Cheers and Jeers: June 30, 2008

June 30, 2008 04:28 am

— JEERS: to climate scientists and global financial market experts, who could use a refresher course in best First Amendment practice. How do they expect to inform people about climate-change abatement strategy without the American press? The message coming from the American Response to Climate Change conference in Tupper Lake to media last week was: "Don't come here." Only one local radio reporter was allowed to cover opening sessions, and he was named in conference materials among the "invited" advisory council. Press were banned from working groups. Even conciliatory offers for our reporter to accompany attendees on field trips were withdrawn at the 11th hour. The reason? The scientists and financial analysts were "uncomfortable" having press people around. Hear this: climate-change abatement plans are critical to every one of our readers, their children, their grandchildren and beyond. Many of our readers say it's way past time to act. And money to pay for change will be available only with the support of the public. Any public-relations effort would have at least helped instill confidence that the action plan expected from these sessions will be good for all. But now we'll never know.
CHEERS: to Dannemora Federal Credit Union for holding its Second-Annual Community Shred Day earlier this month. Residents and businesses in Clinton County were invited to deliver up to 20 banking boxes of confidential documents to shred. Along with the service was a handout on the consequences of identity theft. Clinton Correctional Facility and COPSCARE representatives were on hand to educate kids to avoid becoming victims of abduction. The security of people's identity and personal information should be on everyone's mind, in these times when lapses are so prevalent and the penalty is so high. More than 50 people attended the all-morning event, more than double last year, which is an indication of the increasing seriousness with which the matter is viewed. The Credit Union performed a valuable service.
CHEERS: To the Champlain Valley Film Society for providing a cultural boost to some small communities in Essex County. The non-profit group shows classic films and, more importantly, current films in sites such as Willsboro Central School, the Masonic Lodge in Essex and Ballard Park in Westport. A number of groups around the area show classic films, but not many secure recently released films -- something especially welcome in communities where the nearest big-screen theater is about 45 minutes away. Among the films shown this year have been "Juno, "Atonement" and "No Country for Old Men," all critically acclaimed newer films. Coming up at Ballard Park: "Air Guitar Nation" on Aug. 2 and "Annie Hall" on Aug. 23. The Film Society -- headed by David Ruther, Bill James and other movie-loving board members -- is able to secure top films through companies that specialize in non-theatrical distributions to cruise ships, prisons and other venues. The Film Society is tops on our list of credits.