Global
AUSTIN, Texas -- We live in interesting times, we do, we do. We can read in our daily newspapers that our government is about to launch a three-day propaganda blitz to convince us all that its secret program to spy on us is something we really want and need. "A campaign of high-profile national security events," reports The New York Times, follows "Karl Rove's blistering speech to national Republicans" about what a swell political issue this is for their party.
The question for journalists is how to report this. President Bush says it's a great idea and he's proud of the secret spy program? Attorney General Gonzales explains breaking the law is no problem? Dick Cheney says accept spying, or Osama bin Laden will get you?
Or might we actually have gotten far enough to point out that the series of high-profile security events is in fact part of a propaganda campaign by our own government? Should we report it as though it were in fact a campaign tactic, a straight political ploy: The Republicans say spying is good for you, but the Democrats say it is not -- equal time to both sides?
The question for journalists is how to report this. President Bush says it's a great idea and he's proud of the secret spy program? Attorney General Gonzales explains breaking the law is no problem? Dick Cheney says accept spying, or Osama bin Laden will get you?
Or might we actually have gotten far enough to point out that the series of high-profile security events is in fact part of a propaganda campaign by our own government? Should we report it as though it were in fact a campaign tactic, a straight political ploy: The Republicans say spying is good for you, but the Democrats say it is not -- equal time to both sides?
We heard from good authority that an interview with Free Press Editor Bob Fitrakis and footage shot by Free Press Managing Editor Suzanne Patzer and others from Columbus will be part of a film showing this week at the Sundance Film Festival. Here is the film information:
AMERICAN BLACKOUT
U.S.A., 2006, 86 Minutes, color & b/w
Director: Ian Inaba
www.gnn.tv
AMERICAN BLACKOUT
U.S.A., 2006, 86 Minutes, color & b/w
Director: Ian Inaba
www.gnn.tv
David Sirota recently documented instances of what he called Rectal Journalism.
http://www.davidsirota.com/2006/01/rise-of-rectal-journalism.html
He described this sort of reporting as "based on reporters and pundits simply pulling stuff right out of their ass."
His examples are good and his argument important. All sorts of nonsense is peddled as fact in the U.S. media every day. But the larger problem, I would argue, is Journalistic Constipation, the failure of the media to mention at all some of the most important news stories that come along. Last year I catalogued many of these stories, related to labor, the workplace, the election, and the war:
http://www.ilcaonline.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index&c…
http://www.davidsirota.com/2006/01/rise-of-rectal-journalism.html
He described this sort of reporting as "based on reporters and pundits simply pulling stuff right out of their ass."
His examples are good and his argument important. All sorts of nonsense is peddled as fact in the U.S. media every day. But the larger problem, I would argue, is Journalistic Constipation, the failure of the media to mention at all some of the most important news stories that come along. Last year I catalogued many of these stories, related to labor, the workplace, the election, and the war:
http://www.ilcaonline.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index&c…
Im certainly no supporter. However I support your right to be a commie liberal america hater.
At least we have the first amendment. Id never change that. It allows even idiots like you to spew idiocy.
At least we have the first amendment. Id never change that. It allows even idiots like you to spew idiocy.
Dear Molly Yes I agree totally I have recently begun to identify my party as the anti-war party. I will never again vote for someone who supports war. Lesson learned! You go on to say
"It's about political courage and heroes, and when a country is desperate for leadership. There are times when regular politics will not do, and this is one of those times. There are times a country is so tired of bull that only the truth can provide relief. "
I am waiting for someone, anyone to read Dr Steven Jones paper on his analysis of how the two towers fell in NYC on 9-11-01 and how the third building fell in the afternoon. Dr Jones is a physicst at BYU and has put his reputation on the line to say the least and I quote you again "There are times a country is so tired of bull that only the truth can provide relief." Are you willing to follow your own advise? If you need help I will galdly talk to you about this.
Peace
Tom Spellman
"It's about political courage and heroes, and when a country is desperate for leadership. There are times when regular politics will not do, and this is one of those times. There are times a country is so tired of bull that only the truth can provide relief. "
I am waiting for someone, anyone to read Dr Steven Jones paper on his analysis of how the two towers fell in NYC on 9-11-01 and how the third building fell in the afternoon. Dr Jones is a physicst at BYU and has put his reputation on the line to say the least and I quote you again "There are times a country is so tired of bull that only the truth can provide relief." Are you willing to follow your own advise? If you need help I will galdly talk to you about this.
Peace
Tom Spellman
Molly,
I agree with you 100%. Hillary seems to have learned more from Karl Rove than Gene McCarthy.
And just a thought on the prospective Alito fillibuster... The Democtats ought to fillibuster if for no other reason than to provoke the 'nuclear option'. Senate rules survive congressional elections. And come November when the new Democratic majority is elected in the senate there will be no possibility of repuglican fillibusters. By cutting off debate Frist will have cut off his own balls. More power to him.
Kim Walker
Denver, CO
I agree with you 100%. Hillary seems to have learned more from Karl Rove than Gene McCarthy.
And just a thought on the prospective Alito fillibuster... The Democtats ought to fillibuster if for no other reason than to provoke the 'nuclear option'. Senate rules survive congressional elections. And come November when the new Democratic majority is elected in the senate there will be no possibility of repuglican fillibusters. By cutting off debate Frist will have cut off his own balls. More power to him.
Kim Walker
Denver, CO
Molly Ivins is a nut job! She is the most hateful columnist I have ever read. She is precisely what is wrong with this country. A smart ass know it all, she is rude, and totally without credit. How her articles can be published is beyond me. She will twist facts on any subject in an attempt to smear any and all Republicans, obviously including the President. She wonders why Democrats have no spine and are losing political power? For one, it is this consistent hateful rhetoric from the left against anyone who disagrees with them on ANYTHING. Americans are sick of it. Why don't you dump here?
Chris Baker
Novi, MI
Chris Baker
Novi, MI
On December 17th, 2005 President George W. Bush told the nation that he had authorized, some 30 times, the NSA to conduct domestic surveillance operations against US citizens without a warrant, and that he would continue to do so. This was nothing less than a confession that he had violated federal law, in the form of the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act, the constitutional separation of powers and of the fourth Amendment of the US Constitution and that he would contiue to do so. Contrary to any claims made by the White House or the Justice Department, the President has no inherent authority to violate federal law or the Constitution in these matters.
These actions by the President pose a direct threat to the rule of law in this nation. If the President can take any action he sees fit under the guise of "national security", what need do we have of legislative or judicail branches of government?
These actions by the President pose a direct threat to the rule of law in this nation. If the President can take any action he sees fit under the guise of "national security", what need do we have of legislative or judicail branches of government?
Somebody there please hug Molly for me. I just read “Why I will not support Hilary Clinton for President”. It brings tears to the eyes and hope to the heart.
Thanks,
Gillian Davies-Nippel
Riverside, California