Comments
Call me a *$@#sucker, and you’ll leave with fat lip every time...props to the old guy!
Posted by: Pat The Hat of the Mighty BlueGrass, Dec 07, 2009 05:44:36 AM
I am in no position to judge what occurred or who was in the wrong. I can, however, testify that I can imagine no reason whatsoever why The Post ought to employ Monica Hesse, let alone give her multiple by-lines in an age when talented, experienced, and intelligent writers are being shown the door at newsrooms all around the nation.
Posted by: Catherine, Nov 24, 2009 11:34:27 AM
you would have heard such stories much often had we similar style rooms back in Mumbai media
Posted by: prakash joshi, Nov 14, 2009 09:41:00 PM
The classic definition of political correctness, the condition which runs The Post, is the heartfelt belief that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.
Hurrah for Allen. Back talk from untalented writer is bad enough, fighting words call for a punch. Let me be on a jury to hear Henry Allen’s case. We’ll all go out and have a beer and crabs after finding him not guilty.
There are few days in the year that I read that once great newspaper. If Allen is fired, there may never be another day that I will pick it up.
Posted by: Ex-Post Fan, Nov 07, 2009 10:31:58 AM
Good for Henry Allen!!
Posted by: Martha, Nov 07, 2009 07:38:52 AM
I for one applaud Mr. Allen for striking a blow for journalistic professionalism. Whatever happened to respecting one’s elders, and respecting your editor? If your boss tells you your work is crap, you redo it, not verbally abuse the person. Mr. Roig-Franzia showed a complete lack of respect for Mr. Allen’s position and experience, and displayed an appalling lack of professionalism. As far as I’m concerned, Mr. Roig-Franzia should be terminated from his position at the Post. Mr. Allen, on the other hand, deserves to enjoy his semi-retirement, and not have to deal with talentless hacks.
Posted by: Kristen Eshleman, Nov 05, 2009 01:16:55 PM
Sorry, I meant to say "kick the asses" of the writer and editor. My bad.
Posted by: leroydubya, Nov 05, 2009 09:21:22 AM
Funny, I always regarded the Washington Post Style section as an editor-free zone. This was the same section that ran a story some 23 years ago describing Oprah Winfrey as "basking in the bubble bathos of life." That sentence had me wanting to kick the ass of both the writer and the editor who let it fly.
Posted by: leroydubya, Nov 05, 2009 09:17:36 AM
The style section sucks? The whole newspaper is devoid of intelligence.
Don’t punch someone in the modern workplace and expect to stay on the job. Ex-marine/cocksucker or not, he’s 70 years old - he’s above these newcomers and obviously is too compromised by the changing times and his own lack of self control to stay on the job, it happens.
Don’t defend allen or the post, both need to retire permanently.
Posted by: anonymous, Nov 05, 2009 07:09:10 AM
Here’s a broader context for Allen’s outburst:
- high school sports teams in the DC area are benching players for showboating, taunting and excessive celebration (The WaPost had that today I think).
- the NFL is doing the same thing, by way of fines.
With any luck this will work its way back down to the grass roots where civil behavior and sportsmanship were once valued: A grade for Deportment in elementary and secondary schools.
An end to the casual, profane and insulting irony of the Whatev Generation?
Posted by: Taylor Walsh, Nov 04, 2009 09:04:08 PM
I have to agree that the Post has rapidly jettisoned the useful "who what where when why?" in the first two paragraphs of news articles. In fact, they didn’t even mention the "why" of the flu vaccine shortages in the first front-page article on that shortage. The *second* day, we were informed of factory problems with producing and bottling the vaccine.
At any rate... not being the victim or family members, readers here may think of a punch as a source of amusement or vindication of good journalistic standards, but that’s overlooking the fact that it’s an overly emotional reaction - perhaps Allen had had some bad news in his life recently?
Which brings me to the commenters baiting Hesse. We don’t know what else she had going on in her life either. Perhaps jet lag, illness or a sick kid. Perhaps nothing, just that her editor was expressing extreme outrage. Crying is no better or worse than throwing a punch; it is an expression of emotion. Like the punch, it was not workplace appropriate, but it happens. At least it didn’t injure someone. Are there bullies at recess here, teasing a weak kid to make ourselves feel big?! Be reasonable.
Posted by: Who What, Nov 04, 2009 08:18:18 PM
Good for Henry Allen. Too bad he wasn’t able to make it around to a few other Post offices to deliver the old one-two punch. I have been a loyal subscriber to the Washington Post for many years. For the first time, I am seriously considering canceling my subscription. The paper is fast becoming a piece of junk that is not worth my time or money.
With stories that lack the basic who, what, where, when, and why of reporting and page layouts that look like they are being put together by middle-schoolers, it seems to me that the so-called Style section sandbox has expanded to include the whole paper.
Posted by: AmandaK, Nov 04, 2009 10:26:42 AM
Some of us old guys just can’t age gracefully! So, someone called him a name so he slugged ’em. Had the victim of this assault been armed he would have been well within his rights to blow this over-the-hill loser’s balls off. I’m an MTA bus mechanic and if I don’t get cursed at at least twice a day then I know someone will ask me if I’m doing okay. Bunch of arrogant twits.
Posted by: Vietvet1, Nov 04, 2009 09:37:21 AM
I am sitting in the dark of my computer room afraid someone will witness me thoroughly enjoying this utterly rude treatment of nearly everyone. Reminds me happily of some of the raucus, wonderful "can you top this" evenings chez Myra’s in the 60s and 70s when there was equal opportunity trashing of anyone we could think of. Juvenile but jolly...and no punches thrown. Oh, the good old days.
Posted by: lulark, Nov 03, 2009 07:32:08 PM
I love Henry--used to clip his stuff to send to my kids in college, to show them what GOOD writing is. If writers can’t use the language properly, that’s what editors are for! And this editor knows his stuff--that’s what Pulitzers are for.
Posted by: Duchess, Nov 03, 2009 06:20:39 PM
I worked at the Washington Post company for a few years at one of their other publications, and am grateful for Allen for standing up in the way he was taught. While i would prefer to foster a work environment that encourages teamwork and cooperation (and yes, polite criticism) the truth is that at most workplaces these days, some find themselves victim to behind-the-back viciousness akin to a punch. women who fight back are promptly labeled bitches, and if you are a man - particularly a big one - you have no recourse to fight back. if you raise your voice, you risk being perceived as a bully. even if you argue, you are often seen as domineering. if you raise your fist, you’re fucked. so what to do? suck it up for a lifetime, don’t speak out (even as others are conniving behind your back in that most office-like way) and endure it as best you can until one day, you erupt and pull a zinadine zidane, which shall heretofore be known as a Henry Allen. Good for you, old-timer (not meant as an insult)
Posted by: peter k., Nov 03, 2009 02:55:53 PM
Nina Totenberg wasn’t fired by NPR after she put the smackdown on Sen. Alan Simpson outside of the abc news studio. So why should Henry Allen be fired?
Posted by: Comfortably Numb, Nov 03, 2009 02:05:15 PM
Good for Henry Allen. He was mad as hell and wasn’t going to take it any more. The queasily judgment-neutral story on the abortion-addict probably had as much to do with it as the insult.
Allen’s lived a life: he’s not the kind of papmpered guy to lose it just because some fool launches an obscenity at him.
Some side notes:
Lots of manly boys clutching their balls and shrilling about how great it is that some girly liberal got punched.
People who go to pieces over the word "cocksucker": Never watch "Deadwood". You have been warned.
Apparently only one punch was thrown. Jaffe got his facts wrong. This is not unusual with him, though a little ironic in this particular case.
Posted by: erikson, Nov 03, 2009 01:30:51 PM
Kinda makes you long for those nostalgic days in the newsroom that journos get so misty about.
Posted by: Recovered Journaist, Nov 03, 2009 01:01:58 PM
It does not matter how long you have been working somewhere. Your writing skill is not relevant. Your political orientation is moot. If you use your fists on someone, it is a violent crime called battery. You get fired, your contract ends, the police take you away and book you, witnesses are interviewed, court appearances are made. The victim may sue. You may be invited to do time in jail, or told to attend anger management classes.
Beating up on colleagues is not how I’d adjust to the changing times.
Posted by: Mike, Nov 03, 2009 11:41:52 AM
Maybe the publisher can charge admission to a salon with three style editors. But, wasn’t someone at the Post just writing last week about how the American Experiment might fail without the press? I, uhm, I think we’ll get by.
Posted by: hurledheadlong, Nov 03, 2009 11:33:22 AM
Call me a c..ks...er and see what happens. Us old folks dont take to that kind of abuse. It used to be reserved for men who sucked c..ks, which used to be frowned upon.
Posted by: Jerry Kahler, Nov 03, 2009 11:15:55 AM
Crying?
There’s no crying in journalism!
It’s a shame that Allen will probably go down over this. But employer liability law suits and the current legal system probably make that a forgone conclusion. The management at the post has no choice, even though Roig-Franzia will probably sue anyway.
Too bad that. Roig-Franzia should consider thanking Allen for a life lesson centering on manners and respect. If he learns the lesson it will serve him well in the future.
Posted by: Sam, Nov 03, 2009 10:49:50 AM
wow this ALMOST comes close to when leiby smashed his keyboard in a manic fit and broke it in pieces over his "incompetent" assistant. yet nothing happened to him.
sounds like age discrimination.
and oh, but what a bunch of prima donnas in style.
Posted by: insider, Nov 03, 2009 10:02:34 AM
Dear Americans
I had previously assumed that the television programme Frasier, starring ultraconservative wingnut Kelsey Grammer as the eponymous borderline homosexual dilettante, was a comedy show.
Now, thanks to the Washingtonian and its readers, I realise it was in fact a documentary. I feel foolish, but pleased to have discovered my error before anyone else became aware of it.
Yours gratefully
agbanks
England
Posted by: agbanks, Nov 03, 2009 09:48:32 AM
If a woman can’t take the heat of a newsroom, what the heck is she doing there? Whatever happened to equality?
Posted by: opsailor / St Augustine, Nov 03, 2009 09:48:09 AM
Yes Henry Allen was a Marine. But even if he wasn’t, you can’t go around calling people cocksuckers and be surprised if you get your lights punched out every now and again.
If Henry Allen ends up writing somewhere else, I’ll be reading him there. I’m a long-time fan.
Posted by: Michael, Nov 03, 2009 09:35:17 AM
Any "man" who berates a woman enough to make her cry IS a CO**SU**R!! and any REAL military man would know that
Posted by: attitude_check, Nov 03, 2009 08:32:39 AM
The fact that someone wrote about the fracas and we’re reading about it is ridiculous, although it does provide cause for a followup when the lawsuit(s) hit the courthouse blogs.
Posted by: bonner Joy, Nov 03, 2009 08:29:53 AM
I have known Henry Allen many years. He never punches anyone out without a good reason. It’s a relief to know there are still some journalists who care passionately about accuracy. Long live Henry Allen!
Posted by: HHC, Nov 03, 2009 08:04:32 AM
Hey, you don’t call an ex-Marine a "c...." and walk away unscathed.
Count me as one for the old guy!
Posted by: Gene Marine, Nov 03, 2009 07:52:16 AM
Allen is pathetic. Talk about being insecure, even more sad that he is 70 years old.
Posted by: Jim, Nov 03, 2009 07:43:27 AM
Talk about bad writing. "Few Style writers expect to see him again." More than a bit melodramatic.
Posted by: Silly, Nov 03, 2009 07:37:15 AM
Michelle Malkin -- Journo-rage: Fist fight in the Washington Post newsroom
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/11/02/fist-fight-in-the-washington-post-newsroom/
Posted by: StewartIII, Nov 03, 2009 07:16:07 AM
Henry Allen is one of the best writers and gentlemen I’ve known in the newspaper business.
Any man who calls another a c________r is begging to have his lights punched out right at the start and it’s a miscarriage of justice if he doesn’t get it. After years in Marine squad bays and newspaper news rooms that’s one thing I’ve never called anyone, period paragraph. And just try it in a Marine squad bay.
Posted by: Jim Dickenson, Nov 03, 2009 06:58:52 AM
Geesh, I actually liked the story. Now I feel like Lina Lamont in "Singin’ in the Rain." (Lina: "I liked it!" Everybody else: *eyeroll*)
Posted by: Gina, Nov 03, 2009 06:51:31 AM
A couple nominees for @1--
A--Sally’s story on a "date" with a Redskin quarterback (Sonny or Billy Kilmer?) to the Charles Town Race Track after which she described riding along the parkway in Virginia and seeing the Washington Monument coming into sight as "my favorite view."
B--The unzipped fly of Zbignew Brzinski.
Posted by: Been there, Nov 03, 2009 06:20:29 AM
Funny that someone should mention Hesse’s article on the Columbia Heights Target -- she stopped me in there one day and asked to look through my shopping cart. But she was a bit disappointed in my answers to her questions and left for more promising subjects.
Posted by: Kathryn, Nov 03, 2009 05:00:18 AM
Does Ned Martel bear the true blame for the fracas by assigning a lame "charticle" to begin with? Assigning editors are often the source of bad stories, lets not forget.
Posted by: Another Country Heard From, Nov 03, 2009 03:57:22 AM
Key to being a warrior is discipline. This means the focused use of violence to a moral purpose outside one’s own ego. Real warriors don’t fly into a tantrum over a word.
Regardless of what you think of the writers, Allen showed no discipline, and anyone trying to excuse his self-indulgent rage by linking it to military service clearly have no conception of discipline themselves.
Posted by: Nelson Leith, Nov 03, 2009 03:19:23 AM
Miguel Donkey-Taco is one of the greatest writers in the history of the Post. So is Monica "Rudolph" Hesse. This is clearly racial. Ay ay ay, whoopsie doogie. Yip yip.
Tomorrow, why Chandra Levy no sabe mucho! 15 parts!
Posted by: Pancho Villa, Nov 02, 2009 07:54:12 PM
Quatermass: "Answer simple: idiot ex-Marine allowed loose. Fight follows. Right-wingnuts unable to admit fault."
I guess you missed the veteran editor part, right? What would you do if someone called you a c#$%sucker? Smile?
ECS
Posted by: Elm Creek Smith, Nov 02, 2009 06:57:16 PM
Doug: "Nice of everyone to pat this a-hole on the back for assaulting a colleague. Grow up. The guy should not only be fired, but he also should be up on charges. Semper Fi my *ss."
So you wouldn’t object to being called a c#$%sucker, a-hole?
ECS
Posted by: Elm Creek Smith, Nov 02, 2009 06:39:58 PM
Roig-Franzia is a useless piece of leftist darling, journo-trash. He got some of what he rightfully deserves. If all was fair, he should have been reprimanded and sent home too for addressing a superior with disrespect, bordering on utter contempt.
I am sorry that a man of Allen’s stature and credibility should be brought down by this nasty, creepy and gutless creature, and all for a poorly researched, ridiculous piece of fluff, non-article.
Couldn’t Hesse get her facts right again? Why was she even entrusted with such a "complex" article in the first instance? My thirteen year-old daughter writes better articles than Hesse.
Of course Allen will be brought up on assault charges for performing an act which was considered legitimate recourse for an insult of this nature, say 30-40 years ago. This is too sad.
Posted by: James Mac, Nov 02, 2009 05:58:13 PM
It’s good to see passion at the Post, but I have to agree with Phil below. Cocks----- is the incorrect rendering of the word. It should be c---sucker. Isn’t c--- what we are trying to protect the reader from seeing? That’s the kind of thing copy editors should be fighting over.
Posted by: mark, Nov 02, 2009 05:57:33 PM
Dear Doug,
I’m sorry you feel that Allen is an "a-hole", however your childish whining and complaining hardly puts you in a position to tell anyone to grow-up.
I suppose if a Sensitive New Age Guy like you were feature editor of the style section, you’d ask Roig-Franzia on a "man date" to discuss your relationship, during which you’d drink Cosmos, get manicures and bond by comparing your favorite facial moisturizers. Grow a pair, buddy.
Posted by: Michael, Nov 02, 2009 05:20:38 PM
I am sorry to read this. Henry Allen was nothing but a gentleman when I worked on the Style copy desk. I, too, grieve the loss of the art of long-form journalism, and particularly his. But maybe it wasn’t that that made Henry so angry but the, um, mistakes? Then being called a cocksucker? Geez.
Peace.
Posted by: Jill Young Miller, Nov 02, 2009 05:12:30 PM
Monica Hesse is an awful writer and a ridiculous excuse for a "journalist." I’d be tempted to beat up someone who defended her, myself. I bet the worst article Allen saw was her story on the Columbia Heights Target.
Posted by: sb, Nov 02, 2009 05:03:54 PM
Semper Fidelis! Love those Marine Vietnam Vets. It is about time that these guys finally punched back. They took enough bullshit over the years from the libs and the dems.
Posted by: Melson Gripper, Nov 02, 2009 05:01:35 PM
I am enjoying this tremendously! Such fun. These comments are fabulous.
But I am torn here.
First, as a former newspaper feature section employee, let me just say that it is a nice to know finally here is proof: WE FIGHT LIKE MARINES! How cool is that? This proves that newspaper feature writers and editors are in fact NOT PANSIES! Redemption is suhweet.
But since I was a writer and never an editor, I can tell you that too many daily newspaper editors, regardless of section, just HATE the people they edit. They go on and on, to anyone who will listen, about how the product would collapse straight to hell without their magic contributions. So when judging this little event, you need to know that condescending, jerk-off editors are just as common as condescending, jerk-off writers. Such a lovely bunch all around.
I can only hope this writer walked away minus some teeth. But it could just as easily have been the other way around.
And upper management does not care. If the troops hate each other, let ’em. This is what has always passed for leadership inside daily newspapers. It is mind-boggling.
The abusive, demoralizing working conditions inside many newspaper newsrooms is a big secret out in the world at large. All these operations whining because their businesses are going to hell: I ain’t crying. What is happening is an entire generation of will be spared having to work for alongside and for idiots. This is a good thing.
I love the Post, regardless. But the whole business model needs to go away. Sell the building, and send everybody home with their own lap-tops and blogs, after firing all the editors. Now tell me the product would not be better off.
Uh, what was the question again? ...
Posted by: Craig Colgan, Nov 02, 2009 04:16:37 PM
I haven’t heard from them I thought they were all dead over there. You would have to know it would be a Marine not all of them are sold out to the socialist group, just some in Congress. Fight the enemy overseas and join them in the Congress! Good job Henry!!
Posted by: Ron, Nov 02, 2009 04:14:24 PM
Now this is a story worth reading.
Posted by: A typical person......, Nov 02, 2009 04:06:43 PM
ChickaBOOMer: O Henry
http://chickaboomer.blogspot.com/2009/11/o-henry.html
Posted by: StewartIII, Nov 02, 2009 03:58:01 PM
Answer simple: idiot ex-Marine allowed loose. Fight follows. Right-wingnuts unable to admit fault.
Posted by: Quatermass, Nov 02, 2009 03:26:59 PM
Now I do not know what ranks as the worst WaPo Style story in history, but I do believe I now know which ranks as the best :)
Posted by: TheMadKing, Nov 02, 2009 03:15:16 PM
Answer simple: Leftists and liberals are insane.
And the radical communist nut, Barry Soetoro and his administration of loons, crackpots and bigots has opened the window on their insanity.
Posted by: LogicalUS, Nov 02, 2009 03:13:29 PM
Popular joke in the Army/Air Force/Navy about the Marines:
Here’s a trashcan. Go clean it until there’s a war.
Posted by: marketfrankford, Nov 02, 2009 03:11:36 PM
Is the fighting a usual business for american editors and writers? Or not? How often does it happen? Or things happen?
Posted by: eldar, Nov 02, 2009 03:03:34 PM
Hi everybody! In response to folks wanting to know what the #1 worst Style story is—well, we don’t know Allen’s answer yet, but we’re taking your ideas: http://bit.ly/2z7S9M
Posted by: Catherine (washingtonian.com), Nov 02, 2009 02:18:06 PM
Just went and read the article. It’s terrible but NOTHING compared to Michael Gerson, Billy Kristol, Charles Krauthammer, Jackson Diehl and the rest of the frothing establishmentarians.
Sally Quinn is matchless, of course: Jacqueline Susann without the sex appeal.
Hope Henry Allen doesn’t get in trouble for taking a pop at a pretty untalented guy. At least he didn’t hit a lady, even one who perpetrates this kind of sap.
Posted by: Budd Dwyer, Nov 02, 2009 01:48:19 PM
Damn! This is suh-weet. I hated that freaking story and I think the post has gone beyond sandbox to kitty litter storage silo. Suh-weet! I guess I will keep my subscription for another week or so....Damn!
Posted by: Tom Diaz, Nov 02, 2009 01:47:44 PM
I know Henry Allen. Henry Allen edited me for at least a year when I was a stringer for Style. Roig-Franzia, you are no Henry Allen.
P.S. Any bets on whether Mistah Kurtz will mention this?
Posted by: Bill Triplett, Nov 02, 2009 01:41:25 PM
Nice of everyone to pat this a-hole on the back for assaulting a colleague. Grow up. The guy should not only be fired, but he also should be up on charges. Semper Fi my *ss.
Posted by: Doug, Nov 02, 2009 01:35:54 PM
As a former Marine and as a newspaper photographer/photo editor for three decades who has been recently laid off, I have to say I have been tempted a number of times over the years to do what Henry Allen did, but never was able to bring myself to actually do. My utmost respect and admiration goes out to you, Mr. Allen. I’m proud of you. Semper Fi.
Posted by: pixhombre, Nov 02, 2009 01:02:05 PM
HENRY I love you, your fine writing and your sorrow at the demise of the long article (well, ahem, since I was one of the culprits.) And that word IS an invitation to a modicum of mayhem. There have been long time instances of road rage, journalist style; the New York Times writer who threw his typewriter out the window etc. But the one that remains hard to top was when the Washington Star writer Miriam Ottenberg took off her belt and started flailing the editor who dared touch her copy. The lore goes that it took two guys to wrest her weapon loose. Want to know what the first worst story was so long as it wasn’t mine.
Posted by: Myra Macpherson, Nov 02, 2009 12:55:57 PM
Obviously this is messed up, but I am not at all shocked that Monica Hesse wrote a garbage article.
Posted by: Anderw, Nov 02, 2009 12:48:38 PM
Upon reflection, there is no question that the worst Style story of all time HAD to be written by Sally Quinn, but how do you choose among the horrors?
Posted by: TMU, Nov 02, 2009 12:05:20 PM
When it comes to Sally Quinn, I personally think of whores - not horrors.
Oh, Ben, you’re so strong, so big and strong. And now I’m a powerful queen in Georgetown.
Posted by: Mark, Nov 02, 2009 12:41:12 PM
Nice. There are some other journalists I would like punched on our behalf.
Posted by: faithsalutes, Nov 02, 2009 12:17:48 PM
Would Mr. Allen please do something about Paul Farhi now?
Posted by: KGraham, Nov 02, 2009 12:13:54 PM
This is the most uplifting thing I have read about newspapers in a long time. People caring enough about the non-revenue producing newshole product to throw punches. Yes. Thanks Henry.
Posted by: Richard Murphy, Nov 02, 2009 12:06:50 PM
Henry Allen,
A sincere tip of the cap!
Too bad you didn’t get that punk Dana Milbank or his personal puppy, Christine Cillizza.
And the Post would be a much better rag today if the late-Mrs. Graham has punished her brat daughter, Lally, at least once.
Posted by: Mark, Nov 02, 2009 12:05:55 PM
Upon reflection, there is no question that the worst Style story of all time HAD to be written by Sally Quinn, but how do you choose among the horrors?
Posted by: TMU, Nov 02, 2009 12:05:20 PM
Henry Allen,
A sincere tip of the cap!
Too bad you didn’t get that punk Dana Milbank or his personal puppy, Christine Cillizza.
And the Post would be a much better rag today if the late-Mrs. Graham has punished her brat daughter, Laddy, at least once.
Posted by: Mark, Nov 02, 2009 12:05:15 PM
How could you possibly write a post like this without addressing the issue of what the #1 worst story was? Looks like Mr. Jaffe could use a beat-down too.
C’mon, poll a few more of those "sources" and at least speculate, fer chrissake.
As a reporter and editor, I was involved in two newsroom fistfights, and broke up a couple more. They were all about sh*t that mattered, like stories with terrible sourcing or reporters and fotogs tromping around in people’s lives without regard to the mayhem they might cause.
My sympathies are with Mr. Allen. I am thinking of mailing him a good cigar.
Posted by: leron, Nov 02, 2009 11:44:00 AM
Just another reason why I’m glad to be out of the newspaper industry after 20 years. Fewer people being asked to do more, while the ship is irreversibly sinking.
Posted by: PatrickInNC, Nov 02, 2009 11:33:05 AM
When a swarmy journalist with two last names calls you a cocks-----, you got a throw down - especially if you are a former Marine. By the way, is "cocks-----" the appropriate redaction for that word? I would think not because the word "cocks" is still fully visible. I probably would have gone with "c---sucker". Is there a standard for these types of things?
Posted by: Phil, Nov 02, 2009 11:27:39 AM
Henry Allen is a superlative writer and a sensitive and scrupulous editor. This must have been really bad.
I have no idea what the worst piece in the Style section was, but it must have been by Sally Quinn. She’s got the top 100 all to herself.
Posted by: Ex-Insider, Nov 02, 2009 11:21:34 AM
I’m with the previous poster, what was Henry’s choice for the worst piece? Inquiring minds and all that.
Posted by: Anon, Nov 02, 2009 11:12:26 AM
The Janet Cooke piece was on the front page, not the Style section.
One has to assume he was talking about a Sally Quinn piece.
Posted by: newsreader , Nov 02, 2009 11:11:55 AM
GO HENRY !
He punched that Communist-loving yellow journalist in the chops...(Read some of Manuel Roig-Franzia’s articles slobbering over Raul " the Butcher" Castro for example)
Wish I was there.
Posted by: Person, Nov 02, 2009 11:02:01 AM
There was only one punch - No dramatic throwing down or MMA style wrestling. The guy is in his seventies after all.
For anyone who has ever worked in a news room, as Mr. Allen has for the last 30 years or so, there’s a basic rule "Don’t hand in copy with errors." Every pro writer should know that.
Posted by: Inside Source, Nov 02, 2009 10:56:50 AM
I briefly knew Henry in the late 1960s, when he was a copy desk clerk at the New York Daily News right after serving in Vietnam. He was classy, bright, diligent, principled, dependable. What I’ve seen of his stuff down the years satisfies me that none of that has changed.
If that isn’t enough to cut you some slack in the case of a crude, deliberately provocative confrontation, the Post is an even sorrier place than I had imagined.
Posted by: Ralph Williams, Nov 02, 2009 10:51:02 AM
I forgot to make clear that the Post has lost most, if not all, of its credibility throughout the paper. The Style section is the least of it.
Posted by: slithytove, Nov 02, 2009 10:42:48 AM
I expect the Post to terminate Allen, not because he threw a punch, but because he apparently has standards. The Post’s ethics and standards have become spotty, at best. I’m actually surprised to read a piece with integrity these days.
Posted by: slithytove, Nov 02, 2009 10:41:06 AM
This is a story not because they came to blows. It is a story because the argument was about the veracity of the story. This argument in general may have the most important impact on our lives today. How will we make necessary decisions about the directions our country takes based on journalism that has no basis in fact.
Posted by: oldpol2, Nov 02, 2009 10:34:17 AM
Tom Shales’ slurping "interview" of Dana Delany during the "China Beach" years comes to mind . . .
Posted by: TMU, Nov 02, 2009 10:33:48 AM
I sympathize with Allen - there is some really really bad stuff being published in the style section these days. It’s rarely worth reading and often plagued by grammar and basic reporting errors.
Posted by: B, Nov 02, 2009 10:32:13 AM
What’s #1? Did Janet Cooke’s infamous story come out of Style? I seem to recall that it did.
Posted by: Dan Kennedy, Nov 02, 2009 10:31:25 AM
If I were called that word in my work place I would also come unglued.
I don’t know any of the Times writers well enough to look for ’by-lines’. This was a personal verbal assault and totally unprofessional.
No his contract is being debated by freaking style writers?
WTF? A Vietnam Veteran in Maine who’s got your back Henry.
Posted by: horsense, Nov 02, 2009 10:31:03 AM
I would hate to lose Henry Allen. His byline is always the one I look for and his writing is beyond compare.
Posted by: Bonnie Hassler, Nov 02, 2009 10:05:10 AM
And it leaves unanswered the most obvious question: "What’s #1?"
I can provide a long list of candidates if nec.
Posted by: greg.org, Nov 02, 2009 09:27:23 AM
Oh, please, scammer, grow up already. This isn’t breaking news, it’s gossip, and those of us who like the facts in order are happy to patiently wait for Jaffe’s dispatch. Call me old-school, but I like even my gossip to be well-reported, well-sourced (not just one source, like others) and written with some intelligence. Not just blurted out like a breathless schoolgirl. The Washingtonian has earned my trust.
Posted by: ryeontheside, Nov 02, 2009 09:25:50 AM
The Style section is actually my favorite. I don’t know why it’s considered "the sand box."
Posted by: dcd, Nov 02, 2009 09:20:12 AM
Funny how this story broke elsewhere but you didn’t credit any add’l sources. So much for your right to criticize or critique the media
Posted by: scammer, Nov 02, 2009 08:57:01 AM
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