Regarding the latest kerfuffle between the White House and Fox News….
First, the mission of Fox News–like every other television news agency in the known universe–is to attract viewers and sell advertising. Journalism is not a mystical calling. Cable news programs do not provide either their hosts, guests, or viewers mystical enlightenment. CNN, MSNB, FOX, and Al Jazeira do not compete for TRUTH they compete for viewers. If Fox News leans to the right, it’s because that’s the market niche they’ve focused on. Rupert Murdoch is a businessman; if he could make more money by pandering to the left, he would. Why does Fox News lean to the right? Because that’s how they make money. Fox News is winning the competition for ratings. The White House is probably helping.
Second, the White House is behaving boorishly.
As ridiculous and offensive as some Fox “personalities” are, none of them wield a terrible swift sword. Barack Obama commands enormous actual power–he’s Commander in Chief of the U.S. Military. Fox News is a freaking television show. In his capacity as Chief Executive, the President exercises prosecutorial discretion over the entire federal legal apparatus. If you don’t like the President, tough. If you don’t like Fox News, change the channel.
Finally, so what if Fox News is partisan? Are we supposed to imagine that the White House isn’t partisan?
If democracy is ever to work (an open question) it requires vigorous debate. Not more toadying.
The award of this year’s Nobel peace prize to President Obama will be met with widespread incredulity, consternation in many capitals and probably deep embarrassment by the President himself. Rarely has an award had such an obvious political and partisan intent. …
the prize risks looking preposterous in its claims, patronising in its intentions and demeaning in its attempt to build up a man who has barely begun his period in office, let alone achieved any tangible outcome for peace. …
Mr Obama becomes the third sitting US President to receive the prize. The committee said today that he had “captured the world’s attention”. It is certainly true that his energy and aspirations have dazzled many of his supporters. Sadly, it seems they have so bedazzled the Norwegians that they can no longer separate hopes from achievement. The achievements of all previous winners have been diminished.
There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.
This is a dissident database. Secret, permanent and protected by executive privilege.
I thought this administration was supposed to be a breath of fresh air. Clean the swamp, fight corruption, Hope™ and Change™ and all that….
House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. has backed off his plan to investigate wrongdoing by the liberal activist group ACORN, saying “powers that be” put the kibosh on the idea.
Mr. Conyers, Michigan Democrat, earlier bucked his party leaders by calling for hearings on accusations the Association of Community Organization for Reform Now (ACORN) has committed crimes ranging from voter fraud to a mob-style “protection” racket.
“The powers that be decided against it,” Mr. Conyers told The Washington Times.
The chairman declined to elaborate, shrugging off questions about who told him how to run his committee and give the Democrat-allied group a pass. — Washington times
Hunh.
Mr. Conyers is the chairmain of the House Judiciary Committee. Who would have the power to call off his investigation?
“Congress is supposed to be the lead dog…” Yes, but who holds the whip?
Biden to lead the way on the recovery! Yay! Biden is… sma… well, you see, he’s really cohere… we trus… he’s got white hair! (What’s the number of that website again?)
The comments about the war on terror and the war in Afghanistan are excellent.
I have too many projects. Can't keep up with all of my self-imposed writing commitments. I have to shelve a project this week. ...2009/04/06
The whole idea of our government is this: If enough people get together and act in concert, they can take something and not pay for it. #pjo...2009/04/03
To grasp the true meaning of socialism, imagine a world where everything is designed by the post office, even the sleaze. #pjo...2009/04/03
When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators. #pjo...2009/04/03
A hat should be taken off when you greet a lady and left off for the rest of your life. Nothing looks more stupid than a hat. #pjo...2009/04/03
Every government is a parliament of whores. The trouble is, in a democracy, the whores are us. #pjo...2009/04/03
Recent Comments