It appears that this morning, I'm in Op-Ed mode as I've written a piece for the Orlando Sentinel and am sharing this one in response to an op-ed that was played out on the CBS Sunday Morning Show yesterday, June 22, 2008. Watch the video to better understand my letter to the editor below:
Wow!! I was originally incensed by Gil Schwartz’, aka Stanly Bing’s, rebuttal of Andrew Cohen’s op ed piece. His list of ‘liars’ amazed me when he threw in Realtors® in the #1 position. How dare he!?!
Yes, as with any industry, we have our black sheep. But, as a Realtor® and a member of NAR (the National Association of Realtors®), we also have a very strict and comprehensive Code of Ethics which must be followed. And is followed by the majority in this industry. It forces us to be accountable for our actions. The public relations industry does not have any such accountability.
Yes, the PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) also has a Code of Ethics, but the Preamble simply states, that the “Emphasis on enforcement of the Code has been eliminated.” Yep, I see accountability here!
So, how can he describe Realtors® as in the #1 group of “really big prevaricators”?
And lets look at the public relations industry. Hmmm, lobbyists – oh no you won’t find any prevaricators there, will you? Mr. Schwartz was talking about ‘hacks.’ How about Spin Doctors? Oh yes, they only selectively present information to support their position. I guess since it’s only a partial truth, that is alright because they didn’t lie. Didn’t tell the whole truth either, but hey – that’s OK!
As a public relations person, I think you should think more clearly before you speak, Mr Schwartz. You are representing your industry just as I, as a Realtor®, am representing mine.
Marc Grossman
Apopka, FL
So....this guy is trying to defend his industry while downing others??? Harumph!
Good and Bad in all walks of life.....
Love your response. Very diplomatic
Marc - I, for one, am glad you are a representative of the Real Estate Industry. You're one of the good people, in my book.
Interesting it's billed as commentary at the very end (if it was also termed as such at the onset, I missed it).
I agree, we have a code of ethics, although not mandatory to follow, whereas, they have none.
Hmmm. Don't know whether or not to follow the 'if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all'.
I believe recent polls show that a massive Majority of America believe very little what they read in papers or hear on TV regardless as to who it is reporting. PR, Journalist, whomever. And you make an excellent point about Lobbyists.
You see, Real Estate Agents do what is in the best interest for their clients whom are the consumer, the homeowner, the people that make our economy go 'round. PR folks also do what is in the best interest of their clients whom are usually trying to convince OUR clients, regular everday consumers and voters that what they are saying is fact.
Would love to see Jay Leno get a hold of that video. ;)
I'm confused...did he just ask everyone to "play nice" while he was denigrating our profession?
Sally - Thank you! I saw the original commentary and I can see where he might take issue with it, but he just lashed out with that stupid list, which appears to be of his own making anyway.
Jason - I am humbled by your opinion. Thank you very kindly.
Carol - Our code is definitely mandatory and anyone can be brought up to your local Board's Grievance Committee, etc for violating our code.
Stephanie - Exactly! I know what you mean. It was just some sort of contrived list and the reason that he mentioned lawyers in the top two spots because the original op-ed was by CBS's legal counsel.
Lisa - Thank you! LMAO!! You always put it so freakin' succinctly.
Marc- I find that appauling. Where are used car salesmen? What a bunch of crap. Was there even one industry that list that has a code of ethics that has to be part of the professions continueing education by annually? Good job Marc.
Mark - Thank you very much and I was quite incensed while listening to the show yesterday. But I also realized where it was coming from and then just decided to do something constructive. I meant to suggest in the post that others contact CBS as well. It was very denegrating to us.
There is a certain segment of the public that enjoys bashing -- whether it's bashing lawyers, real estate agents, dentists, stockbrokers -- doesn't matter. There are good and bad professionals in all walks of life, but the thing that seems to set off these bashers is merely the fact that the people they bash make more money than them. No sense bashing the lower-income groups, I suspect.
Elizabeth - You bring up a very valid point. Sad, but true - isn't it!
Wow Marc just catching this. I can't believe he saud such a thing!
Jeannette - Yep, he sure did & it basically burned my butt! So I had to say something as well. Unfortunately, his was heard by how many million on network TV.