Comments on: OPINION: Congratulations Mr. Benton – AND Mayor Baroukh

By: William Barratt, Falls Church

William Barratt, Falls Church — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 02:29:06 +0000

I disagree with Mr. Benton on almost every issue he writes about. That’s fine–it’s his paper and he can write what he wants (though it’s a shame if he is involuntarily supported by Falls Church taxpayers). What I really dislike is the way he regularly writes biased, strongly opinionated articles and calls them “news” when they read more like op-eds. It’s in violation of his own platform, which he proudly prints in each week’s edition. And it’s the reason I was so glad when a friend told me about the Falls Church Times last year.

By: Nick Doyle

Nick Doyle — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 01:13:41 +0000

I have been reading the FCNP for five years and have become progressively nauseated by what I’ve seen. In fact, I have in the past called and asked that it not be delivered to my doorstep. It stopped for awhile — but began again. Its like a bad rash. I can’t seem to get rid of it. But I can’t stop scratching it. I now look forward to its arrival each week for comic relief. My kids and I play “Where’s Waldo” (only its “Where’s Benton”) when it arrives — to see who is the first to find Nick highlighted in his own publication. I’ve often thought that a real editor (or someone reasonably skilled in English) would improve it. Even better, maybe a bucket of periods (……) would vastly improve it and let me catch my breath in the middle of some of the paragraph-length sentences.

I’m grateful and relieved that our Mayor responded in the way that he did. Adult leadership, at last!

By the way, I’m grateful to the Falls Church Times for being a sensible alternative.

By: Dudley McDonald Mechanicsville, VA

Dudley McDonald Mechanicsville, VA — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:24:08 +0000

As a reader since day one (and even today via the ‘Net), I do commend Mr. Benton for building a nice small business (which he deplores much of the time) out of whole cloth. I especially enjoy his national commentaries that simply must be widely read (otherwise, why would he place them in that section of his own paper??) from coast to coast.

Fortunately for Falls Church, much of what he supports isn’t!

I eagerly await 1001!

By: Mark Mellon, Falls Church

Mark Mellon, Falls Church — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:14:33 +0000

Nicholas Benton can not write his way out of a wet paper bag with a hole punched in the bottom. He’s also a very pompous man who takes himself way too seriously (that bit about roaring “tyrants beware” when running off his first edition is a perfect example of this, that and the fact he keeps mentioning it). Given that, it’s no wonder he got snippy when Mayor Baroukh failed to give him the ego-stroking that he considers his due.

By: Peggy Monahan, Falls Church City

Peggy Monahan, Falls Church City — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:32:43 +0000

Well said, Mr. Fendly, and well done Mr. Mayor.

By: Teddy Rutledge

Teddy Rutledge — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:35:51 +0000

Correspondent??? Ha, ha, ha! LMAO.

By: Bill Brew Falls Church

Bill Brew Falls Church — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:29:15 +0000

As a 35-year resident of the Rodney Dangerfield part of the City (far east side, surrounded by Arlington)(now with a BJs literally in the back yard), there have been many worse slights through the years, but I need to correct the understanding that “Mr. Benton is the only person whose words touch every doorstep in town.” A few years back, the delivery of the FCNP to our neighborhood was cut off with no notice. Numerous requests for a resumption or at least an explanation — including reluctantly bearding Mr. Benton in public one Sunday morning as he ate breakfast — yielded nothing. So perhaps the notion could be revised slightly — ” Mr. Benton is the only person whose words touch nearly every doorstep in town.”

By: Betsy Sherman, Falls Church, Va

Betsy Sherman, Falls Church, Va — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:22:20 +0000

A newspaper who uses as a correspondent the husband of the Mayor (former), is suspect. Particularly when the said correspondent has his own blog in which he regularly criticizes members of the Council of which his wife is Mayor (former). It’s just too cozy!

By: vlfrance, City of Falls Church

vlfrance, City of Falls Church — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 11:26:40 +0000

I like getting the FCNP weekly because, while not always, it gives me perspective on news in town and reminds me of various things going on in town. I also don’t mind tipping the carrier annually because it helps someone survive in this or any economy.

As for the matter at hand, I agree Benton should be congratulated whether we agree with his journalism or not. He has certainly spurred offshoots to help balance City news. Also, I’m conflicted about Mayor Baroukh’s action. While I agree he should remain at arm’s length (I am highly irritated, in the reverse, by newspapers endorsing politicians since it takes away from being fair and balanced journalism), I believe some congratulations are in order. Perhaps if it could have been on behalf of the entire City Council. It’s a sticky wicket…

By: TFC

TFC — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:24:19 +0000

dreamin’…one hand raised here.
I think Nick’s rag feels the heat from this site……… ’nuff said