One of our many spies in the community was kind enough to share with Spy HQ a superb long-form article in the Baltimore Magazine on the Eastern Shore’s challenges with Black history and race relations from Kent County to Dorchester.
Beautifully written by the Mid-Shore’s own Lydia Woolever, accompanied by brilliant photography by Greg Kahn, it will make compelling reading for our Spy readers.
Read the full story here
JTSmith says
This is a terrific article. Thank you for highlighting it. It compels reflection about the practical meaning of those who oppose moving the Talbot Boys under slogans about “ Preserving Talbot History.” I trust that they would not favor monuments to lynching or to slave auctions on Courthouse grounds.
Cathie Liebl says
What a wonderful eye opening article. Thank you. Not only does it report current events (history in years to come) but also points to our Eastern Shore history that the Talbot History Preservationists chose to leave out. It’s embarrassing to be from Talbot/Easton when towns to the north and south of us are facing the racial problems of the present and at least starting the conversation to make changes. Where here we want to ignore the facts of the present and bury our heads in the past. Maintain status quo at all costs. Talbot County Council must look pretty ridiculous elsewhere in the Eastern Shore, in Maryland , and possible across this great country of ours.
Again, thank you.
Clive R. Ewing, P.E. says
Baltimore Magazine recently published an article attempting to shame the good people of Talbot County, Maryland, by falsely implying the current resistance to relocate the Talbot Boys Monument is part of a long, checkered past on the Eastern Shore. In so doing, the magazine only exposes its own failure of journalistic integrity as well as the hypocrisy of our elected officials.
Journalism is dead. It is a disgrace that professional journalists (much like professional athletes and actors) use their platforms as megaphones to promote their own personal causes. The article criticizes the entire Eastern Shore, and Talbot County specifically, with accusations of ‘backward’ ways and traditions. The biased commentary offers nothing new other than a surprising reference to a ‘whisper’ about some Proud Boys, pure innuendo meant to senselessly worry the citizens. Further, the article offers no acknowledgment of any progress in community relations over the years.
Certainly, there is NO WAY this journalist would ever dream of living in Talbot County, right? She must live in some distant “safe haven,” Baltimore or New York perhaps. But lo and behold, she apparently resides right here in Talbot County, amongst all of the rabble! How could that be?! Does the writer have a yellow yard sign to match her yellow journalism? Now that is shameful! (ref. below for more information on yellow journalism)
Masks for thee, not for me. In the undated photograph in the article, Talbot County Councilmen Pack and Lesher proudly stand, mask-less, within arm’s reach of each other. The caption indicates they are in the Talbot County Courthouse. When exactly was this photograph taken? For many months, the County has made clear that masks are required 100% under such conditions. Perhaps the councilmen are not super-spreaders of the Covid-19 virus while they are promoting their favorite cause – tearing-down the Talbot Boys monument. But what about their fellow employees in the courthouse who share the same ventilation system? The poor photographer? Even if the councilmen were already vaccinated, the CDC clearly states to keep wearing the masks!
For months we have been informed that the County Council cannot meet in person, and meetings definitely cannot be open to the public. The Council tells us to follow State mandates; 25% capacity in our struggling businesses, keep our children home for worthless ‘virtual classes’, and wear a mask (or two) everywhere ALL of the time. Big fines for non-compliance! But, if you are councilman and need a professional photo shoot to promote your pet project, put your masks away and come on down to the courthouse! Rules for thee, but not for me!
Next Steps: So where does the “move the monument” crowd’s hypocrisy and exaggeration next take us? Will they reach out to another hand-picked media outlet to falsely disparage the Eastern Shore yet again? Or can we pray, perhaps, the county council and citizens will prioritize a Confederate & Union monument, finally putting an end to dividing the community? “Unity if possible, truth at all costs”, said Martin Luther.
Ref. Yellow Journalism: “Yellow journalism uses sensationalism and exaggeration to attract readers. It is usually not well-researched and often only tells one side of the story. It will sometimes have made-up interviews or imaginary drawings. It isn’t always false, though sometimes it is. It does tend to be overly dramatic and play on the emotions or fears of readers”. https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-yellow-journalism.html
Clive R. Ewing, P.E.
Easton, Maryland
Stephen Schaare says
Wow.