We interrupt this abuse of the First Amendment to bring you this abuse of the Second. #MourningInAmerica ##
Media
Citizen, Censored
....were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. In 1787 Thomas Jefferson summarized the essential nature of a free press to ensuring democratic governance with the following lines, written from Paris where he … Continue reading Citizen, Censored
Rhymes with Fake Gnus
1. Fake shoes. Also called flip-flops. 2. Fake brews. Non-alcoholic beer. Avoid at all cost. 3. Fake dues. No payment required. 4. Fake flues. Actually, you feel quite good but call in sick. 5. Fake ruse. This is the same thing as telling the truth. 6. Fake rues. Actually, you don’t care. 7. Fake poos. Better smelling than the real thing. 8. Fake … Continue reading Rhymes with Fake Gnus
Investigative Journalism
Film for Tuesday night.
D. W. Hitman
Warning: the reading police, disguised as the media, have infiltrated the State Department. Based on a stroll through the Harry Truman building cafeteria, one journalist for The Atlantic pretends to understand our present condition: “As the staffer and I walked among the tables and chairs, people with badges chatted over coffee; one was reading his Kindle.” Forgive me for … Continue reading D. W. Hitman
What Would You Do About Bad Journalism?
I never thought I’d say this: Sarah Palin is right. “What would you do, if elected president, about Aleppo,” can only be described as Gotcha Journalism. The question is particularly egregious in a conversation like the one between Gary Johnson and Mike Barnicle on MSNBC. The two were talking about domestic politics, the role of … Continue reading What Would You Do About Bad Journalism?
In Which I “Interview” Jon Stewart
Good morning, Jon. Thank you for being here this morning. Thank you for having me. I didn't know you also did morning programs. Actually, I think I just stayed up too late. What time is it? Let's get right to it, shall we? After 17 years of attacking the schmucks in the media and in government, there … Continue reading In Which I “Interview” Jon Stewart
Why Criticize Williams But Not O’Reilly?
O'Reilly is not a journalist. He's not worth my time. My criticism of Brian Williams, by contrast, was a necessary purge. I'd liked his work and trusted it, so felt betrayed, let down, disappointed. As far as O'Reilly is concerned, the Washington Post's Paul Waldman put it best: Brian Williams got suspended from NBC News because … Continue reading Why Criticize Williams But Not O’Reilly?
New York Times Responsible for Flow of ISIS Volunteers
The hyperbole above is intended in jest, of course, an eye-catching headline to mimic today's lead story on NYT's home page. It's the Times' second such sensational headline on the subject this week. America Steps Up Fight to Stem Flow of ISIS Volunteers Click to the story, however, and a different picture emerges. Suddenly the … Continue reading New York Times Responsible for Flow of ISIS Volunteers
Ben East Books 