RAINER'S RAMBLINGS
Front page news
By RAINER ARNOLD Sentinel Publisher

There is a big difference between a daily paper and a small town weekly such as the Union Sentinel. But there are normally some similarities as well. But, basically the front page is for news stories and not editorializing.

This is why it struck me a little funny that the Atlanta JournalConstitution had as one of their front page stories last Sunday, "She's no stranger to clashes, criticism." This was side by side with "A DOG'S LIFE," a beach story and a religious story. The "She's no stranger" story is about embattled U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney.

The story was not the story of her history or heritage but instead was a slanted report to make McKinney appear as a crusader for causes near and dear to all our hearts. It was not based on facts but instead circumstantial information and people's opinion of her.

It would have been a good story for an editorial page story. But to put it on the front page says something about the AJC. Since they have no competition in Atlanta and very little within the state it is easy to see that they can slant stories to suit their desires.

And, I have no problem with them doing what they want to do. It is their paper and they own it and they sell enough advertising to do just about anything they want to do. They sell papers week in and week out. I read people that complain about the quality of the AJC. I hear people complain and complain. I have complained before about their editorial stance. But in the end, the AJC owners and publishers can report the news as they see fit as long as people keep reading the paper and buy advertising.

I just thought I would offer my opinion, since I have one, on the fact that the front page ought to be reserved for more factual and complete stories than the one I read. And, I am just curious what other people thought of it. Maybe someone will e-mail me at the paper and either agree or disagree with me.