Publication of A Mutilated Version Of Mohamedu Jones' Article On Charles Brumskine May Lead to Legal Action

 

The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia
June 7, 2005

 

Mohamedu F. Jones

On October 16, 2001, The Perspective carried Cllr Mohamedu F. Jones’ article titled: Is Brumskine the Right Presidential Material Liberia Needs? It has been nearly four years since it was published. But a mutilated version of that article surfaced recently at one of the Liberian web sites without any indication that the original article was carried by The Perspective. Not only that, the publication of the article coincided with the Washington Post’s article on Cllr. Bumskine – this gives the impression that its circulation was propelled by some political motive.

The Perspective wants to go record stating that we shall not tolerate such dishonesty. Any reputable publication must follow certain industry guidelines, such as attributing due credit. If an article is culled from another publication, the original publication must be duly credited and acknowledged. To change the original article in any substantial way without the consent of the author or the original publication is pure intellectual dishonesty.

This publication, along with the author, Mr. Mohamedu Jones, hereby duly protests such blatant abuse and dishonesty. Below is the full text of Cllr. Jones’ letter to the Liberian Times:

The Editor

The Liberian Times

Dear Editor,

I am writing in regards to your publication dated June 4 2005, entitled "Is Brumskine Presidential Material?" with the byline "Author: Mohamedu F. Jones/USA." I have never before submitted an article to your publication, and did not in this case. It appears that you excerpted portions of an article that I had published on "The Perspective" a number of years ago and re-published as if I had submitted it to you in June 2005.

Your action regarding this article is deceptive, unethical, and clearly contrary to even the basic journalistic standards. It was completely false and misleading to list me as the author of what you have published when you edited my original work without my consent and authorization. You failed to even credit the original publisher, "The Perspective," or to indicate the original date of the publication or give your readers imperative background information about what you published.

I am requesting that you immediately remove the article "Is Brumskine Presidential Material?" and its attribution to Mohamedu F. Jones as the author. I am further requesting that you carry this letter on your site. Please note that if you fail to remove the article, I will avail myself of any and all legal proceedings as appropriate in the United States and Liberia. Please note that I am also sending this letter to other publications for dissemination.

Mohamedu F. Jones, Esq.