There are not enough reporters left in Montgomery to matter even if they did know half of what was going on, and none of them have ever worked in a real city or state where things work differently to know what a pathetic job they are doing.

A few got away with doing some investigative journalism a few years ago, as long as whey were investigating Democrats. Apparently the publishers won’t allow investigations of Republicans, but even if they did, they don’t have the personnel to do it.

Newspapers and reporters are playing it safe to try to stay in business and keep their jobs as long as possible. Local TV news has never had a clue on how to conduct investigative journalism. They just read the newspapers and the wires on the air.

The more people begin to realize this and get online and support the Web Press, the more we will be able to do. Keep spreading the word…

One would only hope Mr. Martin could have mentored someone to follow in his footsteps.

I know a lot of journalists in the Capitol Press Corps, who are totally “hip” to what is going on.

Unfortunately, they are not allowed to write about what they know because of Management.

Like I said, commercial media outlets are controlled by money, in the form of stockholders and advertising dollars.

There is no such thing as Investigative Journalism in this State, especially the televison affiliates. The local affiliate, WSFA News should win a “razzie” award for the pablum/milquetoast “journalism” they “spoon feed” us every day.

It’s a travesty because telling the truth can bring about change.

Telling the truth is dangerous here in Montgomery. A lot of money is involved and the truth threatens the status quo, which is greed.

When I worked for WABC/ABC News, in New York, I met some “Capos” in the Genovese Crime Family at a Social Occasion, through a guy in my security detail, who was a retired NYPD “Gold Shield” Detective.

These “Wise Guys” were really nice to me so, I didn’t have any “ax to grind”. They were a lot of fun hanging out with at a nightclub, where Mambo “Rules”. They treated me with hospitality, and respect.

I actually have more respect for the Mafia/Cosa Nostra than I do for Bob Riley.

At least The Mafia is Honest about being Dishonest.

What happened to journalists like Martin? Apparently, to get real investigative journalism now you have to go to the web, and in Alabama that means Locust Fork and Glynn Wilson.

Thanks for keeping the First Amendment alive.

Glynn was right. No newspaper in Alabama would print my letter. I already know the reason WHY and so does Wilson, who realized this fact from the “gitgo”.

Allow me to explain my rationale, as to WHY my letter was not published. Every press outlet in the state is aware of what is going on in Montgomery. However, nobody in the press corps has the “guts” to ask the tough questions, for fear of being “cut out of the loop”. They have NO “BALLS”.

The Power controls the information, in the form of stockholders, and advertising dollars. It took me 23 years to reach that “Epiphany” when I worked for ABC News, in New York.

I will not give up in my endeavor. As I stated in my letter, The Department of Justice Public Integrity Section ranks Alabama 4th most corrupt state in the union, based on successful prosecutions and convictions.

Politicians are NOT elected by voters. They are elected by contributors and these contributors expect something in return. That is “Quid Pro Quo”, which is accepted practice here. Every elected official is involved.

It’s not a question of “Who is on The ‘Take’?” The REAL Question is: “Who ISN’T on The ‘Take’?”

Stay tuned,

Phil Fleming