John Paul [Vranesevich] – 7/30/12

This page was last updated on August 8, 2012.

Investigation Shows Rep Jim Christiana’s Ties To School Choice Groups Could Top $170,000; John Paul [Vranesevich]; Beaver Countian; July 30, 2012.

The Beaver Countian appears to be a “one-man band” consisting of “John Paul” (aka John Paul Vranesevich) a self-described “citizen journalist.” To date I’ve seen no article bylines for anyone but “John Paul” and it appears he does all the technical work. In an apparent attempt to hide that fact, in his articles Mr. Paul refers to himself as “the Beaver Countian” and “we.” If I’m correct, I have no idea why Mr. Paul would want to deceive his readers, customers, and advertisers on this point.

Less than 15 hours after I published my critique of a Paul piece entitled “Monday Musings Volume 8,” Mr. Paul removed the article from his website. I don’t know if the removal had anything to do with the critique.

Below is a detailed critique of excerpts from the subject opinion piece.

In what could have been the subject of a “Mr. Obvious” skit, Mr. Vranesevich’s “investigation” revealed people who support the same positions as State Rep. Christiana (R-15) – as well as “long-time personal friend[s]” - contribute to Mr. Christiana’s campaigns. I wonder if an investigation would show those on the right tend to contribute to Republicans and those on the left tend to contribute to Democrats. <g>

Here are a couple of things Mr. Vranesevich failed to note. First, in another piece Mr. Vranesevich wrote, “While I do my best to keep my personal politics out of my political reporting, in the interest of full disclosure I have made it widely know that I am, and always have been, a registered Democrat.” Other than this previous piece, I found no evidence Mr. Vranesevich “made it widely know that [he is], and always [has] been, a registered Democrat.” Second, Mr. Vranesevich failed to note his history with Mr. Christiana. Mr. Vranesevich once referred to State Rep. Jim Christiana (R-15) as “a coward” because their positions on same-sex marriage differ.