Patterico's Pontifications

3/9/2008

Malkin Profiled in Baltimore Sun

Filed under: General — Patterico @ 2:53 pm



Nice profile of Michelle Malkin in the Baltimore Sun. She and I have more in common than I realized: not only are we both late-30’s conservatives with kids, but I’m a fourth-rate pianist too!

She had an offer to be interviewed by the New Yorker as well, but turned it down in this amusing set of e-mail correspondence.

66 Responses to “Malkin Profiled in Baltimore Sun”

  1. Why does she fear being an ape?

    stef (4a7d71)

  2. You may have age, kids and piano skills in common but I think that is about it.
    There are two kinds of people in her world — those who agree with her and those who hate her.
    You strike me as someone with far more honesty and willngness to consider opposite points of view without taking it personally.
    And you wouldn’t publish identifying information about where the Frost’s lived as she did.

    voiceofreason2 (425a72)

  3. Hey I didn’t know you were a pianist… fourth rate or otherwise! I’m part of that dying breed of parents who foist piano lessons on their children… I know I’m doing it for some good reason, though I don’t know what it is yet… maybe just cause the I like the way the Yamaha Grand looks…

    Susan (ad30a6)

  4. Susan,
    We had two of our three get involved in music. One enjoyed more than the others but piano was her passion.
    We could tell if she had a stressful day at school when she would come home and really put some heart into playing. She didn’t want to get in the competitions and did it just for the enjoyment.
    More parents should encourage music if possible.

    voiceofreason2 (425a72)

  5. And you wouldn’t publish identifying information about where the Frost’s lived as she did.

    Like? Was that here? Feel free to direct us to the information revealed.

    Pablo (99243e)

  6. VOR, I know you are above mischaracterizing Malkin, right?

    There are two kinds of people in her world — those who agree with her and those who hate her.

    Ther are people on the right that disagree with Malkin at times–her book In Defense of Internment is a good example. A local radio show hosted by conservatives (this was her first meeting with Ed Morrisey, btw) had her on to discuss the book. While they didn’t agree with her conclusions, they coudn’t deny that she had good arguments and the research to back them up.

    As for detractors: ever read her hate mail? She publishes it every once in a while. Especially when someone is so deranged they use their work computer on work time to write and send it.

    Patterico has banned people for far, far less then what people write to Malkin. To say what she receives is colorful is a borderline wrongful description. Believe me, it’s vile.

    You strike me as someone with far more honesty and willngness to consider opposite points of view without taking it personally.

    Ever read either of her blogs?

    She is willing to discuss and debate anyone; problem is that too many get angry (especially libs) because of her Rainman-like grasp of facts and debate skills. She has also invited Dems strategist and HRC-supporter Kirsten Powers onto her vlog. And published debates between herself and other lefty bloggers (it’s hard to find ones that odn’t descend into ad hominems soon after the start.

    BTW: She had to close down commnents a few years ago on the original blog because of the overwhelmning filth commentary from detractors. Even other bloggers (like the current occupants at Wonkette, not Ana Marie Cox) use filth.

    And you wouldn’t publish identifying information about where the Frost’s lived as she did.

    Maybe the Dems should have picked a better example for their massive S-CHIP program expansion…one that actually fit their poster-child description. I’m sure you woudn’t support the Dems telling a pack of lies just to pass a costly, unnecessary bill, right?

    Paul (d4926e)

  7. Pablo,
    I always get a chuckle when someone provides a link that proves my point — read the entire post at the link and you will see the information I am referring to.

    Paul,
    It is no secret I dislike Malkin. I have also said before that I will not overstay my welcome at this site by pushing some agenda re my dislike.
    Are you saying it was okay to point out identifying info about the Frost kid just because of his opinion? Isn’t that the very same thing she touched on about her current residence in the interview mentioned in this thread?

    voiceofreason2 (425a72)

  8. I always get a chuckle when someone provides a link that proves my point — read the entire post at the link and you will see the information I am referring to.

    I read it. I don’t see it. There is no identifying information as to where the Frosts live, aside from “Baltimore” which is common knowledge.

    You should probably specify what you’re referring to, or retract the charge. In fact, you should just do the latter, as the charge is erroneous. But you should feel free to explain why you leveled a charge that cannot be supported by the facts.

    Pablo (99243e)

  9. I also passed by the Frosts’ rowhouse. There was an “xx – xx -xx″ bumper sticker plastered on the door and a newer model GMC Suburban parked directly in front of the house.”

    Pablo,

    Apology from you accepted in advance.

    voiceofreason2 (425a72)

  10. That says exactly nothing about where they live. Your mendacity is disgraceful.

    Pablo (99243e)

  11. It is no secret I dislike Malkin. I have also said before that I will not overstay my welcome at this site by pushing some agenda re my dislike.

    And you are starting to show us your a** because of that disliking of Malkin.

    Are you saying it was okay to point out identifying info about the Frost kid just because of his opinion?

    Read my comment again:

    Maybe the Dems should have picked a better example for their massive S-CHIP program expansion…one that actually fit their poster-child description. I’m sure you woudn’t support the Dems telling a pack of lies just to pass a costly, unnecessary bill, right?

    Where did I mention the opinion of the son?

    If you are going to pass a massive welfare-entitlement increase, make sure that the people that you use as an ancedotal story actually fit the profile you wish to project.

    As for that description…

    I always get a chuckle when someone provides a link that proves my point — read the entire post at the link and you will see the information I am referring to.

    Your description–and all of her detractors–of “identifying information” does not pass the Reasonable Man test. Where’s the Google-Map pictures and directions? Where’s the publishing of the exact address and phone number?

    If the Dems want such stories to be accepted at face value without any investigation, they should try using the truth.

    Paul (d4926e)

  12. Pablo,
    It never ceases to amaze me how some people will be such loyal defenders of someone they have never met and will suspend all objectivity in regards to that person’s beliefs or activities.
    Baltimore, rowhouse, GMC surburban, sticker on door that says —-… sounds like identifying info to me.
    But you like Malkin and will never see it that way.

    voiceofreason2 (425a72)

  13. vor, suffice it to say that others disagree with you regardless of how much you beat it to death.

    SPQR (26be8b)

  14. “I also passed by the Frosts’ rowhouse. There was an “xx – xx -xx″ bumper sticker plastered on the door and a newer model GMC Suburban parked directly in front of the house.”

    You mean in the greater Baltimore area, they are the only ones with an “xx – xx -xx″ bumper sticker and a newer model GMC Suburban?

    Come on.

    That fails the Reasonable Man test.

    Paul (d4926e)

  15. Why don’t you come on over and we’ll talk about it, VOR. I’m in the house with a blue door and the #14 on it. I’ll see you when you get here. And I’ll explain how pathetic your reasoning is.

    Pablo (99243e)

  16. You’ll pardon me if I don’t wait up, k?

    Pablo (99243e)

  17. Paul,
    there is always another side to the story
    http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/04/22/18170531.php

    Pablo,
    Give me a city and your make/model of the vehicle and I will swing on by.

    SPQR,
    Are you a Western HS grad?

    voiceofreason2 (425a72)

  18. voiceofreason, I can’t even remember what high school I attended anymore.

    Actually, to be honest, my high school was the news this week in a bad light.

    SPQR (26be8b)

  19. Pablo,

    Give him the city and the make/model of your vehicle. Seriously. Do it.

    Patterico (4bda0b)

  20. Providence and a Mustang. I’ll be going to bed before too long so knock really loud, ok? I’d hate to miss the opportunity to tell you how completely full of crap you are.

    Pablo (99243e)

  21. Paul,
    there is always another side to the story

    Indeed.

    And the side interestingly not mentioned in that story you linked is that the three members of Students Against War had published their contact information themselves, on their own website, leading up to the demonstration. All Malkin did was republish the information, copying it from their own very PUBLIC website, complete with a link.

    They pulled the contact page down, then blamed Malkin for publishing it. I know this because I followed along as this story unfolded. I’ve read Malkin since before she was a blogger, dating back to 1998.

    Like I said, you are showing us your a** here.

    Paul (d4926e)

  22. And the side interestingly not mentioned in that story you linked is that the three members of Students Against War had published their contact information themselves, on their own website, leading up to the demonstration.

    They also put it in a press release.

    Pablo (99243e)

  23. They also put it in a press release.

    Forgot that part. Thanks, Pablo.

    Paul (d4926e)

  24. So the press can contact them. Nice.

    stef (87fe55)

  25. So the press can contact them. Nice.

    Huh?

    Patterico (4bda0b)

  26. I always love it when someone uses the phrase “Stalkin’ Malkin” — because it’s an easy way to know that the person in question is a hack who isn’t worth taking seriously on any level.

    It’s always good to be able to identify such people with minimal effort.

    Patterico (4bda0b)

  27. It also doesn’t really rhyme, unless you talk funny.

    See-Dubya (0aa657)

  28. Patterico,

    I think Stef’s point in comment #24 was a reference to the claim that the press release had the students’ contact information but it was only for distribution to the press and not to the public at large.

    DRJ (a431ca)

  29. Wasn’t it on their website?

    Patterico (4bda0b)

  30. See-Dubya,

    It rhymes when I say it and I definitely don’t talk funny.

    DRJ (a431ca)

  31. Patterico,

    I don’t know – I didn’t follow it that closely. I’m just repeating what I read at one of the links.

    DRJ (a431ca)

  32. Answer: Yes. Yes it was.

    Patterico (4bda0b)

  33. Stef?

    DRJ (a431ca)

  34. Wasn’t it on their website?

    Answer: Yes. Yes it was.

    Which I pointed out back at #21.

    Paul (d4926e)

  35. Stories like Santa Cruz is why most bloggers worth their salt now take screenshots of pages posted at a lefty site, because they will invariably pull it down, wipe the cache, and claim it never existed.

    Paul (d4926e)

  36. By the way, stef, the screenshot posted of the original news release says: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

    Nothing in there about “for journalists eyes only.”

    Paul (d4926e)

  37. Malkin’s post doesn’t really deliver. There’s no real explanation of why she won’t talk to the New Yorker. They seem to make a reporter’s strong effort to reach her, and she writes back some thing about Jane Goddall. She talks about some people having a “clear agenda” and not wanting to give readers “a real sense” of what drives them. But there isn’t much information as to why she feels the New Yorker falls in that category. There is her accusation that the New Yorker falls in that category, but not much explanation as to why.

    stef (394243)

  38. I read some webboards, like fark.com, that prohibit posting contact information. They ban people for that. No matter the provenance. They know what occurs when that happens. They know their readership. Or maybe they just don’t care to do that to people. And their stories are sometimes about some real sickos.

    stef (4564cc)

  39. Stef #37: I think Jonathan Pitts laid out exactly what he wanted to talk about, what approach he would take, as opposed to the New Yorker, which left out much of the details of what they wanted. As Malkin herself wrote:

    I don’t usually give such access to reporters. Pitts showed rare intellectual curiosity and wasn’t out to do the same old tired right-winger-as-Neanderthal profile. Others who have contacted me for interviews have a clear agenda when they’re covering conservatives, and it’s not to give readers a real sense of what we’re about, what drives us, who we are.

    I say she stated it quite well.

    Stef #38: Problem is, the three members of Students Against the War had already published their own information–themselves–on their own PUBLIC website. And in a press release marked FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

    If someone doesn’t want their contact info in public domain, I suggest they not publish it themselves on a PUBLIC website and not in a press release marked FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

    Paul (d4926e)

  40. Which I pointed out back at #21.

    Precisely. I meant to be echoing you, with the link as proof.

    Patterico (4bda0b)

  41. Paul – I agree with the summaries of the Santa Ctuz incident. I watched it as it undolded as well. The students made their contact information public and then gloated about driving the recruiters off campus. After they started getting backlash about the incident, they pulled down the public contact information and the left has been trying to rewrite the history ever since, as VOR attempted here tonight.

    daleyrocks (906622)

  42. What is amazing but sadly predictable is that you can’t do a nice post about her without having people come in and slander her.

    Patterico (4bda0b)

  43. DRJ–

    Do you pronounce the “l” in “stalking”?

    If so, you talk funny. Sorry to have to break that to you, but…it’s better you hear it from a friend.

    Shh, be vewwy quiet, I’m stallllllkin’ a wabbit! No more tallllllkin’!

    See-Dubya (0aa657)

  44. I’ve polled my family. We have two who pronounce is with the l and two who don’t. I think that proves I’m a moderate when it comes to language.

    DRJ (a431ca)

  45. Probably that barbarous Texan patois you people call an accent.

    Excuse me, my sink needs caulking. 🙂

    See-Dubya (0aa657)

  46. Can the two who pronounce it without the “l” actually make “l” sounds? ‘Cause it makes a difference. My wife and daughters pronounce “pill” as “pirra”.

    When we were dating, I asked my wife to say “I will take a chill pill Phil” just for fun. Got thwacked in the back of the head for it, but it was worth it.
    😉

    Stashiu3 (460dc1)

  47. “I think Jonathan Pitts laid out exactly what he wanted to talk about, what approach he would take, as opposed to the New Yorker, which left out much of the details of what they wanted.”

    Maybe I’m missing some of the conversation, but it seemed like they were only at the stage of trying to contact her.

    “I say she stated it quite well.”

    I didn’t see a clear agenda from the New Yorker, didn’t see any indication as to whether or not it would give “a real sense” of what she does. Nothing besides their description of being serious and genuine. She does say: “I have no doubt that your writer is serious and that your interest in printing some sort of profile for your audience is genuine.” Again, not clear on facts she is basing her beef with the New Yorker, but she does think they are serious and genuine.

    “If someone doesn’t want their contact info in public domain, I suggest they not publish it themselves on a PUBLIC website and not in a press release marked FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.”

    Like I said, that web board I read prohibits it, no matter the provenance. I don’t think contact information is a question of “public domain” anymore. Not in a world where data brokers sell cellular and unlisted numbers. Not in a world were we quite publicly live in Baltimore or Suburban MD. I think the question is the one each one of us asks: “should I cut and paste, therefore publishing, or not?”. Some say yes, some say no. For different reasons. But in the end all we know is if a person is of the type to say yes, or the type to say no.

    stef (982de7)

  48. stef – If you are sponsoring an event, such as harass the military recruiters in Bush’s war for oil until they leave campus, you want your fellow loons to be able to get in contact with you to ask questions and get details that weren’t on the website or on the release. That was the purpose of having the contact info for the students.

    What was the purpose of the last paragraph of your most recent comment?

    daleyrocks (906622)

  49. I don’t think contact information is a question of “public domain” anymore.

    Seems a press release and website are pretty public. I’m not sure what your point is here. Do you have an objection to that information being reposted? If so, why? If not, what did your comment at #24 mean? Making banal statements so that people have to guess your point is boring, so I’d like to know where you’re coming from.

    Stashiu3 (460dc1)

  50. Stashiu3 – I frequently have a hard time deciphering the meaning of stef’s comments. She seems deliberately obtuse ar times. I believe you found the answer in the lead in to your comment 49, excerted from her earlier comment, which explains the riddle of stef:

    I don’t think

    I believe that sums things up nicely.

    daleyrocks (906622)

  51. I occasionally pass the time attempting to nail jello to the wall… hence my conversations with stef, Jaybird, and others. Not the smartest use of my time, granted… and plays havoc with my blood pressure at times. It’s an addiction, I admit it. No detox or 12-step available… I guess I’m screwed.

    😉

    Stashiu3 (460dc1)

  52. “Seems a press release and website are pretty public.”

    I think most of us, without doing that, have public contact information. Thats why I don’t think its a question of the binary “is it public domain or not.” Most of us expose our contact information to others, say by calling them (caller ID) or simply by giving out our number to someone that passes it on. Most of us also expose were we live to just anyone who cares to watch us in public. Like I said, the question, for me, isn’t “is it public domain.” The question is “should I cut and paste it and republish, or not?”

    “If not, what did your comment at #24 mean?”

    I’ve never written a press release, but I imagine people put their contact info on them for press purposes.

    stef (dfd808)

  53. The press purpose being to release that information to the public. The press release didn’t say that the contact information was not part of that. My question is, do you have a problem with Ms. Malkin reposting the information that was already public from two sources? If so, why? If not, what did your comment at #24 mean? Your point must have been important enough for you to make the comment… I’m asking you to clarify it.

    Can you?

    Stashiu3 (460dc1)

  54. “what did your comment at #24 mean?”

    It means I think that contact info on press releases is for press purposes. But you’re not getting something else I’m saying: I think contact info is pretty much “public domain” whether it’s on a press release or not.

    “My question is, do you have a problem with Ms. Malkin reposting the information that was already public from two sources?”

    Did it cause any problems? I am curious why she did it. Curious about what she thought would come of it. She seems like a deliberate, thoughtful writer. I don’t know what she gains from posting it, nor what she loses from not posting it. But I do read webboards where people are banned for doing it.

    stef (23c2b4)

  55. Your comment in #24 wasn’t a request for information, so it wasn’t a request for information because you were curious. It (and your subsequent answers) implied that it was improper for her to do so. Now you’re backing off from that… fine. Don’t answer the question and pretend you’re just curious. It’s disingenuous, but whatever floats your boat, it seems to be what you do best. Her site is not the webboard you speak of and as for why she reposted the contact information, she’s explained that multiple times. If you’re really curious you can go to Hot Air or her site and find out. The point was brought up because vor2 accused her of doing it with the Frost family (which she didn’t).

    Since you’re also curious about The New Yorker being turned down, it should be enough that she wasn’t comfortable with their agenda, shouldn’t it? Or should she have accepted despite having reservations? Just because someone asks for an interview doesn’t mean you’re obligated to give it, right? And she said the reporter and editor were serious and genuine about their interest in publishing a profile of her… not that they were a serious and genuine publication or that their profile would be serious and genuine. The New Yorker was looking to do a hit piece on a prominent conservative and got shot down by their own target.

    Well, this has been fun enlightening boring, but so I’ll be going now. It would be nice to have honesty from you some day, you might like it.

    Stashiu3 (460dc1)

  56. “Your comment in #24 wasn’t a request for information,”

    Comment 24 was about information in press releases being for press purposes. The rest is in answer to your question.

    “Since you’re also curious about The New Yorker being turned down, it should be enough that she wasn’t comfortable with their agenda, shouldn’t it”

    Certainly. It could be enough that she flipped a coin! But as I said before: There’s no showing of an agenda.

    “The New Yorker was looking to do a hit piece on a prominent conservative and got shot down by their own target.”

    This is the problem here: this conclusion has been reached, but there really is nothing to show it.

    stef (de7003)

  57. Comment 24 was about information in press releases being for press purposes.

    Press releases are a dime a dozen and you’re lucky if the press even looks at them. Thing is, they’re available to the general public and by no means restricted to the press. If you don’t want certain information available to the public, you don’t put it in a press release. Unless you’re stupid. Ditto for a public website.

    But as I said before: There’s no showing of an agenda.

    It’s the New Yorker. Does Sy Hersh ring a bell?

    Pablo (99243e)

  58. stef, if you aren’t satisfied with Malkin’s explanation, why don’t you contact her yourself? She posted her contact information herself at her website michellemalkin.com.

    Paul (249390)

  59. “It’s the New Yorker. Does Sy Hersh ring a bell?”

    Sure does. Was he writing the story? Haruki Murakami publishes there too. That doesn’t mean Malkin’s profile would have a faded, yet cool mystical Japanese hipness to it.

    stef (a42736)

  60. Why am I not surprised stef ignored my last comment?

    Paul (249390)

  61. VOR – Did you ever find Pablo with just a vehicle and a city to guide you?

    Racist

    JD (626b4c)

  62. “VOR – Did you ever find Pablo with just a vehicle and a city to guide you?”

    IIRC in the case of the Frosts we also had full names of more than one member of the household.

    stef (de7003)

  63. IIRC in the case of the Frosts we also had full names of more than one member of the household.

    So what?

    Did the Dems put the Frosts in a darkened room, hiding their faces behing backlighting while masking their vioces to conceal their identities?

    Did Malkin post Google Map arial photos and detailed maps?

    Did she post contact information, complete with full address.

    None of those I mentioned happened, and you know it, stef.

    From now on, every time I see you try to push a pathetic argument like this, I’m going to grant the premise to illustrate just how pathetic it is.

    So stop it.

    And while you contemplate that chestnut, how about addressing my query in #58?

    Paul (249390)

  64. I hate my keyboard.

    “voices”

    “Did she post contact information, complete with full address?”

    Paul (249390)

  65. IIRC in the case of the Frosts we also had full names of more than one member of the household.

    Well, yeah, beginning with the 12 year old that the Dems rolled out into the spotlight. And anyone who really wanted to find them could do just what I assume Malkin did and peruse the property records for the address. It ain’t rocket science, and the fact that Malkin was able to do it doesn’t pave the way for anyone else to do it, which was supposed to be VOR’s point. “Posting identifying information about where the Frosts live”, if you’ll recall. And let’s also note that the worst the Frost’s have faced in all of this is criticism.

    JD, no VOR here yet, but I haven’t given up on him.

    Pablo (99243e)

  66. “So what?”

    So its quite different finding someone when you know their name and car and town than when you know just their car and town. But as I’ve said before — I think contact information is already “public.” It’s really a question of who is going to publish more information, not whether its some sort of secret.

    “And while you contemplate that chestnut, how about addressing my query in #58?”

    I don’t know if I want to email her, because I’ve seen her publish emails on her site. But i’ll keep it in mind. Thanks!

    stef (d10c75)


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