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Patrick Manning - Page 4

Patrick Manning has been dreaming again or maybe heading to the Twilight Zone.

https://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/ar...ws?id=161359336

Manning Patrick

You hear all this talk of Manning being a dictator but I don't really know. I think the actions regarding Valley, Rowley and Hinds make him look autocratic and controlling. But even though people don't like him, what alternative is there? Panday? Dookeran? Ramesh or Kamla (that's if Panday's case doesn't go his way)? I don't know what to make of these prospects!

Patrick Manning Caribbean / Tobago & Trinidad

What is Manning going to do with the new allocation money for entertainment that grew from $1.5 million in 2008 to $11.1 million in 2009? Seems like someone will be holding very expensive parties when the rest of the population struggles to buy a loaf of bread. What can I say, Trinis love it.

Page 4 Manning Patrick

Manning enters a radio station to complain about how they are 'bad talking' his policies. What do you think, is he out of place? I came across this quote today that reminded me of this...

Manning Patrick

When people in power do things, there is always some who would look at the negative. Now I do not listen to the radio because too many DJs (are they still called that?) talk nonsense and flap their opinion onto listeners out there. On many times I know they are not quoting fact but what they feel to say and what listeners may want to hear. So I am not surprised to hear that Manning had some complaints. As I said I don't know what was said but if it was a normal person, wouldn't he have to right to voice his opinion too? I have heard it before, these DJs say let Manning or Panday (or who ever they feel to ridicule) come to my face and tell me I'm wrong. Well it seems to me that Manning called his bluff and now there is uproar about freedom of the media and all that nonsense. Yes you have the right to say what is your opinion but you also have the responsibility to face the consequences. A lot of people forget that last part and when their facts or opinion is challenged they cry blood and say they are being wronged. I guess people out there will tell me that Manning was supposed to turn the other cheek and take the slap. Oh please give me a break people and grow up.

Edited: lordryoko on 13th Nov, 2008 - 6:10am

Patrick Manning

Lordryoko, you're failing to see the bigger picture. As a journalist myself, what Mr. Manning did was unacceptable. What was his real purpose on "visiting" that radio station to complain about what some DJ's said? Does he has the right to be upset and complain? Yes, he does. Was the right approach? No, it wasn't!

It its common knowledge that politicians around the world (including Prime Ministers and Presidents) have sometimes issues with the Media but they're resolved in a court of law and in close chambers. Can you imagine the uproar if the now elected President of the United States, Obama does something similar?

Mr. Manning's approach to this whole issue shows that he intended to intimidate and use his position as a Prime Minister to influence those in authority in that radio station. He knows better than that. If what these DJ's said was untrue and defamatory, then he could have chose the right channel...the one that all politicians use with the media: Sue them! But the fact he chose this approach sends a lot of warning signs about the freedom (not only of the Media) in Trinidad and Tobago.

Patrick Manning - Page 4

So what we are saying then is that as a journalist you can say whatever you want about anyone and hide behind the freedom of speech clause in our constitution but as Prime Minister he is not allowed to defend his opinion because he should know better? As I said, yes you have rights but you also have the responsibility that goes with it. You said he should have sued them, yes that too is an option but that would have taken months to finalize and the issue would have been forgotten by then. We also talk of freedom of speech, last time I checked when you are reporting news, your opinion is not wanted, your facts are. If you want to criticize the government or Manning, do it on a talk show and flap your gums away, then people can decide if it just the ramblings of a radio dj or if it is indeed fact.

Edited: lordryoko on 14th Nov, 2008 - 2:28am

Patrick Manning Trinidad & Tobago / Caribbean - Page 4

No, that's not what I am saying. If you have taken the time to read my reply then you would know exactly what I said. What I am against is the approach he used, not the fact he was upset and wanted to complain.

He had other choices like a formal complaint to the Media Complaints Council, Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago or even write letters to Media houses like most of his Ministers do . He had several choices but he chose the intimidatory one, the one of a prideful Prime Minister who nobody can dare to say a word against him. The fact that the media management (according to him) told him that they will update him about the investigation and according to Mr. Manning he replied there is no need for that because that's their station, proves that the "move" he made was intimidatory and taken as such. Absolutely out of place.

Did you hear what was said? It was obvious they were sharing their "opinion" on the matter and YES, that's also part of journalism, it is a misconception to think that journalists nowdays only report news.

There is one word to describe what Mr. Manning did and that's "intimidation" and using his political position to influence others. That's absolutely unprofessional and demonstrates a total lack of self control on his part since I believe that this famous visit to the radio station was an emotional response from him.

If this would have happened in any other country, he would be FORCED to apologize. But hey, we are in Trinidad and Tobago where like the three monkeys: Nobody sees, nobody hears, nobody talks...