Snewz & Record

GREENSBORO, NC -- The News & Record's Richard Barron writes has an article online today that is an embarrassment for it's lack of journalistic standards. Writing about property just south of the Guilford and Randolph County line that "State agencies, railroads and Duke Energy" think would be a good spot for an automotive manufacturing plant, Barron offers these gems:

"State agencies, railroads and Duke Energy have been meeting to draw up a plan.

"That’s evidence that a company may be looking at the site already."

It is? An indication, perhaps, but a journalist should have a higher bar for "evidence." Furthermore, this "evidence" is contradicted a few sentences later when a railroad representative is quoted as saying, "But it’s only a concept for a generic plant."

"Experts said rail service is the No. 1 requirement for an auto plant"

Ha ha hardee har har. Experts! Did you get that, folks? Experts? Never mind who — and Barron doesn't say—but, you know, experts!

"State environmental officials have made preliminary studies of the site to check for such development barriers as wetlands."

And...? The results of those studies might be of interest, but Barron has to get back to cheerleader, no time for reporting.

"Sales are at record highs and plants are operating at full capacity."

Both of those assertions are just flat wrong. Where did they come from? Barron himself, apparently, as he cites no source, but neither are true. Sales are not at record highs and plants are not operating at full capacity, some are even reducing capacity. But, facts, shmacts, Barron has a drum to beat.

"Even a smaller tract — 1,200 acres — might be enough for an auto plant, a variety of experts said." 

Ha ha hardee har har. Experts! Did you get that, folks? Experts? Never mind who — and Barron doesn't say but, you know, experts!