Let "60 Minutes" know you want it to do the right thing

By Michael Gaynor

The day after I posted "The "60 Minutes" season opener should close the Duke case" (upsetting the secretive, the timid and the worriers), a gentleman who coaches youth lacrosse and admits interest in "skewering idiots" not only sent a very helpful letter to "60 Minutes," but the day after that he posted this abbreviated version of it in the editors' blog at The News & Observer:

My letter to 60 Minutes producers yesterday:

Thursday, August 17, 2006

[Addresss, salutation, etc.]

I have blogged extensively on the Durham Political & Media Corruption Scandal, once incorrectly dubbed the "Duke Lacrosse Rape Scandal" by the mainstream media. I write as "NDLax84" at http://crystalmess.blogspot.com and other sites devoted to this disgraceful American tragedy. Michael Gaynor has reported, here: http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/gaynor/060816, that 60 Minutes will highlight its season-opener with a blockbuster expose of the "Duke" matter. I suspect the following invaluable references have already been forwarded to your attention. They are MUST reading for all involved in producing a "fair and balanced" investigative piece:

Professor and historian Robert KC Johnson's amazing

http://durhamwonderland.blogspot.com/

The best place to find unwavering, fact-solid commentary upon the culpability of the media, particularly the local Raleigh News and Observer and Durham Herald-Sun:

http://johninnorthcarolina.blogspot.com/

***

http://liestoppers.blogspot.com

http://johnsville.blogspot.com

http://lashawnbarber.com/archives/category/duke-rape-case/

http://friendsofdukeuniversity.blogspot.com/

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=dukelax

http://blogs.newsobserver.com/editor/index.php

http://recallnifong.blogspot.com/

I am mindful of the national exposure and power that a 60 Minutes expose packs. Do it right. Mike Nifong is a disturbed jerkwater despot who must be stopped. The judges in bed with him must be held accountable. The failure of the Governor and AG to step in, whether due to political allegiance, cronyism, and egg-on-face, must be disclosed. The racist, inept and/or blindly-order-taking P.D. (Himan, Gottlieb, Clayton, Michael, et. al.) must be drummed out of civil service forever. The reprehensible conduct of the local media, both in fanning the flames of race- and class-based hatred for 46 innocent men at the outset, and in foot-dragging and obfuscating the readily available truth in favor of the Duke Three in the months since, must be exposed.

This cannot be a "Tevye" — on the one hand; on the other hand" type piece. Well, I suppose it could be, but it most definitely ought not be. Since the US DOJ is apparently unwilling to step in and snuff the cockroaches, currently, it is up to you. Scorch the earth there. We're counting on you. And we'll be watching.

[Closing, contact info., etc.]

I am delighted that the gentleman followed up on my report of the intention at "60 Minutes" so well.

The more "60 Minutes" hears from the people, the better.

That gag order has been an obstacle to witnesses helping "60 Minutes" since July 17, 2006.

Those of us who will not be witnesses need to pick up the slack.

To those interested in having a trial of the Duke case next year: find another interest that does not victimize the innocent.

© Michael Gaynor