Jerome Armstrong Controversy
Jerome Armstrong, founder of the blog MyDD.com has been known in progressive circles as "the blogfather." This is because he was the pioneer who spawned what is now known as the blogosphere. He has served as a consultant for major campaigns. Now the New York Post has exposed him as someone who was sued by the Securities and Exchange Commission for stock fraud.
My initial reaction to this news was one of disgust. Those who work in these illegal boiler rooms to do what is known as "pump and dumps" knowingly engage in fraud and target widows, seniors, and anyone gullible enough to fall into their traps. The internet made this easier as people like Jerome constantly pitched worthless stocks.
On the other hand I also condemn people like the New York Post and Rupert Murdoch, its owner, for their tactics. The Post is a right wing rag. What they did was dig into Jerome's past so they could find damaging information they could use to silence his voice. In my opinion this is worse than what Jerome did. Armstrong got caught, dealt with the situation and moved on. He actually transformed his life and began doing something extremely useful. He began doing work which has been extremely positive.
It also seriously reflects on Markos Moulitsas Zuniga, Jerome's collaborator in numerous projects and the owner of DailyKos.com. The business and political relationship between the two and how they interact bring their actions into question. Armstrong's paid consulting work for candidates brings them huge positive coverage by Markos.
Jerome Armstrong is currently working for Mark Warner. Interestingly the highlight at Kos' convention last week in Vegas was a reception hosted by Mr. Warner. I see similar conflicts of interest and lack of disclosure lapses in Armstrong's political work as are evident in the SEC complaint.
DailyKos.com has serious problems. Hypocrisy, bannings, taboo subjects, etc. It is Kos' site though and, as its owner, he has the prerogative to run it as he sees fit. As he says, if you don't like it go start your own blog (which I did). This news article though raises some serious questions, especially with the recent publication of "Crashing the Gate." CTG is another joint venture between these men. I bought the book and now wish I could return it. With this news about Jerome I feel cheated. I would never have purchsed it knowing this information abot Jerome Armstrong.
My initial reaction to this news was one of disgust. Those who work in these illegal boiler rooms to do what is known as "pump and dumps" knowingly engage in fraud and target widows, seniors, and anyone gullible enough to fall into their traps. The internet made this easier as people like Jerome constantly pitched worthless stocks.
On the other hand I also condemn people like the New York Post and Rupert Murdoch, its owner, for their tactics. The Post is a right wing rag. What they did was dig into Jerome's past so they could find damaging information they could use to silence his voice. In my opinion this is worse than what Jerome did. Armstrong got caught, dealt with the situation and moved on. He actually transformed his life and began doing something extremely useful. He began doing work which has been extremely positive.
It also seriously reflects on Markos Moulitsas Zuniga, Jerome's collaborator in numerous projects and the owner of DailyKos.com. The business and political relationship between the two and how they interact bring their actions into question. Armstrong's paid consulting work for candidates brings them huge positive coverage by Markos.
Jerome Armstrong is currently working for Mark Warner. Interestingly the highlight at Kos' convention last week in Vegas was a reception hosted by Mr. Warner. I see similar conflicts of interest and lack of disclosure lapses in Armstrong's political work as are evident in the SEC complaint.
DailyKos.com has serious problems. Hypocrisy, bannings, taboo subjects, etc. It is Kos' site though and, as its owner, he has the prerogative to run it as he sees fit. As he says, if you don't like it go start your own blog (which I did). This news article though raises some serious questions, especially with the recent publication of "Crashing the Gate." CTG is another joint venture between these men. I bought the book and now wish I could return it. With this news about Jerome I feel cheated. I would never have purchsed it knowing this information abot Jerome Armstrong.
posted by PA progressive @ Tuesday, June 20, 2006
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