New West has published a guest commentary by the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), in response to a commentary by Responsible Trails America (RTA). No need to guess what side New West is on.
"Manufacturers Promoting Irresponsible OHV Behavior", blares the headline for the RTA article. It's an aggressive statement, a fact that OHV riders are irresponsible. The sub-head that comes next is even stronger: "The extreme rhetoric of the industry-supported, Idaho-based BlueRibbon Coalition hurts the constructive efforts of local ORV clubs to encourage responsible behavior."
Contrast that with headline written for the BRC article: "BlueRibbon Coalition on Responsibility". It's passive, defensive, and followed by an equally weak sub-head that repeats the RTA's charge of OHV abuse: "In a response to last week's guest commentary by Harrison Schmitt, president of Responsible Trails America, about OHV abuse, the BlueRibbon Coalition argues it is the responsible wing of the OHV community."
Having worked in the news media for a few years myself, I used to write headlines; and I can hear the hollow laughter of the New West editor as s/he clicked the "submit" button on these two articles.
This is the "new west" alright. Just don't confuse it with the values of the "old west" and you'll be fine.
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