It’s not very often that a story I write for LinuxJournal.com’s Breaking News really gets me worked up in a froth. Sure, some of the stories about Microsoft get me worked up a bit — I remember a particular gem about OOXML that had me in a bit of a tizzy — but for the most part, the material I run is in the product releases, security bugs found, “Oh look what Linus said,” sort of thing, and I like that.

That isn’t to say I don’t like having an occasion now and then to really get my knickers in a bunch and write a fiery “Welcome to the gates of Hell” if-I-had-the-power-I’d-toast-your-buns-with-Satans-cigarette monograph. The MIT-vs-MBTA debacle in Boston gave me one such opportunity last week, though I wasn’t quite as fiery as I would have liked to have been. It’s just one of those stories that makes me want to reach out and slap one side — preferably with something heavy and blunt.

This morning’s 10AM news item is a follow up to last week’s post, reporting on the judge’s decision to vacate the order. For whatever reason, this morning found me particularly worked up, and the article certainly reflects that. However, it doesn’t reflect the process that goes on behind the scenes — editing — something I do my best not to actually have to do.

Today’s post, though, was one that had a few things “trimmed” out of “editorial wisdom.” I don’t think they were untrue or illegal, just not the “editorial tone” I usually try to maintain for LJ. I did think, however, that two of them were too priceless to toss, so I’m presenting them here, where the “editorial tone” — if there is one — is the sound of fire alarms as the whole thing goes up in flames.

The paragraph

The reality, though, is just what we predicted a week ago: the students have prevailed over the injunction, but lost what was probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the MBTA still has a vulnerable ticket system and is still trying to hide the problems, and Judge Woodlock — who obviously has difficulty reliably locating the First Amendment — is still on the bench, ready and waiting for another opportunity to relieve the innocent of their rights.

initially had a different suggestion about His Honor:

and Judge Woodlock — who obviously wouldn’t know the First Amendment if someone stapled it to his forehead — is still on the bench, ready and waiting for another opportunity to relieve the innocent of their rights.

The following paragraph, the one beginning “If you ask us,” had a bit different of an ending. Following the sentence ending “groups to defend the three” was originally:

That should be followed by a round of visits to the Unemployment Office. First to go — optimally with hairshirt and flagella — should be Daniel Grabauskas, for being responsible for this whole fiasco. Next up to bat should be Ieuan Mahony, the MBTA’s attorney, to hand in his bar card for perpetuating a fraud on the court. Third, the silent player in the game, Bernard Cohen, Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation and Chairman of the MBTA Board — who could have flexed his regulatory and oversight muscle to put an end to this ten days ago — ought to hand in his seal, or be given his cards by Governor Patrick.

And last, but certainly not least, should be Judge Woodlock, for any of a number of reasons, though we think inability to reliably recognize foundational documents of United States law might be a good starting point. Follow it all up with a weenie roast and a puppet show and we’d say you’ve got yourself a great way to start the weekend.

I’m sure nobody’s having trouble seeing why my “editorial senses” were tingling about those; not exactly LJ’s normal tone. Such are the things that pop out of my mind — and get shoved back in, for the good of everyone involved.

Something tells me that if Carlie is lurking around, she’s really happy those didn’t make the cut — and is sending a giant pair of scissors my way to make sure I never have trouble trimming anything else.

1. Crystal Says:
   August 22nd, 2008 at 9:02 am

   In my experience, toning down a rant and editing out the more brilliant of linguistic lights is a draining and humbling experience. When you have the perfect phrase (and it’s one full of energy) and then must tone it down, it feels like tinkering with Creation a bit. “Sorry, volcanoes are a bit too big and hot. Let’s modify them and clean up the mess they make.” There is always an almost overwhelming temptation to leave things as they are, simply because I need the entertainment of the fallout.

   I’m glad you posted your volcanoes here. I personally enjoyed them, and agree with them.

2. carlie Says:
   August 25th, 2008 at 10:16 am

   Ah Justin, we love your spunkiness. And man, I love what you wrote above!!!