In Defense of Realtors®
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:
http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4200929n
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