Chris Cobler pulled this blog down claiming it was an attack on Platenburg, and her Article. I contend, and back up with facts, that the person Attacked here is Victoria citizen, Dr. Tanya Seiler.

In a study of 7,000 surgeons it was found that approximately one in four were in the midst of litigation. Surgeons involved in lawsuits are more likely to suffer from depression and exhaustion than professionals in any other field. How often have you ever heard of a lawyer being sued for poor legal advice, they have to do something pretty wicked to come under the gun, and it compares with the ethics committee in congress as to the extent of their punishment that is doled out

And as you know, it’s a slap on the hand. Cobler vs Truth Fairy

Malpractice is at the top of the list of physicians. And as everybody tries to make ends meet, and keep their bills up to date, the most critical check a doctor writes every month is to their insurance carrier to shield them from a malpractice suit.
And every lawyer knows, the insurance companies pay, and pay dearly. Seventy five percent of all doctors will be a party to a malpractice suit in their lifetime. And 33% of the money goes into the lawyer's coffers to keep the cycle going.

How often have you seen a lawyer on the front page of a newspaper for giving poor advice to the person he is representing, I can’t think of one incident, and I have read a few papers too. Unless it’s moral turpitude or his own follies, he’s pretty much immune to the persecution of those he represents.

But doctors aren’t, and they literally go to work every day with targets affixed to their backs. Doctor clinics are like deer corn under a feeder, and some patients they treat might have well just bought a cheap scope, put it on a cheap gun, and they are looking to gut shot the first doctor they can, and cry foul. Of course this is not always the truth, a doctor or two has been known to stitch up a patient now and then and find a pair of forceps missing from his tray, and then he remembers he left it inside someone’s torso.

Fortunately for personal injury lawyers, no one is perfect.

A lot of people don’t realize how difficult it is for a reporter to properly report a malpractice suit, or any controversial issue in the media. And that's where experience and the steady guidance of a good editor that knows the ropes may really come in to play. Quite often, a doctor sure doesn’t want to talk to a reporter.

A good reporter has to realize that's exactly what the doctor’s lawyer trains his clients to do, say nothing. It's pretty hard to get into trouble for something you didn't say. It's not what the reporter wants to hear. It's very similar to pleading the fifth.

That’s where sound ethical journalism comes to play, and how critical it is for a reporter to remove the emotion from their writing and report the facts. And report the facts fifty-fifty. That’s unbiased journalism, and I’m going to write a quick make-believe story to illustrate fair reporting.

The old adage walk a mile in another man’s shoes really tells the story and should be every good reporters motto.
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Dr. Cassandra Feelgood, a doctor in Transylvania has been named as party to a lawsuit filed by Count Dracula. Dracula's attorney, Count Z.Cash contends Dr. Feelgood administered a blood transfusion that led Dracula to contract Hepatitis.

Dr Feelgood has practiced for years in Transylvania and has administered thousands of blood transfusions in her career and her tireless work has saved many lives.

This is the first time a complaint has been lodged against Dr. Feelgood and per her attorney’s advice, she declined comment.

Count Dracula, a pillar of the community, who is known to give away free coffins to the deceased of the needy, contends the hepatitis he contracted was from the blood transfusion he was injected with by Dr. Feelgood. Dracula is adamant as to the cause, and says he will suffer for the rest of his life, and wants to be compensated. Dracula’s attorney says this is a growing epidemic, and Dr. Feelgood acted unprofessionally.

Dr. Feelgood's attorney, Ima Cashkeeper contends her client acted professionally and conducted the procedure in a sterilized environment and all blood administered to patients is tested to the highest standards. Cashkeeper contends Dracula’s promiscuous lifestyle should be called into question, and that her client is innocent.

The case will be heard before a judge and jury and we will update you on the outcome.

End of Blog.
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Gheni Platenburg's article in the Victoria Advocate is biased, one-sided, and leaves pertinent facts and omissions regarding Dr. Seiler's views completely out of the article. There's no mention of her exemplary record, years in practice, affiliations with the medical community, nor does it contain any detailed facts or ongoing problems with the plaintiff's health. Platenburg's way over her head in the field of medical reporting, and could have used a little guidance.

Furthermore, before this article was published, a single call to Dr. Seiler's office shouldn't merit the go ahead, nor recuse reporter Platenburg from writing a well rounded article that presents equal sides to the story. Platenburg should have finished the process of reporting fairly, instead of slinging mud on a wall hoping it sticks. Perhaps pressure to meet an imposing deadline, but that's conjecture, and that's just giving her the benefit of the doubt. 

This article is biased, and it's not the first time, and I contend it is tabloid reporting under Editor Cobler's guidance.
Cobler vs King Kong

Read it below and find the fairness: Another hit piece, and piss poor journalism.

Study it and find Dr.Seiler's side.

Dr. John Vaughan's view on Platenburg's story

His March of Dimes comment was subtle, to say the least.

When the Advocate reports something, it's beyond reproach in Editor Cobler's own words.

If the subject is broached to him -- it's an attack. I think not. Simply stating facts proves pure and simple, but the next comment out of his repertoire is undoubtedly, "You're off topic."

It's the truth. Speaking of more bad news  . . . .  Cobler vs The Supreme Court of Journalism

Nothing more -- Nothing less. . . .

Please pay particular attention to the Red, Blue, and Green colors of the text, We will use this to break down articles in the Victoria Advocate, to show the public what is fair, and what is not.  You will find this particularly interesting when we dig into Matt Ocker's "Running with a Record" written by Gheni Platenburg.

Editor Cobler slams the door on this time after time when I broach the subject, and recently talking with Stephen McHaney he said I couldn't be objective since I'm a friend of Matt Ocker.

Speaking of one door slamming and another opening. . . . I found this interesting . . . Cobler vs Cobler

Minutes later McHaney was surprised to hear I had never met Matt Ocker prior to the published story.  It started one Sunday morning November, 2010.  I walked to my driveway to pick up my paper. Minutes later, over a cup of coffee their I sat reading Miss Platenburg's article.  This way horribly wrong.  I had the Victoria Advocate in my hands, and I had to do a double-take to make sure I hadn't picked up the National Enquirer.

Then and there, I knew it was time to do something.  I called Michael Cloud, and was able to contact Mr. Ocker, and the story he told me really opened my eyes up. A little digging into this story confirmed what he told me.  Three words Editor Cobler.   Shame . . . Shame . . . Shame. . . .

News Flash . . . . Cobler vs Captain Amnesia

Marvin Hileman the UT professor, I was unable to interview, had tripped and fell down his stairs at his home and died.  Unable to take his comment I kept digging

And after talking to Charlie Stoops the social case worker Platenburg interviewed on the phone about Ocker, raised serious reservations

I recorded the conversation and I asked him if he read the article quoting him about his take on Ocker, he said no.

I read the article to him.
Silence ensued, He said that's not how their conversation went  I reminded him that'ss what it said in the paper.  Nothing like a little inaccurate misquoting.
So here we are.. .   . . . . More Old news . . Cobler vs The Jolly Green Giant.

And I've got "Running with a Record" colored too.  That will be my grand finale.

In the meanwhile we're going to focus on Cobler -- here and now.  There's enough subterfuge in the last thirty days to keep the most ardent researcher busy around the clock. I've interviewed people involved with the story, and I firmly believe, until this editor Cobler gets run out of town, he has some explaining to do.

He can paint me in colors he see's fit, I personally don't care. I'm telling the truth, and this story on Dr.Tanya Seiler, his conduct of deleting opposing views on his blogs, deleting blogs entirely, programming delays into comments so he can filter out opposing views when he's trying to make a point, having staffers assume aliases in violation of Advocate Forum rules then posting dissenting comments upon innocent readers and bloggers, and misleading the ethics board of his true actions.

Have I said enough.  Stay tuned for the next chapter in dealing from the bottom of the deck.

Please pay particular attention to the Red, Blue, and Green colors of the text, We will use this to break down articles in the Victoria Advocate, to show the public what is fair, and what is not.  You will find this particularly interesting when we dig into Matt Ocker's "Running with a Record" written by Gheni Platenburg.

In the meanwhile -- the task at hand is to take a look at Platenburg's article on Dr, Seiler.

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The following is neutral coded in Green

A Victoria woman is suing her obstetrician over claims that her son was injured during birth as a result of the doctor's negligence

Anna Flores sued Dr. Tanya Elise Seiler and the Victoria Women's Clinic on behalf of her son Natividad 

Barrientes, a minor, in district court in late November.

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The following shows Plaintiff's side and contends injury

Flores claimed Seiler failed to engage in appropriate medical decision-making concerning the need to deliver the infant via Cesarean section instead of vaginally.

As a result, Barrientes developed shoulder dystocia. "It's a traumatic injury," said J. Todd Trombley, the plaintiffs' Houston-based attorney. "The doctor failed to exercise ordinary care. That is the definition of negligence in the state of Texas."

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The Defendant's only side to the story -- A detailed synopsis of the pre-existing conditions would have been nice. The reporter simply could have gleaned this information from the Plaintiff, in detail. Platenburg took the time to meet my wife's pot-bellied pig in an article she did on Merle. Surely she met face-to-face with the Plaintiff. And if she did, her notes would be interesting to see. Perhaps she interviewed her on the phone.

The Defendant's only mention in the story. Makes one wonder.

Earlier this month, the defendants filed a formal response denying the allegations.

"Defendants would state that plaintiff's injuries or damages, if any are proven, relate to or were caused in whole or in part by pre-existing conditions," according to the response.

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The following is Neutral and states facts

Messages left for the Victoria Women's Clinic and William Abernathy, the clinic's Corpus Christi-based attorney, were not returned as of Friday afternoon.

Flores was treated in September 2009 for the labor and delivery of her child.

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The following shows the Plaintiff's side and contends injury

The lawsuit contends that medical records indicated before delivery was attempted, Seiler knew or should have known that the infant was at high risk for experiencing shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury based on several risk factors.

These risk factors included Flores' diabetes and maternal obesity; Barrientes' excessive birth weight; and the usage of epidural anesthesia.

Additionally, Barrientes' protracted descent through the birth canal was another indication he was vulnerable to injury, according to the lawsuit.

Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby's head is delivered through the vagina, but his shoulders get stuck inside the mother's body behind the mother's pubic bone. If this happens, the remainder of the baby does not follow the head easily out of the vagina as it usually does during vaginal deliveries, creating a risk for both mother and baby, according to the March of Dimes website.

Shoulder dystocia can result in injury to the nerves in the baby's shoulder, arms and hands, which can cause shaking or paralysis; a broken arm or collarbone; a lack of oxygen, which can cause brain damage and death; and even Erb's palsy, according to shoulderdystocia.com.

"Despite the evidence concerning this risk factor to Ms. Flores and Nate, Dr. Seiler ignored it, or failed to appreciate it in caring for these patients," according to the lawsuit. "These risk factors for Ms. Flores should have been a 'red flag' for Dr. Seiler."

The lawsuit also asserts that Seiler was negligent because she applied traction to the baby's head to free his shoulder, failing to use any rotational maneuvers that did not include pulling on the head.

Flores is seeking damages for past and future physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment and medical care expenses as well as future loss of earning capacity.

"We hope that we prevail and that we can take care of the child's future needs," said Trombley.

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Now we will take a look at my article.  This will make a valid point as we dig deeper. Here’s a fair and balanced article that would be a model in any journalism class on fairness and ethics--
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Neutral

Dr. Cassandra Feelgood, a doctor in Transylvania has been named as party to a lawsuit filed by Count Dracula

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Plaintiff

Dracula's attorney, Count Z.Cash contends Dr. Feelgood administered a blood transfusion that led Dracula to contract Hepatitis.

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Defendant

Dr Feelgood has practiced for years in Transylvania and has administered thousands of blood transfusions in her career and her tireless work has saved many lives.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Neutral

This is the first time a complaint has been lodged against Dr. Feelgood and per her attorney’s advice, she declined comment.

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Plaintiff

Count Dracula, a pillar of the community, who is known to give away free coffins to the deceased of the needy, contends the hepatitis he contracted was from the blood transfusion he was injected with by Dr. Feelgood. Dracula is adamant as to the cause, and says he will suffer for the rest of his life, and wants to be compensated. Dracula’s attorney says this is a growing epidemic, and Dr. Feelgood acted unprofessionally.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Defendant--

Dr. Feelgood's attorney, Ima Cashkeeper contends her client acted professionally and conducted the procedure in a sterilized environment and all blood administered to patients is tested to the highest standards. Cashkeeper contends Dracula’s promiscuous lifestyle should be called into question, and that her client is innocent.

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Neutral--

The case will be heard before a judge and jury and we will update you on the outcome.

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Pretty simple journalism -- You be the judge.  Now you get the idea !
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Here's a post that has not yet been deleted to my knowledge and it's one of many stating their dissatisfaction with Cobler.  Let's stay on topic, More Cobler shenanigans Cobler vs Ethic Monster

As follows:

• sunshinekid Report a Violation
Permalink
I was disgusted by this article on Dr. Seiler. I have dropped my subscription for good now as well. The only reason I even looked this up today was to use this in the history class I teach. We were talking about yellow journalism, and the Spanish-American war, and how stories can be so miscontrued just to boost readership and sales. Most of my students do not know the parties involved but after reading the article were amazed by this story. I told them that you should never believe 100% of what you read. Even the students were talking about how they have noticed a decline in our local paper. This new generation that is now running the paper needs to figure out how to increase sales, not decrease them. Do what othere area newspapers do - publish once or twice a week - as the local paper only. The Victoria Advocate has become the local gossip rag. I say this in sadness as many of my ancestors were with the paper in the beginning of it through the 1950s.
January 12, 2012 at 11:44 a.m.
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Bessie Braddock: “Sir, you are drunk.”
Churchill: “Madam, you are ugly. In the morning, I shall be sober.” 

Sir Winston Churchill






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