an Atlantic coast of Hawaii?
— March 15, 2012 8:09 p.m.

Carl DeMaio Proposes "San Diego Sunshine Law"

Speaking of secrecy on government, I just wrote about the San Diego County Water Authority's allegations http://j.mp/wasecret of a "shadow government" controlling Metropolitan Water District.
— March 12, 2012 10:30 p.m.

Non-Partisan Group Offers Host of Democratic Endorsements

"Non-partisan" doesn't mean non-political. These groups may support Democratic or Republican policies, but they technically remain "non-partisan" by not endorsing candidates. Look at the political leanings of their officers, contributors, and organizations that support them to determine their true agenda.
— March 10, 2012 1:16 p.m.

Suit Against UCAN Charges Document Destruction

Here's: http://j.mp/zaw3Zd that link again.
— March 10, 2012 11:06 a.m.

Suit Against UCAN Charges Document Destruction

Here's some of Shames' defense, from an article at the North County Times by my colleague Eric Wolff http://j.mp/zaw3Zd -- The bank accounts with the misspellings had been a mistake that appeared on all of the Morgan Stanley accounts going back years. The board knew about those accounts. -- The hedge fund investment had been part of a diversification plan proposed and approved by the board. When the fund lost money in 2007, the money managers told Shames something was wrong in the markets. He sold all of the organization's equities. "When the market got hit hard in 2008, and most nonprofits lost major portions of their assets, UCAN was unscathed." The organization has $2.5 million in its bank accounts now, he said. -- The CPA who did the organization's taxes had not understood that he had to report Shames' salary. Shames had signed those forms, though: "I am responsible," he said. -- The California Public Utilities Commission does not require advocates to be active members of the State Bar. -- On the destroyed documents: "Rubbish," Shames said. "We were moving offices, and we decided to get rid of nonhistorical documents from between 1983 and 1990." -- On the attempt to drain the organization's accounts, Shames said, "Mission not accomplished." He pointed to the millions UCAN currently has.
— March 10, 2012 11:04 a.m.

Is Chula Vista's Bayfront Plan In the Bag?

Susan, Chula Vista has been trying to develop its bayfront since at least the 1970s. Greg and Cheryl Cox and Peter Watry should know the details. I'll try to think of others.
— March 9, 2012 7:15 a.m.

Is Chula Vista's Bayfront Plan In the Bag?

Susan, I think the Chula Vista Public Library has old copies of the Star-News dating back to my era and before.
— March 9, 2012 7:13 a.m.

Is Chula Vista's Bayfront Plan In the Bag?

That brings back memories. I wrote about Chula Vista's bayfront development plans as a reporter at the Star-News -- 24 years ago.
— March 8, 2012 9:10 p.m.