Thurber resigns from columnist position
Written by Toledo Free Press Staff Writers | | news@toledofreepress.comFormer Lucas County Commissioner Maggie Thurber has resigned from her position as columnist with Toledo Free Press.
Thurber’s column for May 24, “A History of Memorial Day,” was accused by a contributor of SwampBubbles.com of containing plagiarized lines.
Upon learning of the accusation, Toledo Free Press Editor in Chief Michael S. Miller pulled the column from the Web site and indefinitely suspended Thurber pending an investigation.
Thurber responded to the suspension with the following resignation:
“My Toledo Free Press column, ‘The History of Memorial Day,’ was a compilation of various facts and information from various sources. Because of the numerous sources of the same specific facts and similar information, I did not include in the article the various attributions as I should have. For that, I apologize.
Alternatively, in order to avoid any misconceptions, I could have stated at the start of the article that the facts and information which followed were a compilation from multiple resources. I’m sorry for not making that clear.
When I sent the article to [Miller], I originally had a note in the email that the information was a compilation – just to be sure that [Miller] knew the nature of the column. I changed that note and just sent the article, as I usually do, without explanation. By not making this clear to [Miller], as the editor, I placed the Toledo Free Press into a compromising situation. For that, I also apologize.
I have the training and experience to know better and make no excuse for this error.
As I do not want my mistake to be used against [Miller] in any way, especially considering [Miller's] prior unwavering support, I would like to resign as a columnist, effective immediately.I am forever grateful for the opportunity to write for you.”
Thurber has been published regularly in Toledo Free Press since early 2006.
In mid-December 2008, after investigating accusations that Toledo Free Press contributor Troy Neff misrepresented his work in several columns, the weekly newspaper dropped the financial adviser and former WCWA radio talk show host from its roster.
Neff apologized for his actions.
Miller said, “While we value Maggie’s friendship and respect her experience and knowledge, there is no margin for error when it comes to accusations of plagiarism. In a city that has suffered the journalistic black eyes of Allan Detrich and Janet Cooke, readers should expect zero tolerance of ethical lapses.”
Thurber blogs at http://thurbersthoughts.blogspot.com/ and is host of “Eye on Toledo” on WSPD.
on her own blog, right at the top she states: I’m a radio talk show host, former public official and avid sailor. These are the things I do, along with blogging, while I decide what I want to be when I grow up. Many posts in this blog contain original material and previously unreported news. Any media outlet, website or blogger that reports previously unreported news or quotes opinion obtained from this website is ethically obligated to credit me or my blog in their initial report on the subject.
Talk about a hypocrite!
This comment was posted on May 22nd, 2009 at 10:03 pmNow if we can get her off the radio. She is good in what she does but drones on too long on topics.
This comment was posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 6:10 amEnough is enough. I hate all the Toledo politicians but I am tired of having all the problems shoved in my face day in and day out.
“…I am tired of having all the problems shoved in my face day in and day out.”.
It’s this type of apathy which gave us all the problems in the first place.
This comment was posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 8:48 amToledo Tom, ever think about changing the station if you are not happy with the show? So have a great mind and well spoken informed individual removed from the air because you don’t appreciate the conversation?
This comment was posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 10:04 amWhat a selfish person you are!
Let’s see your ability to own your own business, have a blog site, have your own radio show and write a column. I’m sure it would be a huge success……
Another person with opinions and who chose to share them with the public, falls by the wayside.
Done in by themselves, like some before.
We may have opinions and like to share them, but we also need to understand that they we are not always right about and the opinions are that, opinions, and not become reclusive or only allow a chosen few to read our thoughts and opinion.
People make mistakes, happens all the time.
This comment was posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 10:30 amSick of the apathy! pity you won’t identify yourself for all I know you maybe Maggie or dare I say Fred. I don’t think you are Brian Wilson. Let me know if I am close.
This comment was posted on May 23rd, 2009 at 8:31 pmToledo Tom…..I am neither of the names you posted, nor am i affliated with WSPD.
This comment was posted on May 24th, 2009 at 9:07 pmPity that you will not identify yourself either.
i am a citizen that believes in free speech as well as conservative values. In this day and age we get not much of these in the news or radio. It is refreshing to me to be able to tune in to a local station and listen to those that reflect my values as well as my personal opinions. How sad you take a stand that i must be Fred or Maggie.
Do you honestly believe/feel there are so few conservatives around???