NIC: Teaching Hypocrisy 101

The “For Whom the Bell Tolls” editorial on 6/30/10 was revelating. While we are on the brink of a depression, people are losing their livelihoods, their homes, their dreams. We are all trying to do our part to survive. This includes paycuts and concessions to benefits. With what is left, we help those that have suffered most.

The President of NIC however is getting a retirement bonus. The CDA Press informed and reminded the public that it is gonna be at our expense. The taxpayers will get the bill. Apparently, the CDA Press was attacked by Priscilla Bell’s VP of public relations for distorting the facts (which they obtained from NIC), and accused of “tabloid tactics”.

That takes a lot of arrogant nerve, and should showcase the utter hypocrisy of this institution for “higher education.” Another bit of public knowledge is that NIC has classes in Journalism. This is where students are taught freedom of the press, and the responsibilities of ethical journalism.

The CDA Press just demonstrated both, and got attacked by the College that teaches it! This should be no surprise. NIC also has classes in Logic and Critical thinking, and Ethics. Of which, they demonstrate they are incapable of the former, and exempt from the latter.

Literally, while our community suffers, the high and mighty at NIC are demonstrating the philosophy of the Pirates of The Caribbean: “Take all ya can get, and give nuthin’ back.” Nothing new there. Just look at Corporate America and the obscene bonuses that have been given to their fat cats, also at our expense. I expect the like will come to Priscilla Bell’s defense.

North Idaho College has some magnificant instructors and professors. I know, I took some classes over there. These are the hard-working people who practice what they preach. As for their President getting caught in the middle of her drive-by “hit and run” at our and their expense, I would suggest sitting in her college’s Journalism class with her PR man and learn something.

As far as her taxpayer-funded retirement bonus, I would like to know what recourse our community has to stop this disgrace.

JIMMY PAPPAS

Coeur d’Alene