the fourth estate? the fifth column? bullshit

[salinen]

I can't remember if the press is considered the fourth estate or the fifth column, but to rely on journalists to oversee that what is reported is honest, that the truth sees the light, that elected officials are not taking bribes, or any other responsibility that has been bequeathed to them, is a very dangerous undertaking.

Just because someone has a diploma from a school of journalism does not elevate their morality. Furthermore, if we rely on journalists as keepers of honesty, it allows politicians to blame them when the truth is not forthcoming.

Who should be the keepers of honesty? Politicians of course. They promise honesty every time they open the hole.

[HereSince1628]

1. I'm sure liberal news papers were considered 5th column by conservatives

But I think it's 4th estate. The idea being that without honest information a democracy can't work. And that leads us to the the question of what Cheney was thinking about as he wallowed in secrecy and propaganda.

[salinen]

2. and everyone screams

"where was the press" when they are directing the anger in the wrong direction.

[Echo In Light]

3. Journalists only decide who they're going to work for, and that determines what they "report"

Editors, owners, behind the scenes political ties, convergent interests in maintaining the media-induced, dominant paradigm, etc