x posted @ dkos and Conceptual Guerilla
The only Democratic and Progressive answer that should be given to whether or not the NYT committed treason or not should go something like this:
“I don’t think the government should be telling the NYT (media) what they can or cannot print. That’s China, not America.”
There was a great diary earlier today that slipped down the Koshole:
It was Bernie Ward v Chris Baker on MSNBC. Perhaps you saw it live?
Baker was spewing typical Big Daddy Conservative talking points, and Bernie Ward just asked, “Who gets to determine what the NYT can print, Chris?” He repeated it 100 times.
It really startled Baker, so much so that he jerked off his headset and ran off the set. It was beautiful!
The repetition by Ward was almost perfect. “Do you think the Government should be telling the press what to print?” “Answer the question!”
It was clear that Baker was backed into a corner, and while he tried to fight, he could not, it would mean taking a swing at Big Daddy Government, and no Big Daddy Conservative is willing to attack Big Daddy Government.
That would be like a Cheap Labor Conservative sticking to principle and attacking Cheap Labor; it ain’t going to happen.
The kind of repitition Ward treated us to is so necessary, as it is now so painful to watch the ‘he said, she said’ news that most people take it in ambiently. The only thing people will remember about that exchange is,“Who determines what the press can print? The Government?”
Adding the comparison to the Chinese is just about the only thing that could have made it better. It brings into stark relief the loss of freedom that is taking place in America today.
So say it loud, and say it proud,“I don’t think the government should be telling the NYT (media) what they can or cannot print. That’s China, not America.”
“We should not be taking our cues about freedom of the press from China.”
“This move to muzzle the press would make the Chinese Proud.”
and so on…