In a column that has appeared for 25+ years, there will of course be occasional incidents or discrepencies. I have my own outstanding issues – see for example my comments in Cecil’s Lousy Call Letter Answer. Mistakes were made. But, of course, we learn from our mistakes. And, overall, the percentage for perfection in Cecil’s columns far exceeds the Harlem Globetrotters winning percentage over the old Washington Generals. Moreoever, it has been established – more on this later – that all of Cecil’s so-called errors were in fact the result of carelessness on other people’s parts.
I’m not privy to all the inside goings-on at the media titan which is the Chicago Reader, but I assume some of the problems have occurred when something like the following happens: “Cecil’s sick, Ed’s on vacation, we need a column pronto, the boss’ kid wants to write it, what harm could that be?” Scene now shifts to Cecil’s shrieking outrage at the monstrosity that went out under his name. To placate everyone, Little Ed decides to fall on his sword, and take full responsibility for the column, and also for leaving the coffee maker on all night.
Moreover, what about Cecil’s earlier editors, the ones who were there before Little Ed took over the post? Isn’t it possible that these individuals, although outstanding journalists, while under the intense pressure of serving Cecil might have wavered or drifted a little on a couple of occasions? (I am not in any way suggesting sabotage.)
I admire your courage in standing in the midst of Cecil’s establishment to inform us of his alleged failings. Might I suggest that, as your next activity, you consider leaping into the center of the ring in the middle of a professional wrestling match and bellowing This is all a charade! to the roaring approval of the audience and the participants? (A side note: Some have claimed that Cecil threw his “Monty Hall” match against Marilyn von S., but the replay clearly showed Cecil was bopped on the head with a chair, in complete violation of the rules, but the ref missed it because he was distracted on the sidelines by Marilyn’s tag-team partner. With Cecil out, his erstwhile partner, Little Ed, did his best of course, but fell valiantly to Marilyn’s deadly “sleeper hold”).
Maybe your religion isn’t based on the inerrancy of Unca Cece’s word. But, in my world, people like you make Cecil cry. I hope you’re happy…