July 11, 2009 | Ink By the Byte

“Never pick a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel” – newspaper adage

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

“Who’s unsophisticated: If that’s all it takes, it’s apparently enough”

COMMENT: The North Koreans may not have the most advanced technology, but if they are responsible for the cyber attacks this week that disabled several American and South Korean Web sites, then they are advanced enough, this editorial argues.

The enemy is out there, and he’s not just pre-sighting artillery and training snipers and stockpiling bullets. He’s also online and out to disrupt American forces, government and life in general. If he can short-circuit our computers, he can ground a modern air force, or stall an armored brigade. It’s called asymmetrical warfare and it’s cheap. Why buy an Apache helicopter when a $100 laptop can make it fly backward, or not at all?

It’s time for the federal government to step up its effort, the writer says. Strangely, the editorial doesn’t mention that the Obama administration is trying to address this issue with the creation of a ‘Cyber Czar’ position to help direct the country’s digital defenses.

Gold star, though, to the editorialist for the reference to the 1980s movie, War Games, one of the Ur-hacker movies.

“Who is this person? Mr. Passailaigue, we hardely knew ye”

COMMENT: Shame on lottery director Ernest Passailaigue for his performance at a recent press conference and Speaker of the House Robbie Wills for defending him, the editorial argues.

In his first talk/ lecture/extended insult to the public, Mr. Passailaigue sounded less like a pro than a condescending ass, saying the average Arkie wouldn’t understand the high art and science of running a lottery. Which is why he should be beyond questioning when importing his buds from South Carolina to run the thing at six-figure salaries courtesy of us suckers.

A few days ago the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette praised Passailaigue for refusing to take public money to pay for living expenses, but events at the press conference soured the milk big-time between the paper and the new lottery czar.

Mr. Passailague and his friends at the Ledge owe the public an explanation for their star co-performance the other day. No, that’s not right. They owe the public an apology, plain and simple and above board. No games, please.

The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas

“Death opens old wounds of Vietnam”

COMMENT: The Morning News traces out the political life of Robert McNamara who died Monday. It’s a pretty straight-forward essay that doesn’t really condemn or absolve the man for his decisions during the Vietnam War. For a more biting obit of McNamara, check out the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s editorial from two days ago.

The Northwest Arkansas Times

“Smart thinking: UA interns provide valuable assistance to City Hall”

COMMENT: The Northwest Arkansas Times praises the efficiency efforts made by city interns from the university’s business school. Those efforts could save the city up to $200,000 a year if implemented.

… young people have things to teach us so long as we’re willing to shush and listen. Assignments included helping staff streamline procedures, cut costs and brainstorm for ideas. Probably lots of brainstorming. We’re hopeful it won’t be the last time.

The editorial traces out a number of the interns suggestions and says it’s a good example of partnership between the city and the university.

I certainly agree and it’s good of the paper to shine a little ink on those accomplishments.

Ink by the Byte is an ‘almost daily’ media criticism and editorial roundup column focused on three newspapers in Northwest Arkansas, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the Morning News of Northwest Arkansas and the Northwest Arkansas Times. All comments reflect the opinion of Christopher Spencer, publisher of Ozarks Unbound.

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