Ethics Assignment

1. Editor Steven Smith differentiated between a legitimate and a non-legitimate news story because if the Mayor was just gay, then it wouldn't be a big deal. However chatting online with with people that are not of legal age, such as 17-year-old boys, was grounds for a legitmate news story.

2. Morlin justified the use of a concealed identity on Gay.com because he needed absolute certainty that it was Jim West. Morlin said, "there was no way we're going to be able to say without absolute certainty that the target was Jim West unless we go to Gay.com and draw him out." Morlin didn't create an identity himself because his job's code of ethics prohibited him from pretending to be someone he was not. However they were not prevented from hiring consultants.

3. I think The Spokesman-Review published so many articles on Mayor West's alleged improprieties because he was a public figure. West was a town leader, and this was big news for Spokane. New information kept coming out about the allegations, and it only kept confirming that they were true.

4. James West was ultimately hurt when the story was exposed. The Spokesman-Review benefitted from exposing West. Since West had allegedly molested young boys in the 70's, then yes, the outcome was worth it for The Spokesman-Review. I believe exposing West was justified because he was a public figure and because he was pursuing underage boys on the internet.

5. I feel bad for gays, even those in the public eye, because they have no privacy. The media exposes them and makes it a huge deal. I only believe that it is okay to expose them if they are doing illegal activity, or going against what they say/preach. I definetly don't think it's okay to invade anyones privacy or go on a "witch hunt" to expose people, only if there is illegal activity going on.

In Class Research Exercise

1. According to the FBI, in 2006 Washington State University had six violent crimes reported. This is only two less than the University of Washington which has almost 16,000 more students. In addition, Washington State University had four forcible rapes reported while the University of Washington had only one reported.

2. A total of almost $25,000,000 was contributed to candidates in Washington state in 2006. Christopher J. Marr, democrat senate candidate, received the most money of the 73 candidates with $566,000. Of 191 house candidates, Troy Kelley, democrat, received the most with $306,000. Out of the the top 20 contributors, the House Democratic Campaign Committee of Washington, donated the most money with $1,545,263. Following that, Martin Selig and Washington Education Association were the next top contributors.

-In 2006, republicans received more donations for anti-gun control influence in Washington state. Republicans received $72,000 in donations while Democrats received $15,300 in donations.
-In 2004, Republicans received $0 dollars for donations with women's issues, while Democrats received $3,360 in donations. This is a decrease from the year 2000, $5,392 from Democrats and $250 from Republicans in donations.

3. PATENTS:
Digital Video Recorder
Social Networking
Automobile