|
Edited on Sun Jun-25-06 02:20 AM by Tactical Progressive
Answering questions about her 'Watchdogs of Democracy?' book on the political press.
In the runup to the war, the press really let the country down. The Presidential news conference is the only place in the US where the President is accountable with questions, unlike say in Britain where there is Prime Ministers 'Question Time'.
The press' passivity, lack of outrage and sin of silence hurts the country. Later: those are the people's attitudes too.
Nothing was going to deter Bush from fixing the facts to go to war.
Media was enthusiastic.
Still don't have justification for the Iraq war three years in.
Embeddeds can't really be objective.
America has lost alot of honor. We used to represent the best in the world, something to be aspired to. We are a huge disappointment to the world. We need to get our honor back.
The White House's attitude is 'it's none of your business'.
Q - The Downing Street Memos weren't published for a year. Why are the NTY and WaPo behaving like this?
They said 'we were so busy with the British elections going on'.
Q - Why do newspapers always support wars - Vietnam, Grenada, Iraq, Iraq - in the beginning.
Because they feel like players.
NYT has had mea culpa over Iraq, WaPo has never backed down on supporting any war.
Republicans effectively using 'patriotism' as a club. We give them a free ride with our silence and passivity.
We spread democracy for 60 years during the Cold War - VOA, rap music, ... You can spread democracy without a gun.
Q - Two sets of truths in America that don't overlap at all?
No, there's one set of facts and it is White House spin.
Q - With all the news sources now; with no one high-profile center of information (truth) like Walter Cronkite to turn people around, is it possible to even get the truth?
The country was aroused everyday everywhere against the Vietnam war, in the streets. It became impossible to ignore.
Q - Will American journalism come around?
Thinks the press is finally coming out of its coma and regaining its sea-legs, starting with Katrina.
Journalism is great - a constant motion and learning and a public service. Basic journalistic standards are high: honest, accuracy, don't defame. Trememdous responsibility to want to do the right thing, not what's best for your career.
Q - Favorite President?
Kennedy. Most inspiring - wanted to reach for the stars. Knew about war and peace from being in a war. Took responsibility for Cuban Missile Crisis. Set a standard for integrity. Statesmanship in resolving it. Said 'America doesn't start wars.'
Q - Do bloggers have the ability to step up as administration watchdog without the encumberance of a profit motive?
Danger there. Tremendous impact. Can say anything. The talk shows are all conservative now. (Sounds like it's too alien for her to fully accept a world without the validity of 'official' journalists.)
Q - Opinion of Clinton?
Good President but he missed the chance for greatness. Could have done so much more.. Was too political; should have set his eyes on the stars and gone for national healthcare; at least started it.
Can't understand why the Democrats can't get their act together.
That's it. All pretty straightforward. Nothing you'll get from the media.
|
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
