On Assignment - Latest Comments in On Assignment

Re: On Assignment

Okey Oyna — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:27:45 -0000

Very good, congratulations article

Re: On Assignment

Ian DeWitt — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 18:14:32 -0000

'Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe.' - H.G. Wells
Guess what folks? So far, to date education is losing that race. This generation can already attest to the catastrophe, just look at Iraq.
The issue isn't biased media - I think we can all agree that mass media has its own agenda and it isn't educating the public. The real issue is government's (national, state and local) lack of support for education. Billions of dollars are spent a year on the great war machine known as the US Military, supposedly to keep us safe from terrorists. The real terror, if you ask me, is a nation of kids growing up to repeat the same mistakes of the generations before them.
'Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.' - James A. Garfield

Re: On Assignment

Katie Haley — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 04:35:49 -0000

Yes, I completely understand, but the only people I heard asking me to go in was the administration, and that was only once before they came and brought us in. I have apologized to a few people who were at the protest for staying out late, and I would like to do so to you as well. I may also ask the administration to forgive us and see if another protest would still be able to happen as long as we got all of the kids in on time for school. I do completely trust the judgment of those of you who organized it, and I am proud to be your fellow student. I just was sick of hearing all of these things about how I was this terrible kid and I just wanted to stay out to skip class. I am very sorry for any inconvenience myself and the few kids that stayed out late that really wanted to help caused. Next time I will make sure I know exactly what I should be doing.

Re: On Assignment

J. Pfeiffer — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 03:16:32 -0000

Rachael, I understand the frustration you have in this circumstance, however it is also important to understand that journalists cover what they see and cannot be directed by those deeply involved in the story they are covering. I wasn't there, so I can't comment regarding the details, but Mr. Hammerstrom was assigned to come to the school and videotaped what was there when he arrived. That's his job. Certainly it would have been an advantage for him to understand the time issues such as the 7:20 bell, but he didn't. Journalists must cover news events independently and they cannot allow themselves to be directed by those deeply involved in the story itself.

Re: On Assignment

Rachel Davis — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:01:49 -0000

the above was in response to katie haley.

Re: On Assignment

Rachel Davis — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:55:52 -0000

I understand what you were trying to do, and we appreciate your sentiments, but if you're going to participate in protests in the future, you absolutely need to listen to the organizers and administration the FIRST time they ask you to do something.

Because so many kids wouldn't go in when they were asked, it is entirely conceivable that the administration may forbid protests in the future. And that would be on your shoulders. We didn't ask you to go in to stifle your dedication, we asked you because acting in a unified way and working together makes a stronger statement than staying out late does.

We want the same thing you do. I can only ask you to trust those of us who organized this thing that we have thought it out thoroughly, and that nothing we ask anyone to do is without a specific purpose.

This protest was a first for our school, and we knew it was inevitable that bumps in the road like this would occur. We're all learning as we go here. So I ask you to consider what I'm saying, and to reserve hostility until you've given it a lot of thought.

Re: On Assignment

Rachel Davis — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:46:00 -0000

I was the student who asked you to leave, repeatedly. I found your actions to be extremely unprofessional and irresponsible. You arrived nearly an hour after the protest started, well after school had started, and absolutely REFUSED to be cooperative in light of the fact that you were filming the 14 and 15 year olds who refused to cooperate with the protest organizers and go into school on time like they were asked.

You need to modify your journalistic tactics when you're dealing with an unusual situation, ie a protest in which the participants are not mature enough to resist the temptation of a video camera. You are the adult. You were also our guest; this is our school, we invited you and it's just common courtesy to be respectful in such a situation.

I was shocked at the contrast of Al McKeon's professionalism, politeness and agreeability compared to your absolute unwillingness to respect the wishes of the protest organizers for the sake of a shot. And then to COMPLAIN about it, and about the administration's request that you leave - that is incredible to me. You have guts.

And you say that you put the camera down and stop filming when people wave or act in any way that's not completely candid. You didn't today, and this was a time when not only was that appropriate, it was REQUESTED REPEATEDLY.

I don't know. My experience with other Telegraph staff members, like Michael Brindley and Al McKeon, have been nothing but positive and I couldn't be happier about that. It's a shame that you ruined the wonderful image your coworkers established.

Re: On Assignment

Damon Kiesow — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:56:39 -0000

In response to the student commenters I can only say this: Apathy is quick and easy but taking a stand and taking action to back it up takes courage and dedication. You should be commended for your willingness to fight for what you believe.

However - several of the above comments do a grave disservice your idealism.

In short - I find it unfortunate that based on an obviously brief and incomplete experience with a Telegraph photojournalist you would find it appropriate to launch personal attacks that serve no purpose other than to detract from your message.

Bob Hammerstrom (and Al McKeon) attended the rally with a job to do on Friday morning. Bob's responsibility was to capture (in video and still pictures) whatever activity he observed. He did that to the best of his ability and left when requested by Principal Ryan. Any injury, real or imagined, caused by his effort to do his job is unfortunate, but definitely unintentional.

Bob is a consummate professional who has been covering news in this community for almost a decade. His character is not in question. After leaving Nashua North Bob went to Merrimack High to talk to a class there about community journalism and share his experiences as a photojournalist over the last 22 years. That is the true reflection of his personality.

Issues like the teacher's contract obviously inflame passion on both sides of the issue. I am sure Bob will accept the above, less than charitable comments, as a result of that idealism run a bit astray. That is the type of guy he is.

Damon Kiesow

Managing Editor / Online

Re: On Assignment

Sheila — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:47:10 -0000

Today i arrived at school to a line of students protesting about this contract. It IS effecting us as students at this school, and i can not believe that you are saying that they were doing it for attention. The kids that stayed out there wanted it to be known that we also care about the teachers and how they do not have a contract. It has been an ongoing issue, and it is still not taken care of. And for you to say that, is rediculous. They were glad it was going to be posted for many other unknowing people to see, because they wanted to let people know that they cared, and that they were serious.

Re: On Assignment

Justin — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:22:57 -0000

I was apart of both the before school and after the bell protesters, and no, we were not all standing out there "just because we wanted to get out of class" We were standing up for those teachers who work so hard to mold and shape the kids of today, and them not getting nearly enough money for all they do is not fair to them or their families. As some of the people said above, this is really unprofessional piece of work, and you should be ashamed of your self for telling a group of caring high school students that we acted as we were on stage when the camera showed up. We were a few kids, standing up for what is right. "Stand up for what is right, even if you are the only one standing"

Re: On Assignment

Katie Haley — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:07:09 -0000

Also, you left "out of respect"? Yea right. I was right there when you were asked to leave. You said "ok" and kept taking pictured. Then you snapped one more of the principal as he was telling you to stop taking pictures. Way to make yourself a hero.

Re: On Assignment

Katie Haley — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:57:37 -0000

I got there late because I have very little money and unlike some my father is working before I'm even awake, so I could get no ride in early. I was given a sign because I was told I would be given one when I asked if I should make one. I stayed late because I wanted to show that even though I was there late I would stay until the threat of jail was put upon me, plus nobody made the argument that it was wrong to. I did chant for the camera, but only to try and show whoever would see it what we were trying to do. After the man left I stayed out. I agree, many kids shouldn't have been there, but I was there to support the teachers who have guided me through hard times and have dedicated themselves to me. Getting my first detention of the year is a small price to pay for the teachers. The tax raise this will bring is going to be a huge stress on my family. Yet I was still there. Don't lump us all in together, please.

Re: On Assignment

student — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:32:30 -0000

I appologize. I understand Al was with you, and I personally respect Al very much. This is not against Al or The Telegraph. This is between you and I. Bob, what you said was completely bias and as a reporter you should know not to do that. I believe that next time make sure your facts are straight.

Re: On Assignment

better than you sir — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:19:34 -0000

I was at the school at 6:15 ready to show the city of Nashua this great group of students who support their teachers. I was with a crew and we were on It's Too Early at 6:45. You sir, have no right to insult these students. It was 19 degrees. The students were chanting and you know what? Some teachers commented and said it raised their spirits and some even said they cried. Why? Oh maybe because now they feel they are not alone. Don't worry about your job, it was covered by Seniors from both high schools. You sir, are easily replaced.

Re: On Assignment

Disgusted — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:09:46 -0000

As a citizen of Nashua in addition to a co-organizer of the REAL protest, I am completely DISGUSTED with the attitude, comments, and overall presence of this so-called "visual journalist".

Not only were your facts incorrect, I must say that your lack of professionalism was truly a shock, considering you represent one of the biggest papers in Southern New Hampshire.

Why you arrived after the bell is beyond me. However, after we clearly addressed you on the issue of photographing/taping the wrong kids, I was appalled with your sarcastic and negative comments such as, "Why don't you just go in to class?" I'm almost appalled to say that I'm enrolled in the same school as those kids who CLEARLY were not part of our peaceful, sophisticated group of over 60 who arrived between 6:30 - 6:40.

Most "journalists" would know to get their facts straight to begin with. Although we may be high schoolers, this does not in any way mean that we should be spoken to the way you spoke to us, Mr. Hammerstrom.

Not only am I disgusted to say that I once enjoyed reading this paper, I will now think twice about every "fact" I read from The Telegraph after your blatant ignorance displayed this morning.

Thank you for showing me the lack of respect and composure that you represent. I will consider this every instance I merely glance at The Telegraph.

Re: On Assignment

A REAL PROTESTER — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:46:22 -0000

We were SUPPORTING our teachers. In that respect, we were more successful than we could have hoped for.

And there is a petition for students to sign. This petition was brought to the protest so students could sign it.

http://www.ipetitions.com/p...

Re: On Assignment

Nashua — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:06:32 -0000

Did anyone see that students were covering the protest live on channel 99?

Re: On Assignment

Parental judgement — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:23:26 -0000

I dont think that having a photo/video shoot was the thing that these students needed. I surely do not see how this has helped the teachers, nurses and others fighting for a fair contract.

Students communicating with each other, okay; But, to walk around with signs? who are you there to "picket"?

Send a signed petition to the City. In that, state your argument and have students sign their names.

Re: On Assignment

pat — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:12:12 -0000

It's too bad that a bunch of really good kids got together days ago to organize what they wanted to be a very "civil" protest. They contacted the Telegraph and the Union Leader (who by the way, was there on time) with specific times and goals and your camera man showed up late. That being said your whole story is wrong as are your pictures. You were contatced by one of the "real students" later who also shared "real" pictures and my hope is that tommorrow's story will include and recognize the students that went to alot of trouble to do this thing in a way that was meant to be respectful and meaningful.

Re: On Assignment

Other Katie — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:23:40 -0000

You came after school had started. Why couldn't you come when the real supporters were outside? These students seen in the picture will do anything to get out of class, including stand in front of the school holding signs for something they have no idea about.

This gives the idea to the people of Nashua that the students were an uproar of random kids with no idea. We were organized. We showed up at 6:30. We made signs and welcomed those who meant so much to us. How can you be so cruel to misrepresent a group of students trying to show moral support?

I'm not impressed

Re: On Assignment

A REAL PROTESTER — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:01:50 -0000

Talk about bias journalism.

First of all, you should get your facts straight because we never had a forum on myspace. i am guessing you were referring to the FACEBOOK event that was posted?

Most of the signs they are holding were made by me, and these students took with without permission.

When my fellow organizers and I approached you and told you that these were not the real protesters, not only did you act rudely, you have now deliberately written lies even though you knew exactly what was going on.

Good job Bob.

Re: On Assignment

Katie — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 06:03:41 -0000

The students that you witnessed rallying were not those who were actually involved. They did not show up early and protest. They came later and took signs that were on the ground. They barely even knew any of the situation that was going on. The real people involved showed up at 6:30, not five minutes before the bell. The real people involved went to class so they weren't causing a disruption. Had you shown up on time, you would ahve seen that and been able to acknowledge it. The kids that you saw were using the rally to get out of class. They don't care if they get another detention. They don't care about the school. You were asked to leave because you were keeping the students from class. You would not have been asked to leave if you were there when the real rallying was going on.