Adelson's paramount concern by far is the pernicious (at least to the US) increase of the Israel Lobby's power, and you don't even mention the word Israel until the 21st--was it the 22nd?--paragraph? Has Adelson bought the Times, too?
It is disappointing that the Wall Street Journal did not financially back its reporter in the litigation resulting from his WSJ piece. Few journalists in today's market have the financial resources to protect themselves personally from litigation from normal people, much less a billionaire who has the reputation of taking all to court who dare take issue with his actions.
I suggest that Mr. Adelson may find the Securities and Exchange Commission to be a more formidable opponent than he has faced in the past. They tend to take proven violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act very seriously.
Should Mr. Adelson lose his Nevada gaming license from such proceedings. he may find that supporting himself on the cash flow from a daily newspaper that has lost most of its advertisers, subscribers and staff to be a challenge.
Any city that is poorly served by its established print daily can find quick resolution in a web alternative that eschews the costs and delays of a printing press to inform its readers.
I suggest that Mr. Adelson may find the Securities and Exchange Commission to be a more formidable opponent than he has faced in the past. They tend to take proven violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act very seriously.
Should Mr. Adelson lose his Nevada gaming license from such proceedings. he may find that supporting himself on the cash flow from a daily newspaper that has lost most of its advertisers, subscribers and staff to be a challenge.
Any city that is poorly served by its established print daily can find quick resolution in a web alternative that eschews the costs and delays of a printing press to inform its readers.
2
It sounds a bit like the NYT's loss of objectivity in politics.
2
“I find it hard to believe........” said Jon Ralston, a columnist and the host of “Ralston Live,” a political television show in Las Vegas."
....and a known liberal hack in Vegas. This is news? Since when do the poor buy newspapers? Want to hear another joke? The NYTimes.
....and a known liberal hack in Vegas. This is news? Since when do the poor buy newspapers? Want to hear another joke? The NYTimes.
The Feds need to look into where his Macau money is coming from with which Adelon influences US elections. The Nevada politicians and regulators all have their bread buttered by Adelson money so they will pretend everything is on the up and up. Is it just gamblers throwing away their money at the tables or Chinese Triad and Chinese govt. money trying to affect US elections?
1
Sorry but the NYT owners are very similar. They push their own agenda and report stories to help foster their point of view. Front page stories on transgender issues, gay marriage, racism everywhere but NY, you name it. Adelson is doing what the Times does - pushing an agenda. Of course he is trying to influence the stories - just like the NYT
2
Power Play of course! Nothing like stating the obviously. Anything with Sheldon Adelson is always a Power Play!
The accusations of hypocrisy by commenters are as laughable as they are predictible.
1. The NYT is calling the kettle black! Doesn't that billionaire from Mexico own the paper? Uh, no. He doesn't own a majority share and never did. That's the difference. The NYT--and other credible media companies--fully disclose ownership. Adelson tried to hide his ownership of the Vegas paper. Huge, huge difference.
2. This is the same stuff that has always happened in newspapers. Zillionaires buy them, then call the shots. Again, no. While that has happened, it is the exception to the rule, and those who have tried it tend to end up losing in the marketplace. Someone more credible comes along who doesn't slant the news and ends up winning market share. Capitalism is a beautiful thing. Right wing groups with fuzzy sources of financing (re, Koch brothers) have set up 501(c)3's throughout the nation on the premise that they are think tanks, not political organizations aimed at influencing public opinion ,and they have set up faux news arms aimed at getting ideology passed off as genuine news. That's the modern way, not what Adelson has done.
Ultimately, this could be a good thing. Adelson doesn't care about $140 million, and he doesn't care about the paper. At some point, when he no longer perceives the paper as useful to him, Adelson will sell it for a fraction of his purchase price. Hopefully, the buyer will be a better steward of the public good than the company that sold to Adelson.
1. The NYT is calling the kettle black! Doesn't that billionaire from Mexico own the paper? Uh, no. He doesn't own a majority share and never did. That's the difference. The NYT--and other credible media companies--fully disclose ownership. Adelson tried to hide his ownership of the Vegas paper. Huge, huge difference.
2. This is the same stuff that has always happened in newspapers. Zillionaires buy them, then call the shots. Again, no. While that has happened, it is the exception to the rule, and those who have tried it tend to end up losing in the marketplace. Someone more credible comes along who doesn't slant the news and ends up winning market share. Capitalism is a beautiful thing. Right wing groups with fuzzy sources of financing (re, Koch brothers) have set up 501(c)3's throughout the nation on the premise that they are think tanks, not political organizations aimed at influencing public opinion ,and they have set up faux news arms aimed at getting ideology passed off as genuine news. That's the modern way, not what Adelson has done.
Ultimately, this could be a good thing. Adelson doesn't care about $140 million, and he doesn't care about the paper. At some point, when he no longer perceives the paper as useful to him, Adelson will sell it for a fraction of his purchase price. Hopefully, the buyer will be a better steward of the public good than the company that sold to Adelson.
2
BR might take the time to review the capitalization of the NYT in regard to its voting stock and its non voting stock.
Since when is monitoring what a judge does in court a bad thing?
One of the most important things I have learned as I have gotten older:
THERE ARE ALWAYS TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY!
The journalists of the Review Journal feel anger at and disappointment in Sheldon Adelson who they are convinced is the root of all their problems, be they personal, business or otherwise... The journalists with the Review Journal paper have attacked Sheldon Adelson with published written articles in the past horribly and without cause. Their negative 'GOSSIP' stories about Sheldon Adelson have caught up with them. The journalists remind me of scared little rats, who have to face the music now. Instead of focusing on their jobs and improving the paper's stability, they run around and cry like babies screaming poor little me! As a native of Las Vegas, I'm honored and grateful to the Adelson's family, and I'm sure they will make the Review Journal newspaper great again!
THERE ARE ALWAYS TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY!
The journalists of the Review Journal feel anger at and disappointment in Sheldon Adelson who they are convinced is the root of all their problems, be they personal, business or otherwise... The journalists with the Review Journal paper have attacked Sheldon Adelson with published written articles in the past horribly and without cause. Their negative 'GOSSIP' stories about Sheldon Adelson have caught up with them. The journalists remind me of scared little rats, who have to face the music now. Instead of focusing on their jobs and improving the paper's stability, they run around and cry like babies screaming poor little me! As a native of Las Vegas, I'm honored and grateful to the Adelson's family, and I'm sure they will make the Review Journal newspaper great again!
3
Does't one one of the GOP Presidential contenders also promise to make
America great again?
America great again?
If they had offered the Pentagon Papers to Adelson, his first question might have been "Is it for sale?"
3
Press institutions have always been private entreprises in the USA, most on a for profit basis.They have always been a herald of specific perspectives and interpretations, as have been press institutions governed by Governments.
Either the economic elite, or the political elite have owned 'the news'. Acces to politcal power by the wealthy ultra - minority in the USA has always been the case. I detest Adelson, he represents a political and highly destructive maffia on his own, but what is new?
Either the economic elite, or the political elite have owned 'the news'. Acces to politcal power by the wealthy ultra - minority in the USA has always been the case. I detest Adelson, he represents a political and highly destructive maffia on his own, but what is new?
Citizen Kane is alive and well in Vegas. The only good news is that nobody reads the Review-Journal. Much more news, some of it actually accurate, on the web.
2
Small government is conservative code for corporate dominance of all aspects of American culture and society. I admire the NYT for covering these issues, as for example its reportage of increasing bullying by debt collectors over their targets and depriving them of their right to trial and the separate tax system for the ultra-rich, among other stories.
Alas, the horse is out the barn, and I fear the Oligarchs have consolidated their power, and wrested any meaning from Democracy. We no longer can just "vote" the bums out -- in far too many cases. All one need do is look at how only 5% or so of Congressional elections are even competitive.
Alas, the horse is out the barn, and I fear the Oligarchs have consolidated their power, and wrested any meaning from Democracy. We no longer can just "vote" the bums out -- in far too many cases. All one need do is look at how only 5% or so of Congressional elections are even competitive.
1
This rundown of lawsuits Adelson likes to file against anyone and everyone reminds me a lot of a brief bio of Donald Trump I was reading yesterday, which detailed his propensity to use (some would say misuse) the legal system by perpetually filing expensive, but ultimately pointless, lawsuits against anyone that irritates him.
It's basically an abuse of the legal system available pretty much only to the wealthy who have the unlimited cash to file such lawsuits, knowing all they'll accomplish is intimidation of those with less cash to fight the lawsuit(s).
It's basically an abuse of the legal system available pretty much only to the wealthy who have the unlimited cash to file such lawsuits, knowing all they'll accomplish is intimidation of those with less cash to fight the lawsuit(s).
3
US courts are playgrounds for psychopaths abusing process. No normal person is a plaintiff in more than a couple of lawsuits in a lifetime.
3
So who owns the NY Times? And what are their political motivations? It's funny how some on here are only comparing Adelson to Murdoch and not to Sulzberger. All newspapers are mouthpieces. Don't be deceived.
3
Speaking of abuse of power brought on by the growing separation of the rich from the rest of us.
The photo of the sign claims a readership of "over 1 million readers," but the article states the actual circulation is only 200,000. I know about assumed readership, having worked in publishing, but assuming every copy is read by five people is really stretching it.
Meanwhile, I read that Jeff Bezos plans to take a more active role in running The Washington Post.
Meanwhile, I read that Jeff Bezos plans to take a more active role in running The Washington Post.
Mr Adelson is a big shark.
What makes the readers of the NY Times this that the Times is unbaised? Its overarching liberal agenda makes Fox look tame. I like the Times as a general matter, but when it comes to coverage of politics and elections and related (healthcare, immigration, etc), it is amusing how skewed things can be here, just as they skewed 180 degrees at Fox. For example, there seems to be no boundaries to drawing inferences to everything wrong in life to Republicans. So why not let Adelson play too? It's all entertainment.
2
Mr. Adelson say hello to Mr Sulzberger. You two should have much to talk about because you share much in common.
1
“When you have all the marbles, you can make the calls,” This is what this Country has come to. Whether it's a Conservative or a Liberal Real Campaign Finance has to be addressed. It always seems to be People like Mr. Adelson rules mean nothing if they doesn't agree with them.
1
Mr. Adelson may find that he does not have all of the marbles when Las Vegas finally runs out of water. The Colorado River is a finite resource with
infinite demands upon its flow.
infinite demands upon its flow.
own the press and control the morons that beleive what they read.. thats the democrats tactic.. best way to lie and get away with it, look at Obama and the left!
If ever there was an example of why the uber-rich should be taxed at 90%, this one. The United States has become a nation for sale to the highest bidder. Characters like Adelson buy not just newspaper, they buy, control and pull the puppet strings on government.
8
And Bezos buying WaPo isn't?
2
Ronald Reagan may not have hung up the sign "America for sale", but his tax and deregulation policies certainly gave those that wanted to buy America the money and regulatory freedom to do so.
4
It's easy to feel smug & say, 'That's Las Vegas. It can't happen here . . . .' but it can. And it is.
1
Adelson made his billions laundering money for the Chinese mafia through his casinos in Macau. He is a mobster, writ large, yet the GOP can't get enough of him.
4
This is what happens when one person acquires too much money. Democracy cannot function under these modern despots, i.e. the Kochs, Murdochs, and their ilk. Once they own the local politicians, police, and now the media we are back to the ancient system known a feudalism. Benevolence is not their thing, baby.
2
It's up to the citizens of Las Vegas to decide if Adelson will be allowed to influence public opinion there. The Review-Journal is their newspaper. Local advertisers can stop buying advertising space, subscriptions can be cancelled. If Mr. Adelson just wants a mouthpiece, let him operate the business with his own money and there will be no illusion that the paper is balanced by any journalistic standards. If reporters choose to stay with him, it will be known to all that their articles are just Adelson propaganda. Any influence he hoped to gain would be lost.
2
what a charming individual.
good to know how much influence he has on political system.
good to know how much influence he has on political system.
5
A crook by any other name is still a crook, especially if the crook wants to change the rules of game in his favor. Since he lost a big battle the crook still thinks he could sway public opinion, and the legal system.
But, it won't work we already know the crook is nothing a mobster.
But, it won't work we already know the crook is nothing a mobster.
2
Ole Shel can buy anything he wants. He's a criminal who belongs in prison, next to the likes of Jamie Dimon, Rupert Murdoch, Lloyd Blankfein, and the Kochs, just to name a few. We should build a special dungeon, on an island, just for wealthy white collar criminals, (it would have to be a big one) after relieving them of their assets, and applying same to the federal deficit.
7
It might have been helpful for NYT readers to have known more about the source of the highest praise expressed for Sheldon Adelson in this article. Carolyn Goodman became mayor of Las Vegas after her husband, the former mayor, was term-limited. Oscar Goodman is a former mob lawyer. His pet project and obsession while mayor was the creation of a museum paying tribute to the Mafia's glorious role in Sin City. These people have no class and no values. If they have a high opinion of Sheldon Adelson, that is one more black mark against him.
7
Not to mention that the Goodman's are democrats.
1
Could the day be coming when we need reader-supported newspapers, ala National Public Radio, just to have an unbiased news source?
2
NPR gets about 20% of its funding from corporations, including -- horror of horrors! - Koch Bros. entities. How come nobody is complaining about that? Could it possibly be because what many object to is not private ownership (NYTimes) and funding per se, but rather the fact that some outlets are owned and controlled by non-liberals?
3
The Marxist religion controls our education system. The Marxist religion controls our media. And we are reading, over and over again about a "power play" on a jerkwater paper in Nevada.
3
Adelsonism is just tyranny of moneyed narcissists.
@Gaar: What is "the Marxist religion"? Your use of this term as if other readers will understand what you mean suggests a bit of a disconnect with reality. Your final statement confirms this impression. As someone from St. George, Utah, you should be aware that the largest newspaper in the nearby state of Nevada is hardly "jerkwater."
6
The purchase of the NV newspaper is Sheldon's desperate attempt to feel like with all the money and" power" that he can actually change the odds of him ever winning the lawsuit and the severe consequences that being on the losing side of this lawsuit will bring to his empire.
Macau is a gambling and gangster's paradise.
That's why Adelson went there in the first place.
And any outsider who " competed" for the very coveted government issued operating licenses knew that part of the awarding of any license had the price of a bribe attached to it.
What Adelson didn't plan on was his employee being unwilling to be his bagman on the payoff.
And Adelson fired Jacobs for this.
The unsung heroes in the undoing of Adelson will be Steve Jacobs and Judge Gonzalez ,for not being able to be bullied and bought by Adelson.
Little people 1 Adelson - 33 billion.
Macau is a gambling and gangster's paradise.
That's why Adelson went there in the first place.
And any outsider who " competed" for the very coveted government issued operating licenses knew that part of the awarding of any license had the price of a bribe attached to it.
What Adelson didn't plan on was his employee being unwilling to be his bagman on the payoff.
And Adelson fired Jacobs for this.
The unsung heroes in the undoing of Adelson will be Steve Jacobs and Judge Gonzalez ,for not being able to be bullied and bought by Adelson.
Little people 1 Adelson - 33 billion.
7
Sheldon Adelson is a wretched plutocrat who uses his money to curry favor and engineer both domestic and foreign policy beyond the acceptable 'one-person, one-vote' maxim of our ideals. He and other billionaires should be taxed at the rates that would leave them relatively indigent and without the means to terrorize our democracy.
3
China threw this man's "business development" institute out of the country for trying to buy influence. His Macau casinos are heavily associated with the Chinese mob. He's a very rich thug surrounded by Israeli bodyguards who sues as an offensive strategy against anyone who gets in his way. We can only hope that the takeover of media by right-wing extremists like Adelson will create competition in the opposite direction. Go Times!
4
In a disturbing discussion with billionaire Hiam Saban at a conference on America's support for Israel and, in their view, the pressing need for the US to attack Iran's purported nuclear weapons sites, Mr. Adelson mused out loud that he might buy the New York Times to help advance the cause.
3
You have to be making this up; Adelson is clearly not as clueless as you. It is known by anyone interested that the NYT has an anti-shareholder structure that vests control in the descendants of Adolph Ochs since they own a second class of stock, not available to the public. You can buy 100% of the public shares (sort of what Carlos Slim tried to do) and still not get control.
3
It's disquieting when the very wealthy buy a newspaper for apparently political reasons. But it's worth noting that most people choose a newspaper for its political persuasion, rather than being persuaded to a particular politics by the newspaper.
1
Massive concentrations of wealth tend to undermine democracy. In Mr. Addelson's case it's particularly acute because he has definite political goals, vast financial resources, and control of influential media outlets, which together culminate in a 'perfect storm' of dangerously disproportionate sway over the democratic process.
3
So then I assume you are equally concerned by the NYTimes, who with Carlos Slim and the Sulzberger family, have "definite political goals, vast financial resources, and control of influential media outlets," has "disproportionate sway over the democratic process"? Yes?
3
Adelson is like Donald Blankenship, he feels he is above the law. Buying this paper to end investigations into him and then directing reporters to look at the judges is outrageous. We have to put a stop to these 1%ers who think they own this country and can do with it what they will..
4
Considering the NYT leftist and socialistic slant on every issue, political or social, and the liberal views of the vast majority of of its readers, this attack on Adelson is not surprising. Equally not surprising is the lack of any mention of the efforts of Bloomberg and Soros to influence public opinion and oust conservative legislators in their attempt to keep Americans from exercising their Second Amendment rights.
Balanced reporting would require equal exposure to the efforts of those on the left and the right, keeping in mind that this has been going on since before the Revolution. To achieve this balance perhaps journalist licensing would be appropriate since the founding fathers could not have foreseen satellite communications and the many other advances in the ability to disseminate news and opinion. Should we return to the days of pamphlets and broadsheets? To go along with the muskets that would be permitted were Soros and Bloomberg to have their way?
Balanced reporting would require equal exposure to the efforts of those on the left and the right, keeping in mind that this has been going on since before the Revolution. To achieve this balance perhaps journalist licensing would be appropriate since the founding fathers could not have foreseen satellite communications and the many other advances in the ability to disseminate news and opinion. Should we return to the days of pamphlets and broadsheets? To go along with the muskets that would be permitted were Soros and Bloomberg to have their way?
2
I'm glad to see the scrutiny that Sheldon Adelson's purchase of a major Las Vegas newspaper is receiving. But I'd like to see the Times take note of the broader picture -- that dozens, if not hundreds, of local newspapers around the U.S. are owned by local moguls who use the press for their own personal economic or political agendas. That is certainly the case for the Dominion Post, the daily newspaper in Morgantown, West Virginia, which is owned by the Raese brothers, who own Greer Limestone, a huge trucking and limestone construction company. They also own local radio stations and have other media interests, and John Raese has run as a Republican candidate for Senate from WV for decades. The Raeses constitute a mini-version of Sheldon Adelson, but their negative impact on the quality of life in Morgantown is just as large.
5
Many local papers aren't local at all, owned by national chains. Such papers ignore glaring local issues.
1
Maybe everyone should stop going to his casinos. Then his revenue stream will be diminished. Oh but wait isn't gambling an addiction? There is no easier way to make money then by charging people for their addiction. And I am sure that tobacco and alcohol are a large part of the casino sales too. And the Mayor Ms. Goodman does not mind, she seems to have stars in her eyes, oh wait those are dollar signs. And she claims to be governing wisely?
5
Dollars are the civilian equivalent of the bullets used by the military.
A growing number of individuals are more than sufficiently armed to destroy the American way of life to achieve their own personal objectives.
Manipulation of public opinion eases their path.
Some day they may even try to take away the right to vote from selected slices of the population or suggest building a wall to keep immigrants out which they can also use to keep Americans in to work off the national debt - can't have your workforce running out on them.
One day Americans may very well wake up to find The Bill of Rights negated by Executive Action.
All of which indicates the "American Way" is unsustainable.
A growing number of individuals are more than sufficiently armed to destroy the American way of life to achieve their own personal objectives.
Manipulation of public opinion eases their path.
Some day they may even try to take away the right to vote from selected slices of the population or suggest building a wall to keep immigrants out which they can also use to keep Americans in to work off the national debt - can't have your workforce running out on them.
One day Americans may very well wake up to find The Bill of Rights negated by Executive Action.
All of which indicates the "American Way" is unsustainable.
5
Adelson and the Kochs are the gravest threat to our democracy. Moreso than ISIS or Marxism. They should be deported, and hanged if they ever show their faces on our shores again.
4
How far will people go for power and immunity against prosecution for (alleged) illegal activities? How much will we in the US tolerate? When will we stop it?
Yesterday, in our neighbor to the South, Mexico, a reformist crime-fighting mayor was assassinated 1 day after she was sworn into office.
Is that our future, too? Will we allow it?
No, Sheldon Adelson hasn't ordered violent crimes that we know of. But he has tried every legal and quasi-legal tactic to get rid of Judge Gonzalez who is determined to hold him to the same standard of the law as the rest of us.
Isn't it clear why he wants to be a king-maker in the Presidential election? After all, whoever he helps to the White House will "owe" him a complete pardon should he lose his case in Judge Gonzalez's court.
This is what Citizens United has done: Bring us one step closer to the corrupt violent money-driven chaos of Mexico.
Yesterday, in our neighbor to the South, Mexico, a reformist crime-fighting mayor was assassinated 1 day after she was sworn into office.
Is that our future, too? Will we allow it?
No, Sheldon Adelson hasn't ordered violent crimes that we know of. But he has tried every legal and quasi-legal tactic to get rid of Judge Gonzalez who is determined to hold him to the same standard of the law as the rest of us.
Isn't it clear why he wants to be a king-maker in the Presidential election? After all, whoever he helps to the White House will "owe" him a complete pardon should he lose his case in Judge Gonzalez's court.
This is what Citizens United has done: Bring us one step closer to the corrupt violent money-driven chaos of Mexico.
8
Money can't buy you love. A free and open press is part of the United States Constitution but with Adelson there will not be a free and open press only a one sided one.
3
Sounds like your concern is not "one-sidedness," but rather that a newspaper may now express a side other than yours.
He can say whatever he likes it is why he bought the paper. Is that too hard for you to understand?
Simple. Stop buying his papers and any others that have been bought by millionaires to promote their own issues and politics.
1
Ruport Murdoch only cares about sales. Roger Ailes is the one with the political agenda. Sheldon Adelson is more like Ailes. The article doesn't touch on Adelson's decision to not pay subcontractors who went all in to help him build the Venetion, his big Las Vegas casino. Many honest people were forced into bankruptcy and ruin simply because he decided not to pay them because "his lawyers were better than their lawyers." That action shows the kind of man he really is and how much harm to others he is willing to inflict in order to save a few bucks or otherwise get his way. Looks like I'll start having to buy the L.A. Times to find out the truth about what is going on in Las Vegas.
8
Shellie, the face and the soul of the GOP, now tops my bucket list: billionaires who try to pollute our democracy top the list of people I wake up every day and hope have "kicked the bucket". It will actually happen before too long and it will be a great day in the USA.
9
There is serious money going into serious science investigating how to turn off the human aging clock.
As A. J, Leibling, a writer for The New Yorker, observed cynically many years ago: "Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one."
4
Sheldon's power and wealth are a product of campaign financial intimidation of sensible wealth distribution (confiscatory taxation). There are no Sheldon's in Northern Europe. Blame the process not the product.
3
Around here, NYC, the three major dailies are owned by people with well-defined, predictable political points of view. How is this any different?
13
Real political parties publish their own newspapers.
Maybe so but they're not trying to buy influence.
1
"Around here, NYC, the three major dailies are owned by people with well-defined, predictable political points of view. How is this any different?"
Mike: The difference is that the most readers of the NYT agree with those owners. It is just politics as usual thinly disguised as a principled stand for the first amendment. After long reading this paper and many 1000s of comments posted to it I have concluded that most commenters, while having good intentions, have no constitutional principles that extend beyond their personal opinion. As far as they are concerned. the constitution protects what they agree with, and should be read to outlaw that which they don't.
Mike: The difference is that the most readers of the NYT agree with those owners. It is just politics as usual thinly disguised as a principled stand for the first amendment. After long reading this paper and many 1000s of comments posted to it I have concluded that most commenters, while having good intentions, have no constitutional principles that extend beyond their personal opinion. As far as they are concerned. the constitution protects what they agree with, and should be read to outlaw that which they don't.
2
Aren't all newspapers owned by somebody or by shareholders who install a board of directors who typically reflect the leanings of the owners? How is this any different? If you don't like where that newspaper is going or what it says don't buy it or read it. Of course by not reading it your keep yourself ignorant.
Me? I'd rather read what opponents say than what those who agree with me put out.
Me? I'd rather read what opponents say than what those who agree with me put out.
3
It seems Mayor Goodman is already under his influence. She is even doing city business with him.
1
Adelson is a bully for his own best interests, legitimate or otherwise. Whether those interests truly benefit American values and American lives is obviously highly questionable.
6
Most newspapers were bought out during the economic crisis...and since Bill Clinton and the GOP deregulated media in 1996 (Telecommunications Act) massive corporate mergers and consolidation took place. Do some research. Even the Village Voice is owned by a conglomerate now. Same with television. In fact in 1984 there were over 52 major media companies now there are SIX. Want to know more? Enter these keywords in a search engine: Why Big Media Shouldnt Get Bigger Bernie Sanders Bill Moyers PBS. And watch the interview!
7
When Mr. Adelson bought the Review-Journal, he tried to keep his role secret. Which is commensurate with sending out gold-leaf invitations to reporters, with the words, "You really should investigate this."
3
Care is needed when dealing with Adelson , He seems to have no rules and will try to buy whatever he wants. In Israel he has succeeded it seems in buying the Prime Minister ,some of his ministers , and owns the largest paper in the country
5
Adelson is just the far edge of what most of our national media is, including the NY Times. Corrupt, obscenely pro Israel, and war mongers.
7
I am no psychologist, but if I were I’d give serious consideration to analyzing the obsession of Times editors and reporters with the life and career of Sheldon Adelson and what it is about him that annoys them so much. The effort could tell us a lot about the current journalistic priorities of this country’s preeminent newspaper of record.
Yes he is rich, but there are other men richer than he is who don’t receive even half as much animus and flat-out hostility as the Times showers on him. I see his picture in the paper and see a little old fat guy who is interested in Israel, politics, supporting charities and who wishes the Iran deal had been defeated. The Times sees an uncultivated man, a mogul, an ogre, a sinister threat to Democrats and the second worst man in the world after Israel’s Prime Minister.
The man buys a newspaper in Nevada and is made out to be a threat to freedom of the press and the future of democracy. OK, he was against the paper's cherished Iran deal, but he lost that fight, didn’t he? And not many of the candidates he is supporting are getting elected these days, right?
Thanks to the Times, Mr. Adelson is fast becoming a legendary Jewish American bad guy ranking up there right alongside the greats of the past like Arnold Rothstein and Meyer Lansky. These are stories, don’t you know, five parts true, ninety-five percent myth but, in any case, unimportant.
We have ISIS and a terrible refugee crisis to worry about. The Times is on the case in Nevada.
Yes he is rich, but there are other men richer than he is who don’t receive even half as much animus and flat-out hostility as the Times showers on him. I see his picture in the paper and see a little old fat guy who is interested in Israel, politics, supporting charities and who wishes the Iran deal had been defeated. The Times sees an uncultivated man, a mogul, an ogre, a sinister threat to Democrats and the second worst man in the world after Israel’s Prime Minister.
The man buys a newspaper in Nevada and is made out to be a threat to freedom of the press and the future of democracy. OK, he was against the paper's cherished Iran deal, but he lost that fight, didn’t he? And not many of the candidates he is supporting are getting elected these days, right?
Thanks to the Times, Mr. Adelson is fast becoming a legendary Jewish American bad guy ranking up there right alongside the greats of the past like Arnold Rothstein and Meyer Lansky. These are stories, don’t you know, five parts true, ninety-five percent myth but, in any case, unimportant.
We have ISIS and a terrible refugee crisis to worry about. The Times is on the case in Nevada.
4
Casinos are the world's biggest money laundries, A Stanton. And what people do in Vegas doesn't necessarily stay there, too.
The oligarchs/plutocrats like the Koch brothers and Sheldon Adelson are a much bigger threat to our democracy than ISIS.
1
I do not support my local papers because they do not support me.
The Memphis and Little Rock Newspapers are mostly wire service, do little coverage of consequence, have editorial stances more Tea Party than truthful, are very parochial in the selection of coverage and cost more than they are worth. The fact that when they hit your doorstep they are outdated also does not help.
I support publications and websites that do journalism, cover the world, are not in the practice of cheerleading and try to get it right. I subscribe to the New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Economist, The Nation, Mother Jones and Spiegel International. I used to subscribe to the National Geographic, but cut ties when they allied with Rupert Murdoch's empire of trash, flash and disinformation.
Crappy local papers with parochial outlooks and wire service cookie cutter news are dinosaurs. Invest in good journalism where it exists and let the rest twist in the wind.
As to the Review-Journal, if Sheldon Adelson owns it, I have no interest in it. It is right down there with the crazy editorial bias of The Murdoch Street Journal and The Washington Times in my appraisal of it's value to me.
The Memphis and Little Rock Newspapers are mostly wire service, do little coverage of consequence, have editorial stances more Tea Party than truthful, are very parochial in the selection of coverage and cost more than they are worth. The fact that when they hit your doorstep they are outdated also does not help.
I support publications and websites that do journalism, cover the world, are not in the practice of cheerleading and try to get it right. I subscribe to the New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Economist, The Nation, Mother Jones and Spiegel International. I used to subscribe to the National Geographic, but cut ties when they allied with Rupert Murdoch's empire of trash, flash and disinformation.
Crappy local papers with parochial outlooks and wire service cookie cutter news are dinosaurs. Invest in good journalism where it exists and let the rest twist in the wind.
As to the Review-Journal, if Sheldon Adelson owns it, I have no interest in it. It is right down there with the crazy editorial bias of The Murdoch Street Journal and The Washington Times in my appraisal of it's value to me.
8
For a week, Mr. Fabiani repeatedly declined to respond to questions about wheth-er Las Vegas judges were discussed during sales talks. He could have said no it wasn't discussed.
Sheldon Adelson is a multi billionairewho has done a lot for Vegas and indirectly employs a lot of folk who otherwise would be on the welfare lines.
He has every right to buy newspapers, radio-tv stations or whatever he wants to.
This is the American way and many before him like Randolph hearst, Rockefellers and a host of other mega wealthy people have long bought into the media for various reasons not excluding good financial investments.
It is absurd to presume he did it merely to silence criticism,etc because lawsuits would easily and substantially do that and cost the press big $$$ just to defend !
The Vegas Journal should be happy that such a wealthy and successful business person should take the time and money to secure them with an even brighter future.
He has every right to buy newspapers, radio-tv stations or whatever he wants to.
This is the American way and many before him like Randolph hearst, Rockefellers and a host of other mega wealthy people have long bought into the media for various reasons not excluding good financial investments.
It is absurd to presume he did it merely to silence criticism,etc because lawsuits would easily and substantially do that and cost the press big $$$ just to defend !
The Vegas Journal should be happy that such a wealthy and successful business person should take the time and money to secure them with an even brighter future.
1
He ordered his thugs to remove union pickets from public sidewalks outside his casinos. He's no friend of workers. By the way, Adelson was a Democrat before he was rich.
2
The outrage! The controversy! The corruption of journalistic standards!
Has anybody ever actually read this paper? Or even heard of it?
You'd think newspapers with an agenda was news. What about the Chandlers? What about Hearst? What about McCormick?
When is the Times going to write about the Income Inequality aspect of this - a rich guy nobody has ever heard of buying a paper nobody has ever heard that nobody actually reads?
Next thing you know he'll be buying the Katonah Gazette-Intelligencer.
Has anybody ever actually read this paper? Or even heard of it?
You'd think newspapers with an agenda was news. What about the Chandlers? What about Hearst? What about McCormick?
When is the Times going to write about the Income Inequality aspect of this - a rich guy nobody has ever heard of buying a paper nobody has ever heard that nobody actually reads?
Next thing you know he'll be buying the Katonah Gazette-Intelligencer.
1
I get that the world doesn't exist outside Brooklyn, but your disinterest doesn't negate the fact that the RJ is and has been Southern Nevada's only real newspaper of record. Which of course, means nothing in Brooklyn, but is home to a little place you may have heard of--Las Vegas, where a lot of important things like big money, big unions and corruption need solid reporting. Not to mention it's a purple state.
1
It seems that buying a prefered judge is a bit more complicated than a politician... but where there's a will, and $B, there's a way.
This is the same concern we all should have with the owners of the New York Times.
The owners of the NYT have their own agenda.
So one gets to decide...do I like their agenda...do I want to know about another point of view...and then one gets to decide what they believe in.
You may not like Mr Adelson. And you are free to ignore and or complain about him and his decision to buy this paper.
And we are all also free to ignore and or complain about the owners of the NYT's and their biases.
It's just business.
It's just a question of which side your on.
The owners of the NYT have their own agenda.
So one gets to decide...do I like their agenda...do I want to know about another point of view...and then one gets to decide what they believe in.
You may not like Mr Adelson. And you are free to ignore and or complain about him and his decision to buy this paper.
And we are all also free to ignore and or complain about the owners of the NYT's and their biases.
It's just business.
It's just a question of which side your on.
1
This is very interesting. I say this because Mr. Adelson first owned real estate and then purchased the newspaper. In my hometown of Lancaster, Pa., the newspaper is privately owned and is now a major real estate partner in a number of projects whereas before it was solely a news outlet. The machinations to get the Convention Center and Hotel built involved a lot of press promising pie in the sky results as well as a lot of press that included the editor's "countdown" to the ouster of a county commissioner who opposed the building of the complex.
County residents are now waking up to the burden that continued operations is going to place up citizens. Anticipated state funding under the CRIZ program has not materialized. And the deficit has to be paid for by someone.
County residents are now waking up to the burden that continued operations is going to place up citizens. Anticipated state funding under the CRIZ program has not materialized. And the deficit has to be paid for by someone.
3
Even the liberals who despise Adelson likely can agree only reason NYT wrote this story is because of Adelson's political leanings. That makes the NYT no better than him if he uses his paper for his own political goals. Really hypocritical of NYT.
4
Facebook users, lets all urge our friends in NV to boycott this paper.
5
Gee! Ya think?! Adelson and his ilk i.e. Koch Bros, Bush's, Trump, etc., are the emperors and we little people - the 47%rs - are their slaves who's mere existence is to make them even more wealthy. They will make our lives as difficult as possible because - they can.
8
The only thing worse than a bully is a bully with lots of money to burn. Mr. Adelson has proven himself to be the latter. After being a subscriber to the Review Journal for over 40 years, I cancelled my subscription the day I heard he'd bought the paper--at a handsome premium, I might add. He'll not get a dime of my money to run his propaganda rag.
My hope is that reputable newspapers around the country keep a close eye on Adelson's foray into journalism and call him out at every turn as he tries to manipulate the flow of information through the largest newspaper in the State of Nevada. The soul of the Fourth Estate in our state is at stake.
My hope is that reputable newspapers around the country keep a close eye on Adelson's foray into journalism and call him out at every turn as he tries to manipulate the flow of information through the largest newspaper in the State of Nevada. The soul of the Fourth Estate in our state is at stake.
10
"Sheldon Adelson’s Purchase of Las Vegas Paper Seen as a Power Play"
Gosh, and I thought he figured it would be fun to run a newspaper. Silly me...
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
Gosh, and I thought he figured it would be fun to run a newspaper. Silly me...
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
"The paper’s publisher, Jason Taylor, now requires reporters and editors to get written permission before any article regarding The Review-Journal or Mr. Adelson’s purchase of it is published." Sounds like Putin and Isvestia.
" 'When you have all the marbles, you can make the calls,' said Carolyn Goodman, the mayor of Las Vegas. 'And he has all the marbles.' " Sounds like the mayor of Riyadh.
Announcements of Bugsy Siegel's demise were obviously premature.
" 'When you have all the marbles, you can make the calls,' said Carolyn Goodman, the mayor of Las Vegas. 'And he has all the marbles.' " Sounds like the mayor of Riyadh.
Announcements of Bugsy Siegel's demise were obviously premature.
3
Wow. With Billions made from gambling and the culture that surrounds it - one wonders how the Mormon Romney was able to accept Adelson's backing and money .
Also Instructive is the book , Good Times, Bad Times by the former Editor at the Sunday Times, in which Evans describes Robert Murdoch's taking over what was once Britain's most prestigious papers. This book lays bare Murdoch's use of media empire for his own ends . today we know about Murdochs use of wiretapping and blackmail influential figures. There are some similarity here tween Murdoch and Adelson, not totally but enough for journalistic case studies
Also Instructive is the book , Good Times, Bad Times by the former Editor at the Sunday Times, in which Evans describes Robert Murdoch's taking over what was once Britain's most prestigious papers. This book lays bare Murdoch's use of media empire for his own ends . today we know about Murdochs use of wiretapping and blackmail influential figures. There are some similarity here tween Murdoch and Adelson, not totally but enough for journalistic case studies
America is apparently proud of the part that corruption plays in it's history, and offers some of the best deals to the rich and powerful.
2
Another Rupert Murdoch.
1
If I lived in Las Vegas, I would have cancelled my subscription the moment it became apparent this travesty came to light. Under no circumstance can one expect Mr. Adelson to offer an unbiased view of the news. This is just one more example of Mr. Adelson's willingness to shamelessly buy influence. History is repeating itself here; his conflict of interest is - yet again - obvious.
4
It's a two-fer. One for Adelson's agenda, one for Israel's Likud.
4
This guy should be arrested for treason.
4
Democracy, or what's left of it, goes to the highest bidder.
4
This is no different than Rupert Murdock owning FOX netwotk. Why do you think Murdock bought the Wall Street Journal? To peddle his propaganda and push his agenda.
4
The real question - who is Jason Taylor?
Sheldeon Adelson and corrupt billionaires of his ilk have one virtue: they are walking advertisements for the presidential campaign of Bernie Sanders, who will know how to deal with them.
3
Hillary just might donate to Trump's campaign to block Sander's campaign coverage.
Trump has nothing of substance to offer the country, yet the media coverage is all him at the expense of other campaigns.
Sad the media has no balls.
Trump has nothing of substance to offer the country, yet the media coverage is all him at the expense of other campaigns.
Sad the media has no balls.
1
This is just another example of our country being bought up and paid for by rich, special individual and corporate interests, and the end of our democracy, as we know it. And government of, by and for the people, WILL perish from the earth.
3
Hey, if he has the money and wants to buy it, it's his right.
If people in Las Vegas are outraged by it, however (and if they aren't, why aren't they?), they need to find some well-heeled civic types who would be willing to underwrite a competing newspaper.
If people in Las Vegas are outraged by it, however (and if they aren't, why aren't they?), they need to find some well-heeled civic types who would be willing to underwrite a competing newspaper.
4
According to this article, Mr. Adelson has 25 billion dollars to his name. Elsewhere, I have read that the figure is closer to 33 billion.
But, that's not the most important thing about Mr. Adelson.
The most important thing is that he wants more.
But, that's not the most important thing about Mr. Adelson.
The most important thing is that he wants more.
6
This looks bad, yeah, but if you turn to San Diego, you see another case where a very wealthy, right-wing billionaire bought the local newspaper and people stopped reading it. He ultimately sold it just a couple years later. Time will tell how this plays out. The future is unwritten, even by the guy who buys a newspaper.
4
The NYTimes and all major media have dropped the ball on this story by failing to detail what Sheldon Adelson has done and continues to do to the newspaper industry in Israel with his propaganda sheet, Israel Today. He give it out free at a tremendous loss, throwing lots of free support to Bibi Netanyahu. The Knesset is on the verge of passing laws making outside funding of non-right wing extremist NGO's, but Adelson's support for the most extreme sects in Israel will go untouched, all the while while he angles for gambling in Eilat. The NYTimes would do well to read the reporting of its Israeli reporting partners at Haaretz to see what he is doing to ravage free speech and the free flow of information in Israel.
Adelson is a throwback to the days of the Annenbergs and the McCormicks, when newspaapers were owned by gangsters and oligarchs (Moe Annenberg himself made a lot of money out of the monopolizing the horse racing news industry before buying the Inquirer) and were devoted to pushing the political views of their owners first, and then maybe reporting some news. Moe Annaberg though was a saint compared to Adelson, and Annenberg did hard federal time!
Adelson is a throwback to the days of the Annenbergs and the McCormicks, when newspaapers were owned by gangsters and oligarchs (Moe Annenberg himself made a lot of money out of the monopolizing the horse racing news industry before buying the Inquirer) and were devoted to pushing the political views of their owners first, and then maybe reporting some news. Moe Annaberg though was a saint compared to Adelson, and Annenberg did hard federal time!
3
Sheldon on the right side, Soros on the left. Both use their money to try to influence public opinion to their sides. As long as it's not illegal it's within their rights, and if you don't like it you should criticize both equally. Don't give me the lame babble about who started it first. The bottom line is that both sides are doing it, so at this point you can't blame either one. It is also worth noting that neither side is very effective in the new media environment. The only ones who are really benefiting are old dying media like newspapers and TV ads that are getting some final injections of cash before their final flame-outs.
4
What is so surprising about this Purchase? It is just another cog in the wheel to attain absolute Power.
2
It seems that becoming richer and richer results in becoming more and more isolated from reality or your ability within a limited domain to create your own personal reality.
1
There is historical precedent for this: Robert R. McCormick taking control of the Chicago Tribune, then using it as a weapon against every Democrat in the state of Illinois.
1
Ed Rendell bought the Philadelphia enquirer, former dem. mayor of Phila.
George Soros George Soros gave $1.8 million to National Public Radio. Prominent journalists like ABC’s Christiane Amanpour and former Washington Post editor and now Vice President Len Downie serve on boards of operations that take Soros cash. This despite the Society of Professional Journalists' ethical code stating: “avoid all conflicts real or perceived.” ProPublica, funded by Soros has a 14-person Journalism Advisory Board, stacked with CNN’s David Gergen and representatives from top newspapers, a former publisher of The Wall Street Journal and the editor-in-chief of Simon & Schuster. Several are working journalists, including:
• Jill Abramson, a managing editor of The New York Times;
• Kerry Smith, the senior vice president for editorial quality of ABC News;
• Cynthia A. Tucker, the editor of the editorial page of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
ProPublica is far from the only Soros-funded organization that is stacked with members of the supposedly neutral press.
So where is the press on this, NYTimes? This is certainly "the pot calling the kettle black!"
George Soros George Soros gave $1.8 million to National Public Radio. Prominent journalists like ABC’s Christiane Amanpour and former Washington Post editor and now Vice President Len Downie serve on boards of operations that take Soros cash. This despite the Society of Professional Journalists' ethical code stating: “avoid all conflicts real or perceived.” ProPublica, funded by Soros has a 14-person Journalism Advisory Board, stacked with CNN’s David Gergen and representatives from top newspapers, a former publisher of The Wall Street Journal and the editor-in-chief of Simon & Schuster. Several are working journalists, including:
• Jill Abramson, a managing editor of The New York Times;
• Kerry Smith, the senior vice president for editorial quality of ABC News;
• Cynthia A. Tucker, the editor of the editorial page of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
ProPublica is far from the only Soros-funded organization that is stacked with members of the supposedly neutral press.
So where is the press on this, NYTimes? This is certainly "the pot calling the kettle black!"
10
Quantum: The story is not that a billionaire bought a newspaper, but that he appears to be using it to intimidate judges and influence a court case to his advantage. He has pulled similar tricks with his newspaper in Israel. Have ProPublica or NPR done anything similar for George Soros? Let us know, it will be equally newsworthy.
9
You're comparing a non-profit 501C-3 organization dedicated to independent investigative journalism — and which, incidentally, blew the lid off the IRS not granting conservative groups non-profit status — to a billionaire buying a newspaper?
3
If I remember correctly, David Gergen was an advisor in several Republican administrations. And hasn't the Wall Street Journal always been a conservative publication?
1
Freedom of the press and public integrity are made a mockery by Mr Adelson.
16
Ironic, isn't it--how a Conservative can purchase a newspaper and only evil and malicious intentions can be envisioned by the Left? But let a Liberal buy a newspaper--any Liberal, any newspaper--for any reason at all, and not peep is heard.
Somehow, for the Left, it seems right and natural that only Liberals should own and control media companies. And when Conservative media outlets exist to compete in the marketplace of ideas, (Fox News, talk radio), they are deemed illegitimate--and calls are made for them to be shut down or ignored--and their audience deemed ignorant or racist.
When Conservatives talk about media bias--these are the types of articles we point to. The purchase of a single newspaper should not make the front page of the NY Times--but since a Conservative has made the purchase, malfeasance is ascribed, and warning bells are rung. Shameful, actually--and so biased.
Somehow, for the Left, it seems right and natural that only Liberals should own and control media companies. And when Conservative media outlets exist to compete in the marketplace of ideas, (Fox News, talk radio), they are deemed illegitimate--and calls are made for them to be shut down or ignored--and their audience deemed ignorant or racist.
When Conservatives talk about media bias--these are the types of articles we point to. The purchase of a single newspaper should not make the front page of the NY Times--but since a Conservative has made the purchase, malfeasance is ascribed, and warning bells are rung. Shameful, actually--and so biased.
11
Sheldon Adelson will only let his views be in print. There will be no freedom to go against his views. Just as the people on Fox News cannot go against the view that Rupert Murdock wants presented. Which is why Fox is just a propaganda outlet for the far right and not a "News Station".
2
Please cite us an incident (on the left) akin to Adelson's buying a paper to target and intimidate a judge handling his case.
3
Now that Adelson owns the Review Journal, citing an incident is at least possible. It wouldn't have been before. It would never have seen the light of day
A rich person trying to influence politics and the press! Shocking!
This article comes off as a mix of parody, nostalgia and grotesquery all in one. Parody because Adelson comes off as a cartoonish compared to the more refine, but equally distasteful, antics of other press barons and families such as Murdoch, Zuckerman, the Grahams and - gasp - the Sulzbergers. Nostalgia since the actual power of the press is a mere shadow of what it was twenty years ago let alone if you go back to the 1950's and earlier. Grotesque in that Adelson is just one of many billionaires here in America and around the world that are using their plutocratic plunder to turn our world in to a modern day fief with all of us as their serfs.
This article comes off as a mix of parody, nostalgia and grotesquery all in one. Parody because Adelson comes off as a cartoonish compared to the more refine, but equally distasteful, antics of other press barons and families such as Murdoch, Zuckerman, the Grahams and - gasp - the Sulzbergers. Nostalgia since the actual power of the press is a mere shadow of what it was twenty years ago let alone if you go back to the 1950's and earlier. Grotesque in that Adelson is just one of many billionaires here in America and around the world that are using their plutocratic plunder to turn our world in to a modern day fief with all of us as their serfs.
6
Yup, if you can't beat them, buy them. Freedom of press to the highest bidders. It boggles the mind to think about how many millions are wasted on politics. When you already have billions, how much more could you possibly need?
9
As the evil Noah Cross explained to Jack Nicholson's character in "Chinatown": The future!"
1
I don't recall the NYT having the same concern when Carlos Slim became the largest single investor in the NYT. Sheldon Adelson is a U.S. citizen; Carlos Slim is a not.
15
Sheldon Adelson is a "dual" citizen. His other country is Israel which is the one he cares most about. The US he only uses to further his personal interests.
1
Yes, the liberal media is horrified that a conservative might want to BUY a newspaper. I must have missed the law that prohibits us from buying what we can afford based on our political leanings.
7
Does this mean we'll be bombing Iran soon?
5
One can hope.
Sheldon Adelson is not Mr. Bezos. He is a shrewd, manipulative, ruthless, rich guy who is also a staunch Israel suporter; to the extent the U. s. Interests are secondary to him. This may be only a first step in buying a series of media outlets in the country.
Sellers to Adleson, and customers of his products beware!
Sellers to Adleson, and customers of his products beware!
24
Don Reynolds is spinning in his grave. Here's hoping that as many of the writers and the rest of the Review Journal staff as possible can find the wherewithal to up and quit.
6
So cute for the NYT to be concerned about a newspaper becoming biased.
24
Me thinks the lady doth protest too much
1
Successful people are able to rally others to their ideas through intelligent engagement. Rich and successful are often not one in the same. Successful people don't need to manipulate and coerce. Successful people lead through inspiration and enlightenment. Mr. Adelson has clearly demonstrated the limits of his abilities. He will be remembered for merely being rich.
5
Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.” 16 Then he told them a parable: “A certain rich man’s land produced a bountiful crop. 17 He said to himself, What will I do? I have no place to store my harvest! 18 Then he thought, Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. That’s where I’ll store all my grain and goods. 19 I’ll say to myself, You have stored up plenty of goods, enough for several years. Take it easy! Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself. 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool, tonight you will die. Now who will get the things you have prepared for yourself?’ 21 This is the way it will be for those who hoard things for themselves and aren’t rich toward God.”
1
As someone born into Judaism, I see this creature using and abusing his wealth and power and buying a newspaper to forward his personal unscrupulous agenda and think that if ever there were a caricature of what would be a man that anti-Semites would point to as a corrupting influence in our society his name would be Sheldon Adelson. He is an abomination to the Jewish people.
26
Speak for yourself, please, not for the rest of us. Any concerns about Carlos Slim buying the NYTimes, or the MYTimes' overt attempts at manipulating voters, candidates and policy? I though not. Do as I say, not as I do.
8
Really? I'm Jewish and I strongly support Mr. Adelsons unwavering support for Israel in the face of growing Muslim and European anti-Semitism.
You may have been "born" Jewish but you've clearly lost your way.
You may have been "born" Jewish but you've clearly lost your way.
9
As a fellow (practicing) Jew, you expressed my thoughts better than I could.
I am ashamed that Sheldon Adelson is a MOT. There are many righteous and life-affirming ways to support the State of Israel. Mr Adelson enjoys using inappropriate ways, which hurts our cause.
I am ashamed that Sheldon Adelson is a MOT. There are many righteous and life-affirming ways to support the State of Israel. Mr Adelson enjoys using inappropriate ways, which hurts our cause.
1
Hey "Fox," in response to your question, here's your answer: as usual, "Fox" news watchers can't be trusted to either know the facts or repeat them in public.
Sale of Philadelphia Papers Is Completed
By AMY CHOZICK APRIL 2, 2012
A consortium of the Philadelphia area’s most powerful business and political leaders has bought the Philadelphia Media Network, publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Daily News and Philly.com, the company said Monday... Edward G. Rendell, a former Philadelphia mayor and Pennsylvania governor, formed the group six months ago and once was its most public member. But he recently withdrew amid newsroom concerns that he would use the papers to advance his political interests. “There was enough blowback from reporters and editorial people, because I’m active politically and support candidates and the president, that I decided to step back,” Mr. Rendell said in an interview...
Sale of Philadelphia Papers Is Completed
By AMY CHOZICK APRIL 2, 2012
A consortium of the Philadelphia area’s most powerful business and political leaders has bought the Philadelphia Media Network, publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Daily News and Philly.com, the company said Monday... Edward G. Rendell, a former Philadelphia mayor and Pennsylvania governor, formed the group six months ago and once was its most public member. But he recently withdrew amid newsroom concerns that he would use the papers to advance his political interests. “There was enough blowback from reporters and editorial people, because I’m active politically and support candidates and the president, that I decided to step back,” Mr. Rendell said in an interview...
1
Sheldon Adelson is a walking, talking advertisement for raising taxes on the rich. Put him in 90% bracket of Ike's day.
Think of it as fiscal self-defense.
Think of it as fiscal self-defense.
25
You got it backward, He is against any taxation for the 1%.
These are Obama tactics, Adelson has learned well.
1
Nevada has long been home of legalized corruption. What does it say about Nevada that it was less corrupt when the Mafia ran it then it is now. But ultimately we have become so desensitized to outrageous behavior that should shock our moral senses to the core that a tycoon buying a paper to manipulate the law and elections has become the not even worth noting. In fact, the more outrageous the behavior the more it seems to appeal to large segments of the population. We only have to look to the rise of Donald Trump to know the truth of that.
9
While many comments bemoan the fact that Mr. Adelson buys his power those who are for the most part US citizens enable him by spending their money in his casinos.
The single most powerful reason men such as him can influence political debate as they do is American voters in general avoid the responsibility to not only educate themselves about the candidates but also get to the voting booth on election day.
Granted news outlets exercise real influence, but if the majority of citizens allow themselves to be swayed, without discernment, by those who present popular entertainment they, along with the rest of us who don't bother to vote, deserve what sugar coated and gift wrapped dictatorship is shoved down our throats.
The biggest threat to our Democracy is ignorance and fear, both of which are encouraged by liberal and conservatives alike. Abandoning the cure of reason in favor of the bandage of belief, supernatural or earthly has not, cannot and will not ever cure any of our ills.
The single most powerful reason men such as him can influence political debate as they do is American voters in general avoid the responsibility to not only educate themselves about the candidates but also get to the voting booth on election day.
Granted news outlets exercise real influence, but if the majority of citizens allow themselves to be swayed, without discernment, by those who present popular entertainment they, along with the rest of us who don't bother to vote, deserve what sugar coated and gift wrapped dictatorship is shoved down our throats.
The biggest threat to our Democracy is ignorance and fear, both of which are encouraged by liberal and conservatives alike. Abandoning the cure of reason in favor of the bandage of belief, supernatural or earthly has not, cannot and will not ever cure any of our ills.
4
Americans are politically …
FoxNews viewers, who thinks they are in the 1% category, and try to parrot like them and carry the water for the 1% agenda, but unfortunately they live in their small homes working 6 days a week, pay check to pay check, and suffer just like the rest of the 99%, and just imagining that they are part of the 1%.
Shame on lazy American people who are so politically 'Dumb' and 'Numb', and they do not know who is running their country. These politically 'Dumb' and 'Numb' people continue to Watch FoxNews as their source of true news and what is happening, and call other so called Free Media, a liberal Media. Little do they know that there is not a Liberal and/or Conservative Media, there is only one 'controlled' Corporate Media, from different angle, who is running the 1% elite’s agenda, and would not let the 99% to know or to understand who is really running this Country.
FoxNews viewers, who thinks they are in the 1% category, and try to parrot like them and carry the water for the 1% agenda, but unfortunately they live in their small homes working 6 days a week, pay check to pay check, and suffer just like the rest of the 99%, and just imagining that they are part of the 1%.
Shame on lazy American people who are so politically 'Dumb' and 'Numb', and they do not know who is running their country. These politically 'Dumb' and 'Numb' people continue to Watch FoxNews as their source of true news and what is happening, and call other so called Free Media, a liberal Media. Little do they know that there is not a Liberal and/or Conservative Media, there is only one 'controlled' Corporate Media, from different angle, who is running the 1% elite’s agenda, and would not let the 99% to know or to understand who is really running this Country.
1
NYT and Las Vegas journalist are only up in arms because they don't happen to agree with a conservative republican. They are too happy to prejudice the story when working for socialists
8
the sulzbergers are socialists? you don't know what you're talking about.
1
This is news? First, corporations purchased the major TV media (Disney, GE et al), and newrooms became "newsertainment," as they were pitted against the actual entertainment areas for budget money. As well, the corporate masters began controlling (to varying degrees) coverage of other industries in which they were involved (e.g., GE limiting or curtailing NBC's ability to cover its nuclear and other energy interests).
And while he is far from the first, this move of billionaires purchasing print media whose newrooms they can control is hardly unexpected. But it is nevertheless another step toward George Orwell's "Ministry of Truth," as it is the truth that suffers most when these things occur.
And while he is far from the first, this move of billionaires purchasing print media whose newrooms they can control is hardly unexpected. But it is nevertheless another step toward George Orwell's "Ministry of Truth," as it is the truth that suffers most when these things occur.
15
We're talking about a man who is 82 years old and is worth about $30 billion. Yet, this man is not satisfied. He wants more money and more power.
Adelson is the personification of all that is evil in society- eternal and bottomless narcissism, selfishness, and heartlessness.
Reading about him, makes me wish the estate tax was a loophole proof 99.9% rate of his assets above $100. That would still leave his heirs about $30,000,000.
Adelson is the personification of all that is evil in society- eternal and bottomless narcissism, selfishness, and heartlessness.
Reading about him, makes me wish the estate tax was a loophole proof 99.9% rate of his assets above $100. That would still leave his heirs about $30,000,000.
23
I'm writing this comment in response both to the Alderson story AND to the piece about lessons learned by Trump learned from the death of his brother which appears just above it.
Lessons learned by Trump?
Best I can glean they are these:
1. Make sure you’re the one who has your Alzheimered father’s power of attorney locked up in your name so you can use his assets as YOU see fit…NOT necessarily as your father and mother may intended those assets to be used
2. Along those same lines, always employ said questionably-obtained power of attorney (given the dying father’s mental condition at the time he signed over that power to Trump) to cut off a sibling’s child’s critically needed medical care, despite the entire family’s pledge to care for that child, simply because you didn’t like your late brother’s family deciding fighting to sue to force you to nonor that commitment.
3. Finally, make damned sure you learn from the death of a sibling by alcoholism how important it is never to become an alcoholic yourself, nd then turn around and ignore the concomitant lesson of the importance of kindness and compassion and generosity of spirit that would have made your brother’s passing, and his family’s subsequent suffering, less horrific.
Good job Donald! A+!
But I'm not letting it end there.
This is the WORST fragment of journalism I’ve ever seen in the NYT!
YOU should be pointing out these awful circumstances, not a reader!
Welcome to Trump Care! AND Welcome to Aderson Journalism!
Lessons learned by Trump?
Best I can glean they are these:
1. Make sure you’re the one who has your Alzheimered father’s power of attorney locked up in your name so you can use his assets as YOU see fit…NOT necessarily as your father and mother may intended those assets to be used
2. Along those same lines, always employ said questionably-obtained power of attorney (given the dying father’s mental condition at the time he signed over that power to Trump) to cut off a sibling’s child’s critically needed medical care, despite the entire family’s pledge to care for that child, simply because you didn’t like your late brother’s family deciding fighting to sue to force you to nonor that commitment.
3. Finally, make damned sure you learn from the death of a sibling by alcoholism how important it is never to become an alcoholic yourself, nd then turn around and ignore the concomitant lesson of the importance of kindness and compassion and generosity of spirit that would have made your brother’s passing, and his family’s subsequent suffering, less horrific.
Good job Donald! A+!
But I'm not letting it end there.
This is the WORST fragment of journalism I’ve ever seen in the NYT!
YOU should be pointing out these awful circumstances, not a reader!
Welcome to Trump Care! AND Welcome to Aderson Journalism!
4
Dear Reader Comment's editing desk.
You have earned my respect for printing my comment. "The Gray Lady" lives yet. There is hope. And we desperately need it in today's world.
Thank you.
You have earned my respect for printing my comment. "The Gray Lady" lives yet. There is hope. And we desperately need it in today's world.
Thank you.
3
Jeez! What do you do as a journalist in a one-industry town? (I'm not counting production of Meth as an industry.)
1
I find Adelson a repulsive human being but many of the commentators here have no understanding of the history of newspaper ownership or the motives of the owners......google Hurst, Col. McCormick and other owners in the heyday of newspapers,,
6
Several commenters have suggested not buying the paper. Adelson and his ilk don't care. The object is not to make a profit peddling papers; it's to suppress local news sources. At worst, they get to shut it down and take the tax loss.
10
Hopefully all Americans will boycott Adelson and his casinos.
6
In my youth I used to wonder how creatures like the thoroughly despicable Adelson, got away with all manner of corruption, as they built their empires.
It took me several years observing how influence, at all levels of government, was purchased, to truly grasp the nature of the corruption that now permeates nearly our entire government
Adelson is just one of thousands of obscenely wealthy individuals, all of whom own one, or more, members of Congress, various public officials in local and state government, in every state, and their power infects nearly every Presidential candidate, and if that isn't enough, they successfully purchased our Supreme Court resulting in the Citizens United ruling.
One needs to understand another decision that came out of the Citizens United ruling, to truly grasp the significance of how our rights have been abrogated -
Excerpt and link -
"So if the decision was about spending, why has so much been written about contributions? Like seven and eight-figure donations from people like casino magnate and billionaire Sheldon Adelsonwho, with his family, has given about $40 million to so-called “super PACs,” formed in the wake of the decision?"
http://www.publicintegrity.org/2012/10/18/11527/citizens-united-decision...
It took me several years observing how influence, at all levels of government, was purchased, to truly grasp the nature of the corruption that now permeates nearly our entire government
Adelson is just one of thousands of obscenely wealthy individuals, all of whom own one, or more, members of Congress, various public officials in local and state government, in every state, and their power infects nearly every Presidential candidate, and if that isn't enough, they successfully purchased our Supreme Court resulting in the Citizens United ruling.
One needs to understand another decision that came out of the Citizens United ruling, to truly grasp the significance of how our rights have been abrogated -
Excerpt and link -
"So if the decision was about spending, why has so much been written about contributions? Like seven and eight-figure donations from people like casino magnate and billionaire Sheldon Adelsonwho, with his family, has given about $40 million to so-called “super PACs,” formed in the wake of the decision?"
http://www.publicintegrity.org/2012/10/18/11527/citizens-united-decision...
10
So, why wasn't there such a stink from the NYtimes when
Mr. Rendell, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee bought the Philadelphia Inquirer? I guess owning a paper is a "liberal privilege".
Mr. Rendell, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee bought the Philadelphia Inquirer? I guess owning a paper is a "liberal privilege".
7
There are many liberal journalists in this country who loathe Sheldon Adelson, his contributions to Republican candidates and his affinity for Israel. The Editorial Board and reportorial staff of the Times are conspicuous by their presence among them.
All of these worthy souls are free to purchase newspapers of their own and to publish whatever they like on the internet, as is anyone else who disapproves of Mr. Adelson; and contribute as freely as they like to Democratic candidates.
Mr. Adelson, it seems to me, is entitled to as much freedom of the press as any other American.
All of these worthy souls are free to purchase newspapers of their own and to publish whatever they like on the internet, as is anyone else who disapproves of Mr. Adelson; and contribute as freely as they like to Democratic candidates.
Mr. Adelson, it seems to me, is entitled to as much freedom of the press as any other American.
6
In the Low Life Department, running casinos, taking advantage of gambling-addicted suckers, is one step above drug pusher.
With all of his money how come he can't get a doo where his hair comes out in a color that actually exists in nature?
With all of his money how come he can't get a doo where his hair comes out in a color that actually exists in nature?
19
I think he goes to The Donald's hairdresser, located next to their tailor that makes those suits "of the finest cloth".
This NY Times article states that "Mr. Adelson and his newspaper Israel Hayom insist that it offers unbiased coverage". Anyone who regularly reads Israel Hayom knows that this is untrue. The new Review-Journal will be no different. Mr. Adelson has an international political agenda which many Americans feel is not in the best interests of the United States. Current U.S. Presidential candidates who grovel at his feet for financial support better wise up to his true intentions, if they haven't already done so. It may be politically incorrect to criticize him in public on this delicate subject, especially as the Nevada Republican Primary draws nearer, but once American voters are inside the privacy of the voting booth they can express how they really feel. The voting results won't be favorable for Mr. Adelson's agenda. It's a sad day for the Review-Journal.
15
No large newspaper, including the one we're all using to voice our opinions on offers unbiased coverage. As for the Las Vegas Review-Journal which boosts over 1 million readers, but only has a circulation of under 200,000, my question is this, "how much of the newspaper can a parakeet or a puppy being house broken actually read!" It's his $140 million and for the Judge Gonzalez one might want to question her motives before allowing a jury (if in this case, and I've been on a few jury selections so I know how it works) to come to a fair conclusion. Mr Adelson is a very easy and well deserved target. But then again you're dealing with Vegas and Macau the two gambling meccas of the world. And we all know how gambling in the last century got its start! There are no squeaky clean hands in this case.
"His true intention" - trying to make sure Israel is not wiped off the face of the earth. Quite the crime.
When billionaires started to buy our newspapers we started lose some of our first amendment rights. Now it's become epidemic. Jeff Bezos owning the Washington Post is bad enough, but the second richest man in the world now owns our newspaper of record, the New York Times, that just published this article about Adelson's desire to own the Las Vegas Review - Journal without mentioning that particular factoid. I must protest this omission and ask that the Times to make it clear - Carlos Slim owns a controlling interest in the New York Times. Is that true or not?
16
[[ I must protest this omission and ask that the Times to make it clear - Carlos Slim owns a controlling interest in the New York Times. Is that true or not?]]
Well, google it.
http://money.cnn.com/2015/01/14/media/carlos-slim-new-york-times/
[[The New York Times' class A stock is a different category from the controlling class B shares held by the Sulzberger family, which has owned and published the newspaper for generations.]]
Why do people get hysterical and post comments without doing the most basic web searches?
Well, google it.
http://money.cnn.com/2015/01/14/media/carlos-slim-new-york-times/
[[The New York Times' class A stock is a different category from the controlling class B shares held by the Sulzberger family, which has owned and published the newspaper for generations.]]
Why do people get hysterical and post comments without doing the most basic web searches?
2
Not true.
The Ocho Sulzberger family still controls fully two thirds of the shares.
Excerpt and link: Bloomberg News report, January 2014.
"Billionaire Carlos Slim became the largest investor in the New York Times Co. after exercising options to acquire 15.9 million shares in the newspaper company.
Slim bought the shares for almost $6.36 each, about half of Times Co.’s $12.28 closing price, Times Co. said today in a statement. That boosted his stake to 16.8 percent of the company’s Class A shares."
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-14/carlos-slim-doubles-ne...
The Ocho Sulzberger family still controls fully two thirds of the shares.
Excerpt and link: Bloomberg News report, January 2014.
"Billionaire Carlos Slim became the largest investor in the New York Times Co. after exercising options to acquire 15.9 million shares in the newspaper company.
Slim bought the shares for almost $6.36 each, about half of Times Co.’s $12.28 closing price, Times Co. said today in a statement. That boosted his stake to 16.8 percent of the company’s Class A shares."
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-01-14/carlos-slim-doubles-ne...
9
Protesting to the NYT on this subject is meaningless.
Adelson, unlike the others, was chosen to be featured in a page one hit piece because he is at the top of the NYT political enemies list.
Adelson, unlike the others, was chosen to be featured in a page one hit piece because he is at the top of the NYT political enemies list.
6
This is PRECISELY the sort of power grab that we Americans should revolt against and yet seem disinclined to do anything to prevent. The unobstructed ability to purchase news sources and use them for personal reasons is the WORST sort of abuse of wealth and power. We've lost all ability in this country to regulate news outlets and the accumulation of wealth and the use (and abuse) of power. We're allowing a class of people, the 1%, to take over the institutions of government and information. There is no will among the people to stop this - I see no movement being made towards limiting the abuse of wealth in our disintegrating society.
7
Bernie Sanders is doing the best one man can do in a creating the movement to
to preserve the ideal of democracy and for the 1st time ever create a democracy that is truly of the people.
to preserve the ideal of democracy and for the 1st time ever create a democracy that is truly of the people.
With all the money he has, how come he still has that face? Plastic surgery???? And when that is done, what about a brain!
11
Frankly speaking, the New York times's news content is as biased by its editorial agenda as any news media outlet in the country.
Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, as they say.
Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, as they say.
17
Are you kidding? Nobody [except us] reads the newspaper anymore. All the real crazies just watch Fox News. This means nothing!
7
The best politicians money from one pocket can buy and those it can't in one town.
Typical NYT hit job on someone at the top of its enemies list.
7
"In the First Amendment, the Founding Fathers gave the free press the protection it must have to fulfill its essential role in our democracy. The press was to serve the governed, not the governors."
That was Hugo Black, writing in 1971 in New York Times v. United States.
It appears that the entire idea of an independent press (and an independent judiciary) has been tossed out the window thanks to Citizen United and decades of policies designed to concentrate wealth at the very top in this country, reinforced by the lack of an independent press.
He who has the most money wins. Or, in Las Vegas lingo, he who has all the marbles makes the calls. All the same thing.
That was Hugo Black, writing in 1971 in New York Times v. United States.
It appears that the entire idea of an independent press (and an independent judiciary) has been tossed out the window thanks to Citizen United and decades of policies designed to concentrate wealth at the very top in this country, reinforced by the lack of an independent press.
He who has the most money wins. Or, in Las Vegas lingo, he who has all the marbles makes the calls. All the same thing.
10
I'm an optimist at heart; while it seems almost useless to push back, these days, against the power in the hands of the .01%ters, more and more ordinary people are waking up to the reality of what is happening to our liberty.
I'm convinced Trump and his ilk, in the Republican camp will fizzle out, and Hillary will be unable to get past the perception that she cannot be trusted.
Her recent attempts to use various Sanders ideas to garner support, is making her look as if she will say and do anything to win.
So, perhaps it's time for the White Knight, Mr. Sanders, to ride to the rescue, and vanquish the Adelsons, and their super pacs.
I'm convinced Trump and his ilk, in the Republican camp will fizzle out, and Hillary will be unable to get past the perception that she cannot be trusted.
Her recent attempts to use various Sanders ideas to garner support, is making her look as if she will say and do anything to win.
So, perhaps it's time for the White Knight, Mr. Sanders, to ride to the rescue, and vanquish the Adelsons, and their super pacs.
12
So no later than tomorrow, the paper has to endorse a Democrat for President, all of us knowing who are the Republican contenders. That will shut up Mr. Adelson for a while.
2
The larger issue is megabillionaires increasing their great influence by outright buying media - Murdoch, Bezos, Slim. They promote their agenda of corporate-friendly globalism -deregulation, tax cuts, outsourcing, immigration. They seek endless growth of money and population, heedless of the consequences for the planet.
The entire establishment has jumped on the billionaire's gravy train, and when Lyin' Paul Ryan jammed through a quadrupling of the H-2B visa quota in the recent spending bill, the media did not even report it. Buzzfeed did an excellent recent series on this exploitative low skill visa program.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicagarrison/all-you-americans-are-fired
The entire establishment has jumped on the billionaire's gravy train, and when Lyin' Paul Ryan jammed through a quadrupling of the H-2B visa quota in the recent spending bill, the media did not even report it. Buzzfeed did an excellent recent series on this exploitative low skill visa program.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicagarrison/all-you-americans-are-fired
5
The smaller a government is, the less a billionaire can use it for his own needs.
2
Hopefully more Nevadans will quit reading the local paper and start reading the NYT!!
2
What is the difference between Adelson's promoting his agenda of politics than the New York Times advancing its multi millionaire publisher's political view point? NOTHING.
Power is power and be it the NY Times or the Vegas paper, they are both not objective. But the readers of the Times agree with its viewpoints and because Adelson is a Republican, disagree with his.
Biased reporting by the New York Times--but that is nothing new!
Power is power and be it the NY Times or the Vegas paper, they are both not objective. But the readers of the Times agree with its viewpoints and because Adelson is a Republican, disagree with his.
Biased reporting by the New York Times--but that is nothing new!
9
This is dangerous. I hope internet blogs and twitter and all the other ways the internet allows ordinary people to share their perspectives and news can serve as a gigantic check on the power of old media like newspapers (apologies to ye Olde NY Tymes).
2
With all his lawsuits brought to harass and intimidate, Adelson sounds like a Donald J. Trump with real money.
And, he's a great example of why the USA should not sanction dual citizenship.
And, he's a great example of why the USA should not sanction dual citizenship.
6
Dear Emm, did you see anywhere where Adelson is a citizen of another country or is it just because he is Jewish and a supporter of Israel that he must be an alien?
This guy owns a casino in the most corrupt country in the world violating our laws ; as well as international one, and has several casinos i Las Vegas, sin city, and is buying the loacal paper to influence the investigation of his crimes. He launders his money through Israel and owns that whole country too. Inviting presidential candidiates to individual be vetted for his evil ends. and it goes on... He is a dangerous criminal and should be in jail; and I'm being kind. Probably a front for the mob that runs Vegas, whew. How bad can one guy be ; before we get protection from his chimes, come on America
8
This wretched man was very transparent about using his ill gotten billions to launch another neo-con-Likud war of aggression in the Muslim world-this time against Iran. He and his enablers in AIPAC need to be prosecuted.
15
Wretched? Because he's a Jewish conservative who makes more money than you could ever dream of and supports the only democracy in the Middle East - Israel?
Thank you for reminding me to send my check to AIPAC today.
Thank you for reminding me to send my check to AIPAC today.
3
Will Newt Gingrich be writing the Advice Column? I guess Adelson brings new meaning to "See You in The Funny Papers".
4
I cannot understand why he would spend money on a newspaper of all things, if he really wanted to provide perverse commentary he would have bought a pro-Teapublican TV or radio station .
2
A stupid investment. Once Adelson establishes that the paper is a house organ for his vendettas no competent editors or reporters will work there. Moreover, circulation will decline as alternatives spring up. Check out the experience of the Santa Barbara News Press in that regard. If you're thinking that the success of Faux News says otherwise, I say comparing apples to oranges. Newspapers are entirely different beasts where news people still make integrity their defining value.
4
Billionaire’s Purchase of Vegas Paper Seen as a Power Play:
Are power plays legal only when carried out by friends of the NY Times?
I used to hope that Mr. Adelson would buy the Times and begin giving Israel a fair shake from the paper.
Now I hope he will buy it, just to get rid of the editors and reporters responsible for a specious article like this. This article is a low point in a long series of misleading Times articles and editorials about Mr. Adelson.
Are power plays legal only when carried out by friends of the NY Times?
I used to hope that Mr. Adelson would buy the Times and begin giving Israel a fair shake from the paper.
Now I hope he will buy it, just to get rid of the editors and reporters responsible for a specious article like this. This article is a low point in a long series of misleading Times articles and editorials about Mr. Adelson.
8
It's not possible because the NYT uses an anti-shareholder tactic known as two classes of stock. They own a tiny fraction of the equity but a controlling interest.
Sheldon Adelson's purchase of this paper is a "propaganda" play that he will use to sway the election.
4
Mr. Adelson has a track record of owning a paper. It is in Israel and the paper has only one purpose and that is to keep Benjamin Netanyahu in power. So Mr. Adelson has a record of buying newspapers that keep elected officials in power that benefit him and only him. Just following in the footsteps of Rupert Murdock.
9
Wow, how soon we forget. For generations, even centuries, newspapers were owned by people who had a political agenda and their editorial swayed one way or another. You still see it in names of the papers, The XXX Democrat or the XXX Republican. Adelson is just continuing a tradition and for some reason we are in up in arms about it. No different than 50 or 100 years ago. And, no different than what is happening at the NYTimes, which is family owned and operated.
3
Having a judge you personally dislike because of a lawsuit related to your casino business investigated by your reporters is not an acceptable "tradition"- it isn't journalism either.
4
Sometimes what Sheldon Adelson does reminds me of the Twilight Zone episode "It's a Good Life"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It's_a_Good_Life_%28The_Twilight_Zone%29
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It's_a_Good_Life_%28The_Twilight_Zone%29
Oh, really? What a revelation! I am so shocked!! What sleezy people, those who have so much money that they think their money makes them right, that they should control what I read, what I think. I think I won't buy his paper, buy his rant, buy his view of the world. Is this what "demoracy" has become?
2
I think it is time for Mr. Adelson to retire posthaste.
1
The other billionaire newspaper owners do not have a connection with gambling, which functions only with the approval of government. So the comment by Adelson's firm that he is just another newspaper owner is not correct.
8
Google: "Adelson also gave $20 million to Winning Our Future , a super PAC backing Newt Gingrich." Yes, Newt Gingrich.
3
A democracy is dependent upon a free press. This is a very dangerous turn of events.
4
I guess what you really mean is that a democracy is dependent on a press that agrees with only your point of view. Those with a differing opinion is a threat, right?
4
I presume that most readers are Democrat liberals and will believe all the allegations and insinuations against Adelson, a prominent Republican.
I am not a partisan. I suspect that many of those allegations and insinuations against him do have a substantial element of truth. However, I also suspect that those who are hostile to Adeslson, including the judge, likewise have behaved in an unscrupulous fashion.
This story simply sickens me. It is just more evidence of how dirty is the behavior of those with power, whether it be economic power or governmental power. I wish this were an isolated and aberrational situation. But we have seen the behavior of police, prosecutors, grand juries, and judges in the multitude of police killings, a disfunctional Congress, and a president who acts in an increasingly authoritarian manner. I think that belief in the integrity of our institutions and the people who occupy powerful positions is wholly unwarranted, it is myth/
I am not a partisan. I suspect that many of those allegations and insinuations against him do have a substantial element of truth. However, I also suspect that those who are hostile to Adeslson, including the judge, likewise have behaved in an unscrupulous fashion.
This story simply sickens me. It is just more evidence of how dirty is the behavior of those with power, whether it be economic power or governmental power. I wish this were an isolated and aberrational situation. But we have seen the behavior of police, prosecutors, grand juries, and judges in the multitude of police killings, a disfunctional Congress, and a president who acts in an increasingly authoritarian manner. I think that belief in the integrity of our institutions and the people who occupy powerful positions is wholly unwarranted, it is myth/
1
Will the New York Times be next ?
2
It's time to nationalize the gambling industry, as well as the too-big-o-fail banks.
1
Those "worried" that the paper won't follow their own liberal interests in trying to keep anyone from getting rich unless they're PC. Of course most liberals are too stupid to know much about newspaper history and they've always pursued someone's interests. Go Mr Adelson!
2
Anderson will make billions in casino cash but objects to legalized weed in Nevada? Why? Perhaps legal weed in Nevada would promote more introspection and a natural disgust for gambling would flower. So buy the paper. Steer op-eds toward that conservative bent. Keep them drunk, but not high; if high they might go outside for a walk in the desert, leave that casino clamor for desert sounds.
4
He opposes legal weed because he is tied up in and probably makes alot of money because of illegal drugs, ...organized crime. Drug dealing is run by some of the most powerful people in the world. That is also why the federal government is dragging it's feet when it comes to allowing legal pot dealers to function in the banking system without repercussions.
2
if america had th sense to prohibit private money in elections, it wouldnt matter who this guy was or how much power he had
5
The combined malignancies of overwhelming greed and an insatiable lust for power exhibited by the narcissistic sociopaths of the billionaire class will destroy our democracy faster than any external terrorists threat. Is there no end to this selfish, greed-infected plague that has unleashed itself upon civilization?
14
Sheldon Adelson--still a swine after all these years.
17
Nauseating that this entitled, sordid little man has acquired so much power in our used-to-be-a-democracy. Adelson has spent much of the past year cozying up to Marco Rubio, who badly wants to capture his lucrative endorsement. Is there any GOP candidate not eager to take Adelson's sleazy Chinese casino money? Certainly not Rubio. Considering his sugar-daddy relationship with billionaire car dealer Norman Bramen, we know the callow Rubio sports a 'for sale' sign.
82
"Nauseating that this entitled, sordid little man "
At first I was was sure your were referring to George Soros.
At first I was was sure your were referring to George Soros.
4
Are you being pejorative about his size?? "Little man." Surely you can do better than an ad hominem attack. Or can you?
3
So now everyone with any sense knows that it is nothing but a rag. For those with no sense - it makes no difference - they already watch the fox entertainment show.
19
You are correct, the NYT is a rag. Low yellow journalism. Doing the bidding of the Democratic party.
4
Capitalism's flaw is that it eventually serves of all rights to the rich. Representative Democracy becomes an oligarchy. Anderson is just another oligarch consolidating power and influence. We need reform so the freedom of press is not controlled by oligarchs, like in Putin's Russia, where all news gets vetted by the state.
30
Agreed. We should do something to stop oligarchs like the left-wing socialist Sulzberger family which controls the New York Times. And his name is Adelson, not Anderson.
3
Wait. The NYT pursues stories and publishes editorials based on the preferences of its editorial board. That is somehow noble but others' efforts to similarly influence print media are purely evil? Plainly, it is in the eye of the beholder. As to Las Vegas judges, they are elected through what are some of the most moneyed elections affected by special interests as exist anywhere in the country. I don't know enough details about this particular litigation, but the judiciary there generally is not a bastion of impartiality.
12
The NYTimes ownership is careful not to dictate coverage or editorial positions, and they're sometimes very unhappy with them.
The NYT publishes editorials based on its editorial board, yes, but the news stories are completely separate from that operation, as it should be. You would expect a newspaper's op-ed pages to reflect the preferences of its owners, but the problem here is that those preferences clearly seem to be bleeding into the news-gathering and accountability functions of the paper, and that is very dangerous. It's not the same thing.
2
Seriously? The New York Times in an independent organization. Not a paper owned by a billionaire casino magnate to further their interests.
As surely as Macau is an island, the island's gambling businesses employ or associate with Organized Crime. However, with all the $$Billions$$ on that island, there's plenty of money and no shortage of people willing to do almost anything for a share of it. The Nevada Courts vs. Sheldon Adelson is like a mouse trying to attack a cat. I don't think the gamblers in Nevada would be lining up to place a bet in favor of the mouse.
7
Macau is not an island. Macau is a peninsula.
3
Thank you for the correction. Please tell me how this changes anything that I said.
1
Adelson's maneuver to silence a judge by buying a paper goes beyond wielding political influence; it is callousness towards the legal system, it is insouciance towards the civil society. He is a bully, and an ugly one too.
56
Adelsons purchases are all calculated business decisions. Buy a newspaper and influence the voter. Buy a congressman and influence legislation. The funny thing is, buying a congressman (bribe) has a much higher return on investment than making an investment in a newspaper. And it's all legal.
16
The great doctrine of a free press is a right of citizens of which publishers and editors are guardians. And a free press includes the right to a diversity of opinion, a right ill-served by Adelson, initially represented by Michael Schroeder, manager of Adelson's front company.
Under Schroeder orders, Review Journal staff wrote 15,000 words about the business court where Adelson's conduct was being reviewed by Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez. None of these articles was published by editor Michael Hengel who instead had reporters research conflicts of interest under Adelson ownership so proper disclaimers could be published--the first used last week by a reporter concerning a story attacking public education. (Hengel is now departed.)
Though Hengel declined the hatchet jobs on Judge Gonzalez, Schroeder published a 2,000 word attack by one Edward Clarkin for the 7,500 befuddled readers of the New Britain Journal in Connecticut. The story was mainly plagiarized and the sources quoted had never spoken with the reporter, who turned out to be Schroeder himself.
Adelson auditions GOP president wannabes on the stridency of their support for Israel and their hatred of unions. In Israel, his free daily, Israel Hayom, is the voice of settlers, and with him a free press in Nevada will die replaced by propaganda.
thinkprogress.org/politics/2015/12/25/3735036/edward-clarkin/
reviewjournal.com/opinion/columns-blogs/john-l-smith/oh-what-tangled-web...
cjr.org/search adelson
Under Schroeder orders, Review Journal staff wrote 15,000 words about the business court where Adelson's conduct was being reviewed by Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez. None of these articles was published by editor Michael Hengel who instead had reporters research conflicts of interest under Adelson ownership so proper disclaimers could be published--the first used last week by a reporter concerning a story attacking public education. (Hengel is now departed.)
Though Hengel declined the hatchet jobs on Judge Gonzalez, Schroeder published a 2,000 word attack by one Edward Clarkin for the 7,500 befuddled readers of the New Britain Journal in Connecticut. The story was mainly plagiarized and the sources quoted had never spoken with the reporter, who turned out to be Schroeder himself.
Adelson auditions GOP president wannabes on the stridency of their support for Israel and their hatred of unions. In Israel, his free daily, Israel Hayom, is the voice of settlers, and with him a free press in Nevada will die replaced by propaganda.
thinkprogress.org/politics/2015/12/25/3735036/edward-clarkin/
reviewjournal.com/opinion/columns-blogs/john-l-smith/oh-what-tangled-web...
cjr.org/search adelson
37
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR Sometimes. In Adelson's case, he has spent many millions of dollars with the expectation of political payback. And he has failed. The current GOP contenders are upending all prior expectations. Trump has learned to use social media to forge ahead--a free medium that trumps (pun extended) Adelson's gamble of buying up everything in sight. I suspect that the person who will have the will be neither Edelson or the GOP clowns. So much for the dumb notion of ideological purity. Politics are about as pure as the putrid Adelson!
7
Our troops aren't fighting and putting their lives on the line everyday so Adelson can destroy our democracy. You cannot have a democracy without " FREEDOM OF THE PRESS " and Adelson does not have America's best interest ... it's all about intimidating a judge ... thank god for judge Elizabeth Gonzales ! If ever there was a case to be investigated by the Feds ... this is it ! In the meantime, don't buy the paper and seriously consider voting for Bernie Sanders, we need to stand up against these corrupt oligarchs who have basically stolen our country.
20
Adelson is the poster child for the evils of income inequality.
Of course he's buying influence by buying media.
They don't know "the jig is up!"
Of course he's buying influence by buying media.
They don't know "the jig is up!"
14
No question as to Adelson's motive! This the same billionaire who bought the newspaper in Israel to promote Bibi. Just as he gives away that paper for free he was willing to overpay for this paper in order to get more "free speech."
21
Sheldon Adelson owns the newspaper Israel Hayom in Israel that is essentially a praise sheet for rightwing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. That paper has been called "Israel's Pravda." He also joked once that he should have bought the New York Times because he thought its coverage was not pro-Israel enough.
Adelson also has said that if Israel isn't a democracy, that's okay because the Bible doesn't say anything about democracy.
This man is no journalist, he has too much money for his and our own good. I hope the Justice Department has some of its best attorneys working overtime to get the goods on him. There's got to be something that will stick -- he is corrupt to the core. The feds got Al Capone on tax evasion. It wasn't the worst thing he ever did, but it sure did land him in Alcatraz.
By the way, Adelson, you can't buy every newspaper in the United States, and there are plenty of media that will be writing about you.
Adelson also has said that if Israel isn't a democracy, that's okay because the Bible doesn't say anything about democracy.
This man is no journalist, he has too much money for his and our own good. I hope the Justice Department has some of its best attorneys working overtime to get the goods on him. There's got to be something that will stick -- he is corrupt to the core. The feds got Al Capone on tax evasion. It wasn't the worst thing he ever did, but it sure did land him in Alcatraz.
By the way, Adelson, you can't buy every newspaper in the United States, and there are plenty of media that will be writing about you.
59
Hold on here. You are suggesting that an enormously wealthy individual might use his enormous wealth to pervert the course of justice? Seriously? I am shocked and disappointed in the New York Times that they should even hint at this base canard. Surely the enormously wealthy individual in question merely seeks the truth.
5
Yes, like Steyer and Soros.
2
A billion here, a billion there, and suddenly you're either running for President or running a state and dodging questions in court.
Why, Sheldon may even end up as Trump's VP candidate on the GOP ticket. He could certainly buy his way into it if he wanted...unless, that is, the party gains some of its rapidly-diminishing senses.
Money, power and grandiosity. Just what everyone wants in a neighbor, right? But when it comes to running the country, it's exactly what the Republican Party seems to want.
Why, Sheldon may even end up as Trump's VP candidate on the GOP ticket. He could certainly buy his way into it if he wanted...unless, that is, the party gains some of its rapidly-diminishing senses.
Money, power and grandiosity. Just what everyone wants in a neighbor, right? But when it comes to running the country, it's exactly what the Republican Party seems to want.
7
Sad is the fact that this nut job will now control a media outlet which he will use to force upon the reading public of Nevada his outrageous views. if it was up to him American fighting men and women would be on the ground in Israel fighting for the hard line religious right wingers who now control Israel. Remember his is also the man who donated millions to Newt. I used to think that El Chapo would make a good running mate for Trump. I have changed my mind. All voters after voting on election can line up for the buffets at his casinos.
14
Adelson is an unamerican Zionist who needs to be put in his place, so he will not be able to continue undermining our laws and democracy.
50
Wealthy Republicans buying and controlling the media in America to spread lies and disinformation? Duh. Thanks for the news flash, NYT. Now if only every other newspaper and cable station in America would report this story, we would be getting somewhere as a nation and a society. But we're not. Why? Because wealthy Republicans buy and control the media in America to spread lies and disinformation. And to not report news that is damaging to their interests.
12
What is, what is this, a newspaper or a supposition. 'Could', 'perhaps', 'May', really. I believe 'Do', 'Are', 'Have' describe the facts. Is the NYT cowed by the fear of the Adelson Legal Shuffle, run out the clock, bankrupt and then run your reputation through the dirt. Stand up and investigate the accusations. Follow through on the very good wealth gap special to the individuals. Follow the money to the white collar crime, and in the Addelson file you could, perhaps, may want to peak under the covers!
4
You can't tell from Adelson, Trump or Judicial Watch, but Republicans run for state and federal office claiming to be FOR tort reform and AGAINST frivolous lawsuits.
I've lived in Las Vegas for almost 2 years. There are only three reasons for reading the Review-Journal: the comics, the wire stories, and the ads. Many educated people in the area have nothing but contempt for the paper. I doubt that the new owner will be able to increase the paper's influence. Judging from the editorial page, it would appear that most of the loyal readers are already in the Abelson camp.
8
But Jeff Bezos' takeover of the Washington Post wasn't? Hatred speaks here, nothing else. Same as your pillorying of the Koch Brothers but not Soros or Steyn. Call yourselves 'journalists'? Unpaid Democratic spinners, I say.
9
What's Bezos' political inclinations? Has be ever singlehandedly kept a candidate in the presidential race with his cash?
And, you can't read the editorial page of the Washington Post and possibly consider it liberal.
You make comparisons where none exist.
And, you can't read the editorial page of the Washington Post and possibly consider it liberal.
You make comparisons where none exist.
4
Ms. Goodman, the mayor is the wife of the former mayor who was a mob lawyer. What is it the bible says about gambling?
4
I think we only have to look as far as Faux News. Murdoch assures us that it is fair and balanced. Now another billionaire wants to spoon feed his readers what he's pretty sure he can convince them is some version of his reality. And who are we as puny non-billionaires to question them?
The Supremes assure us that money = speech. We all enjoy free speech. But Mr. Adelson pays so much for his that it's so much louder. We can just sit back and enjoy his version of the truth.
The Supremes assure us that money = speech. We all enjoy free speech. But Mr. Adelson pays so much for his that it's so much louder. We can just sit back and enjoy his version of the truth.
7
Any journalist with an ounce of integrity should refuse to work for the Sheldon Adelson propaganda machine. Of course, there are plenty of stooges who will sell their souls for a few of Sheldon's pennies but real journalists will steer clear of his employ. And then ironically the conservative's beloved market forces themselves will put an end to Sheldon's rag when nobody buys or reads it anymore. Of course, this is Nevada we're talking about, and there are also plenty of citizens who don't mind being lied to by their media. But over time, advertisers will disembark like rats leaving a sinking ship.
9
I remember clearly Justice Alito mouthing a denial when President Obama, in his state of the union address identified the insidious nature of the Citizens United ruling and how unlimited campaign contributions would further corrupt the already imperfect voting system we have here (see Electoral College, The 2001 election, gerrymandering, faux voting fraud accusations). I wonder how the Justice feels now and if he would ever admit it. We know that the mighty rich and powerful shape tax law. Now that money is also buying up the press--the GOP already owns Fox News--no wonder folks have given up on the political process.
14
What Alito may have been referring to was Obama's lie that Citizen's United spawned an unlimited amount of foreign money coming into US campaigns, a total fabrication.
2
What is it with these grasping, superannuated billionaires? Who would have thought that the Simpsons' Mr. Burns could be a role model? You can't take it with you, but if you can, these guys should invest in some asbestos suitcases.
6
The Washington Post just fired liberal columnist Harold Meyerson, so the contention that billionaire ownership of newspapers is benign, if not beneficial, is open to question. And while "don't buy the paper if you don't like the coverage" sounds good, how can that coverage -- or its absence -- be judged in a vacuum?
3
We need to start with a graduated estate tax with no loopholes: 90 percent over $100 million; 95% over a billion. No indexing for inflation. All transfers to political action committees should be taxed at the highest incremental rate.
Let's just leave wealth to so-called middle class millionaires, not all these abusers.
Done deal; better America.
Let's just leave wealth to so-called middle class millionaires, not all these abusers.
Done deal; better America.
7
Can't he think of anything useful to do with all that money?
5
He bought the Communist Party of Macau. He bought the GOP presidential candidates.
8
Doug Broome: I think that by "useful", Joe P meant "constructive".
That 1 million circulation will drop pretty quickly when the paper's best journalists quit. Maybe Mr Sheldon doesn't care as long he get's his copy with the news reported they just the way he wants. Fourth Estate RIP.
1
Sheldon bought himself an U.S. Senator guess he wanted his own newspaper too.
3
please let me know when the Sulzberger family gives up perpetual control of NYT by going to a single class of stock. This article is the pot calling the kettle black.
9
Adelson has a track record with newspapers in Israel (Google it) and a track record with using his millions in Nevada "in support of his numerous business and political interests". The article raised a number of issues and each time backed away with "but"s and "it could be"s to avoid making any claims. I bet the Review-Journal will be a useful Adelson tool. Saddest of all: this great lover of Israel harmed Israel by supporting Netanyahu's policies that commit Israel to perpetual occupation and Netanyahu's policy of blatant interference in US politics.
10
The NYT is owned by wealthy liberal Democrats elites and a Mexican billionaire. What's the difference.
10
One difference, MKM, is that the owners of the New York Times are not trying to oust a judge who is looking into their alleged criminal misdeeds. Sheldon Adelson is doing exactly that.
8
Aside from the apparent rampant confusion over Carlos Slim's ownership stake ('largest shareholder' does not equal "controlling interest'), here's the difference:
Mr. Slim owns about 17 percent of the NYT and cannot tell its reporters to drop what they're doing and go harass an elected judge.
Mr. Adelson, on the other hand, bought a newspaper specifically to advance his own warped agenda.
That, my friend, is a huge difference.
Mr. Slim owns about 17 percent of the NYT and cannot tell its reporters to drop what they're doing and go harass an elected judge.
Mr. Adelson, on the other hand, bought a newspaper specifically to advance his own warped agenda.
That, my friend, is a huge difference.
7
Of course it's a power play. It's the same reason he buys...contributes to the campaigns and super pacs of politicians!
6
Again, we have The Times fostering a one sided liberal hit job. Where was the Times when 'The Amazon' was taking over the Washington Post? To believe that Jeff does not have an agenda puts a person in the delusional camp. Shameful, that is The Times.
6
Coolhunter, you don't seem to realize that the main reason Adelson bought the Las Vegas Review-Journal is to oust a Las Vegas judge who is looking into his alleged criminal activities. If he can get rid of her, it will worth a hundred times the one-hundred and thirty million dollars he paid for the newspaper in cold cash.
8
Goya would have been impressed by the accompanying photo.
All that is missing is a papal ring.
All that is missing is a papal ring.
7
Oh how the left squawks. How dare non liberals buy media outlets. Every article in the NYT reads like a press release from the DNC.
6
"... has prompted concerns that he could use the newspaper to influence a lawsuit against his business empire."
Post Media Translation, i.e. P.M.T., (Hint) "He bought it to buy it's influence."
P.M.T. is also known as L.B.L., or Look Between the Lines.
The inclusion of the word, "concerns", is usually a give-a-way...
Post Media Translation, i.e. P.M.T., (Hint) "He bought it to buy it's influence."
P.M.T. is also known as L.B.L., or Look Between the Lines.
The inclusion of the word, "concerns", is usually a give-a-way...
1
How many of you decrying Adelson's purchase would be saying the same thing if it was George Soros? Or is it just the message you object to, and not the wealthy buying influence?
5
Hmmm, Soros has been around longer than Adelson, but has yet to buy a newspaper. Adelson has two now. Your "what if" argument therefore doesn't make much sense.
3
The hypothetical is pretty straightforward- would you be upset if it was Soros? I'm sorry if the question was too hard for you. And Soros doesn't buy newspapers. He buys influence. Again, does that bother you?
Why do these evil men all look the same - Mr Burns ?
3
Sheldon Anderson has two interests in life: Israel and his financial interests. He now has an advertising arm to try and influence others towards his interests.
The very rich and politically connected have always bought newspapers and magazines as a way to influence (or further) their interests and/or protect their image. This is the history of newspapers, radio, and television.
The New Repubic was a recent example. The NYT was founded by a journalist who was also a Whig party politician to promote conservative political viewpoints.
I seriously doubt that most of the NYT readership has even heard of this paper, let alone read a single article. What Sheldon Anderson is doing is what has been done throughout the history of this country. No one is forced to read this paper (I would bet that nobody does now) and react to his opinions.
The very rich and politically connected have always bought newspapers and magazines as a way to influence (or further) their interests and/or protect their image. This is the history of newspapers, radio, and television.
The New Repubic was a recent example. The NYT was founded by a journalist who was also a Whig party politician to promote conservative political viewpoints.
I seriously doubt that most of the NYT readership has even heard of this paper, let alone read a single article. What Sheldon Anderson is doing is what has been done throughout the history of this country. No one is forced to read this paper (I would bet that nobody does now) and react to his opinions.
2
I hope Judge Gonzalez remains resolute and unintimidated.
And healthy. And has no accidents.
The Republican presidential candidates who fall all over each other in competition to see who can grovel the lowest to Mr. Adelson are contemptible.
I think even the Koch brothers show some restraint in expecting such supine self debasement of our politicians. They know we know who pulls the strings.
Don Corleone had more respect for decorum and a more refined attitude of noblesse oblige than Sheldon Adelson.
And healthy. And has no accidents.
The Republican presidential candidates who fall all over each other in competition to see who can grovel the lowest to Mr. Adelson are contemptible.
I think even the Koch brothers show some restraint in expecting such supine self debasement of our politicians. They know we know who pulls the strings.
Don Corleone had more respect for decorum and a more refined attitude of noblesse oblige than Sheldon Adelson.
8
I hope that she has adequate police protection.
2
I see a motive ok. Get a republican into the White House, so he does not lose his gambling license in Nevada, and also stay out of jail
4
How many people have pointed out that this is just like the Australian immigrant Rupert Murdoch?
While Sheldon was born in America, he acts like he is a citizen of Israel. It seems that Trump is wrong. America's problems do not stem from Muslims and Mexicans. They stem from Australia and Israel.
While Sheldon was born in America, he acts like he is a citizen of Israel. It seems that Trump is wrong. America's problems do not stem from Muslims and Mexicans. They stem from Australia and Israel.
7
So another right wing extremist is influence peddling?
Who cares.
Don't buy or read the paper.
Who cares.
Don't buy or read the paper.
Teddy Roosevelt broke the trusts, who will stand up for our democracy now ?
4
Hillary is the candidate standing up to the monopolists. Listen to her speeches, she makes this point more than the others.
The New York Times purportedly decries political bias in the media - so it responds by publishing a political hit piece on a Republican billionaire who had the audacity to buy a newspaper. Apparently this would not have been an issue had Mr. Adelson been a democrat right?
6
And he supported Newt Gingrich with piles of money too.
If we keep this up, we can bankrupt the plutocrat with his political defeats.
(On the other hand, he seems to be winning in Israel. Maybe he ought to move there.)
If we keep this up, we can bankrupt the plutocrat with his political defeats.
(On the other hand, he seems to be winning in Israel. Maybe he ought to move there.)
4
Please do not not post this comment about a man who is "contentious...aggressive...frequently clashed...allegations of bribes...fierce...combative...litigious...travels with an entourage of bodyguards...and...has filed a series of defamation claims".
After all, I wouldn't want him to buy up my local newspaper, run puppet candidates against our honorable judiciary, intimidate our mayor into proclaiming not not not to be intimidated, and sue me for defamation in order to drive me into bankruptcy as an object lesson to those who dare to criticize him.
After all, I wouldn't want him to buy up my local newspaper, run puppet candidates against our honorable judiciary, intimidate our mayor into proclaiming not not not to be intimidated, and sue me for defamation in order to drive me into bankruptcy as an object lesson to those who dare to criticize him.
5
The Purchase of Consent ?
Mark Fabiani, a crisis management expert and a spokesman for Mr. Adelson, compared his purchase of The Review-Journal to those of the billionaires John Henry, who bought The Boston Globe, and Jeff Bezos, who bought The Washington Post, in recent years.
Mark Fabiani, a crisis management expert and a spokesman for Mr. Adelson, compared his purchase of The Review-Journal to those of the billionaires John Henry, who bought The Boston Globe, and Jeff Bezos, who bought The Washington Post, in recent years.
3
I don't support Adelson's politics at all. However, just this month ...
Warren Buffett, who has even more money than Adelson, just endorsed Clinton:
http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/12/16/warren-buffett-en...
And bought a newspaper:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-berkshirehathaway-newspaper-idUSKBN0UE...
Come on NY Times. Don't fall into the trap of offering up just one side of every story like Fox or CNN.
At least a couple of paragraphs on Buffett buying a paper would be nice.
Warren Buffett, who has even more money than Adelson, just endorsed Clinton:
http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/12/16/warren-buffett-en...
And bought a newspaper:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-berkshirehathaway-newspaper-idUSKBN0UE...
Come on NY Times. Don't fall into the trap of offering up just one side of every story like Fox or CNN.
At least a couple of paragraphs on Buffett buying a paper would be nice.
8
Adelson has form, Buffett doesn't.
... a paper with a circulation of 35,000 in a town no one could find on a map.
Nice try.
Nice try.
Buffett controls way more papers than Adelson ever will.
I'm on your side, but I want the press to be fair. It helps Hillary in the long run if the coverage is fair.
No need to snap at me.
I'm on your side, but I want the press to be fair. It helps Hillary in the long run if the coverage is fair.
No need to snap at me.
As if being a billionaire isn't obscene enough....
2
"Freedom of the press is confined to the people who own one." A.J.Liebling (1960)
5
All the Republican Presidential candidates are dying for the endorsement of Mr. Adelson and of course his money. Mr. Adelson wants the U.S. to invade Iran on behalf of his only real interest Israel. This is the real story of how broken our political system is and the Republicans who want this mans money.
18
Journalists everywhere owe it to the profession to keep close tabs on what happens with the Vegas paper and report what happens as events merit. So far, it doesn't look good. To the paper's credit--and it deserves a Pulitzer for this--it broke the story on Adelson being the new owner, then delivered with the report on how Adelson, by all appearances, used the paper to go after a judge, with a straw story published in Connecticut with what appears to be a false byline. Shameful. The brass promised in a front-page editorial to fight the good fight, but they then took buyouts--Adelson apparently believes that money can buy anything. He should be proven wrong. The paper has zero credibility now, and that point needs to be hammered home again and again by NYT and others: Money cannot buy credibility. This stuff about written clearance being required before publication of stories concerning the sale is a good start for NYT. And let's not forget that Adelson could not have done this on his own. GateHouse, one of the nation's largest newspaper chains, remains as the manager, and, by all appearances, acted in concert with Adelson to violate the most basic journalistic tenets. If I were a stockholder in New Media Investment Group, the holding company for GateHouse, I would be demanding answers, given what seems a clear threat to the company's credibility. If it happened in Vegas, it can happen in Columbus, Providence or any number of other towns where GateHouse owns the paper.
15
While holding up Jeff Bezos' purchase of the Washington Post as an example of how billionaires maintain journalistic integrity, it's curious that Mr. Adelson's spokesperson failed to mention Rupert Murdoch's ownership of Fox News. Perhaps at least some billionaire owners do meddle.
Time will tell what happens to the Review-Journal, but, if I were a betting man placing odds in one of Mr. Adelson's casinos, I would bet that he's more like Rupert Murdoch than Jeff Bezos, particularly given Mr. Adelson's high degree of conservative activism and the hundreds of millions of dollars he spends promoting conservative causes and conservative candidates.
Time will tell what happens to the Review-Journal, but, if I were a betting man placing odds in one of Mr. Adelson's casinos, I would bet that he's more like Rupert Murdoch than Jeff Bezos, particularly given Mr. Adelson's high degree of conservative activism and the hundreds of millions of dollars he spends promoting conservative causes and conservative candidates.
35
The Editor of the Washington Post has commented on Jeff Bezos intent to avoid any intrusion upon the editorial content at the Washington Post.
He has recommended that only the best and brightest of journalism graduates be hired for the paper and he has acted to improve customer satisfaction in the speed of downloading pieces.
If this holds, we should look forward to the likes of Bezos and Buffett purchasing more of the nation's management and cash challenged print dailies. Hopefully, the Murdoch and Adelson purchases will not expand.
He has recommended that only the best and brightest of journalism graduates be hired for the paper and he has acted to improve customer satisfaction in the speed of downloading pieces.
If this holds, we should look forward to the likes of Bezos and Buffett purchasing more of the nation's management and cash challenged print dailies. Hopefully, the Murdoch and Adelson purchases will not expand.
The legendary journalist, A.J. Liebling, once wrote that freedom of the press belongs to those who own one. Has anything changed?
Are Murdoch, Adelson, and Ailes any different from the Hearsts and McCormicks of the past. Actually yes. They have a lot more money and exert a lot more influence over the fate of our democracy.
Are Murdoch, Adelson, and Ailes any different from the Hearsts and McCormicks of the past. Actually yes. They have a lot more money and exert a lot more influence over the fate of our democracy.
6
I find it ironic that Sheldon Adelson is such a conservative. He's built his fortune on gambling, an industry that is anything but morally or fiscally conservative.
42
The modern meaning of the term "conservative" means "willing to do anything whatsoever to acquire as much money as possible".
4
Yes, gambling is poisonous to our society. It's a hugely profitable industry that produces absolutely nothing of value for our society, robs working people of their hard-earned cash, and hugely dumbs down all its victims.
1
Since when have modern "conservatives" displayed ANY moral or fiscal integrity?
Democrat Elliott Spitzer and Republican David Vitter were caught committing the virtually identical misbehavior (hiring prostitutes with their own money). The Democrat was forced to resign and has held no elected or appointed position since. The Republican got a standing ovation from his fellow Republican Senators, and was easily reelected by so-called "Christian Conservatives."
Meanwhile, a review pretty much at any point in the last 70 years shows under Democrats the economy has done well, while under Republicans it has done poorly. Under Clinton, we had a surplus. Yet, within one year under Bush, we were back to deficits. Under Reagan, the national debt tripled; under George W. Bush, it doubled. This very newspaper, back in 2012, determined that fully 80% of the debt added under Obama to that point all came from measures locked in place by the Bush Administration, spending Obama had no control over (yet today Republicans love to claim is somehow all his fault).
Republicans ceased to be fiscal conservatives back in 1981, and ended their moral conservatism in the 1990s.
Democrat Elliott Spitzer and Republican David Vitter were caught committing the virtually identical misbehavior (hiring prostitutes with their own money). The Democrat was forced to resign and has held no elected or appointed position since. The Republican got a standing ovation from his fellow Republican Senators, and was easily reelected by so-called "Christian Conservatives."
Meanwhile, a review pretty much at any point in the last 70 years shows under Democrats the economy has done well, while under Republicans it has done poorly. Under Clinton, we had a surplus. Yet, within one year under Bush, we were back to deficits. Under Reagan, the national debt tripled; under George W. Bush, it doubled. This very newspaper, back in 2012, determined that fully 80% of the debt added under Obama to that point all came from measures locked in place by the Bush Administration, spending Obama had no control over (yet today Republicans love to claim is somehow all his fault).
Republicans ceased to be fiscal conservatives back in 1981, and ended their moral conservatism in the 1990s.
1
Adelson tried to buy last elections and now he is buying the local media in order to squash the court proceedings against him. My question for judge Roberts is where does Money end here and Free Speech begin?
Isn't the Adelson case rather symptomatic of the (obvious) fact than Money is antithetical to Free speech?
Isn't the Adelson case rather symptomatic of the (obvious) fact than Money is antithetical to Free speech?
6
Isn't it legal to buy a newspaper? If so and one were to make such a purchase to enhance their business would this not be OK? One would think that society can see through most of the misconceptions and that the medieval ways of "buying out judges" is a thing of the past. The comments posted do bring up some interesting angles however.
Matt DiNofia
Matt DiNofia
3
Personally, I'd prefer to know who owns my newspaper. Then I can judge its perspective with a sense of its capital interests. Come on. There is nothing like objectivity. So the people of Las Vegas can now learn to read more closely. In the meantime, perhaps we can learn who owns the New York Times. What are they up to? Silly me. I should have known. The public good.
I've lived in Las Vegas for almost 2 years. They're only three reasons for reading the review true
Not much more here than has already been reported. Please stay on top of this story and devote resources to looking into Mr. Adelson.
5
Why is this different from Jeff Bezos buying the Washington Post? Businessmen buy things - it's what they do with the money they have. Al Gore had a TV channel - which he sold to Al-Jazeera. Media is an investment like anything else.
5
Bezos is not an ideologue.
3
Then why buy such an ideological paper?
1
What ideology? WaPo regularly runs columns by conservatives including George Will, Mark Thiessen, Charles Krauthammer, Jennifer Rubin, plus various one-offs. Its news section scrupulously presents both sides of every issue. But to conservatives anything not 100% Tea Party political correctness is liberal "ideology."
You disagree? So name the liberal contributors to Fox News, National Review, and anything Adelson has his hands on.
I'm waiting.....
You disagree? So name the liberal contributors to Fox News, National Review, and anything Adelson has his hands on.
I'm waiting.....
Why is this any different than any other mega-wealthy guy who buy newspapers and TV stations to further his agenda? See: Rupert Murdoch.
2
Somebody Conservative BigBucks Anschutz owns The Gazette in Colorado Springs and surprise surprise, they support all the goofiest gun stuff, run toxic Michelle Malkin drivel, anti-abortion hysteria, etc, and the guy who runs the Editorial page used to write for something like Soldier of Fortune and The Catholic Register. They did win a Pulitzer and run a self congratulatory banner on the front page, but naturally the young reporter who wrote a great series on PTSD is long gone. Probably to the NYT.
Didn't take long to break the lifelong newspaper habit. Sheldon Adelson is just as laughable.
Didn't take long to break the lifelong newspaper habit. Sheldon Adelson is just as laughable.
4
Adelson has skewed Israeli far righter than it already is through the ownership of newspapers.
He has tried to buy the most sacred of American institutions. The Presidency.
That he is using newspapers to keep himself out of financial ruin should not be surprising.
What should scare us is his and his fellow Zionists total stranglehold on American media in general. Particularly in New York and Washington.
When the average American in the heartland feels the pain of foreign policy bought and controlled by these tycoons, it wont be a pretty day.
He has tried to buy the most sacred of American institutions. The Presidency.
That he is using newspapers to keep himself out of financial ruin should not be surprising.
What should scare us is his and his fellow Zionists total stranglehold on American media in general. Particularly in New York and Washington.
When the average American in the heartland feels the pain of foreign policy bought and controlled by these tycoons, it wont be a pretty day.
13
I'm an American and a Zionists and champion Sheldon Adelson for his strong support of Israel during a time of heightened anti-Smitism (frequently encountered I the comments sections here at the New York Times). By the way, Zionists are people who support a Jewish homeland after centuries of Jewish persecution. Unclear about what should bother you about this.
5
I have nothing against those who want to show solidarity to Jews who suffered genocide at the hands of European Christians. I do have a problem with Zionists who want to make Palestinians and Muslims pay for the crimes of Westerners on European soil. I also have a problem with Zionists who would like to deflect anti-Semitism toward another target in wars of aggression in the Muslim world in an unholy alliance with rightwing Southern Evangelical Christians.
6
Doctor M, What does your post have to do with the topic of the reporting: Adelson's attempt to intimidate a judge who is investigating his alleged criminal misdeeds.
Adelson is a disgrace to the Jewish People.
Adelson is a disgrace to the Jewish People.
4
Mark Fabiani is a spokesman for Sheldon Adelson? THE Mark Fabiani, former chief of staff to LA's Democratic Mayor Tom Bradley and key member of the Clinton administration. He certainly takes all comers as long as they have the money. Kind of reminds me of another certain profession . . . .
10
Also, chief spokesman for the worst team in NFL history, the San Diego Chargers. He does get around.
It appears Adelson is not shy about his connection to organized crime and corruption. Saying that he “has more personal money invested in Nevada than pretty much anyone else, and so he is understandably heavily involved in all aspects of the Las Vegas community.”
Where have we seen that line before? Oh right, that is the usual description given in the papers of how some organized crime syndicate had infiltrated government and corrupted authorities.
Usually we have to wait for federal RICO charges before that line is muttered.
Where have we seen that line before? Oh right, that is the usual description given in the papers of how some organized crime syndicate had infiltrated government and corrupted authorities.
Usually we have to wait for federal RICO charges before that line is muttered.
13
Why else would he have bought the paper? Not sure what the story is here.
1
I'm guessing the story is here because the Vegas paper missed it.
With Watergate, the Viet Nam fiasco, the Bay of Pigs debacle, and the manufactured war in Iraq, I thought I'd lived through the true nadirs of my generation. But I have never seen such a corrupting of the essential institutions of this country as I do now. I'm preparing myself for this to end very badly.
100
"Mr. Adelson is a fierce opponent of loosening marijuana regulation which will be on the Nevada ballot in 2016 and of online gambling"
So the man opposes one of the great injustices in American history, the prosecution, imprisonment and life-shattering of millions of mostly minority Americans for the recreational equivalent of alcohol possession.
And he opposes 'online gambling' but loves his own Las Vegas Sands and Venetian casino houses of gambling ?
And he's a walking superPAC and war-hawking billionaire for the Netanyahu right-wing.
The man is barely fit for citizenship, let alone ownership of a major newspaper.
The reporting staff of the Review-Journal would do well to stage a coup and create a brand new Las Vegas newspaper apart from Adelson's oligarchic string-pulling and rapacious, right-wing hypocrisy.
Freedom of the press and freedom of speech is the last thing on Sheldon Adelson's hypocritical, punitive and un-American mind.
Let's hope The Review-Journal collapses on the ashes of Sheldon Adelson's fetid billionaire hubris.
So the man opposes one of the great injustices in American history, the prosecution, imprisonment and life-shattering of millions of mostly minority Americans for the recreational equivalent of alcohol possession.
And he opposes 'online gambling' but loves his own Las Vegas Sands and Venetian casino houses of gambling ?
And he's a walking superPAC and war-hawking billionaire for the Netanyahu right-wing.
The man is barely fit for citizenship, let alone ownership of a major newspaper.
The reporting staff of the Review-Journal would do well to stage a coup and create a brand new Las Vegas newspaper apart from Adelson's oligarchic string-pulling and rapacious, right-wing hypocrisy.
Freedom of the press and freedom of speech is the last thing on Sheldon Adelson's hypocritical, punitive and un-American mind.
Let's hope The Review-Journal collapses on the ashes of Sheldon Adelson's fetid billionaire hubris.
377
Im getting the feeling that you would not like anyone, who is richer than you.
2
"The man is barely fit for citizenship, let alone ownership of a major newspaper."
That's the attitude I expect out of the oh-so-tolerant liberal/progressive class.
"The reporting staff of the Review-Journal would do well to stage a coup and create a brand new Las Vegas newspaper apart from Adelson's oligarchic string-pulling and rapacious, right-wing hypocrisy."
The staff has every right to leave, if that is their desire. No one, not even Adelson, has the right to compel anyone to work there against their will.
"Freedom of the press and freedom of speech is the last thing on Sheldon Adelson's hypocritical, punitive and un-American mind."
Adelson has every right to legally purchase whatever he can afford, just like you do. Whether the paper succeeds or fails is on him. Your typical vitriol will make no difference either way.
That's the attitude I expect out of the oh-so-tolerant liberal/progressive class.
"The reporting staff of the Review-Journal would do well to stage a coup and create a brand new Las Vegas newspaper apart from Adelson's oligarchic string-pulling and rapacious, right-wing hypocrisy."
The staff has every right to leave, if that is their desire. No one, not even Adelson, has the right to compel anyone to work there against their will.
"Freedom of the press and freedom of speech is the last thing on Sheldon Adelson's hypocritical, punitive and un-American mind."
Adelson has every right to legally purchase whatever he can afford, just like you do. Whether the paper succeeds or fails is on him. Your typical vitriol will make no difference either way.
3
Rocketship...rich or richer is not a problem.
It's the misanthropic hypocrisy, war-mongering, moneyed speech and gambling which Mr. Adelson specializes in that is not so attractive.
It's the misanthropic hypocrisy, war-mongering, moneyed speech and gambling which Mr. Adelson specializes in that is not so attractive.
12
Sheldon Adelson's purchasing power is terrible for democracy. Now he, as an individual with an agenda, is buying a newspaper, which should be a trustworthy source for citizens. He is also continuously pouring obscene amounts into Republican Presidential candidates, as he has previously; even when they lose elections, they serve as Adelson's mouthpieces. Paul Krugman (and others) had it right in cautioning that great wealth effectively allows the Adelsons of America to sway policy as unelected buyers.
123
What do you think Rupert Murdoch has done? With his FOX 'news' he has helped divide Americans in a way not seen since the Civil War. And he bought his American citizenship. This is what billionaires like Adelson and Murdoch do - sow fear and division.
19
In 2008 Carlos Slim took a 6.4% stake valued at $27 million in the troubled New York Times Company, as the global recession and declining advertising revenues took a particularly heavy toll on print-based "old media" companies across the United States.[22] Slim increased his stake to 8% by 2012.[43] Slim's stake in the Times increased again to 16.8% on January 20, 2015 when he exercised stock options to purchase 15.9 million shares, making him the largest shareholder in the company.
2
One can only wonder why it is, in Krugman's opinion (and apparently yours also) that left leaning billionaires are okay to own newspapers, but those on the right side of the political spectrum are simply mean and evil media owners!
How many of the dozens of newspapers owned by Warren Buffet (Hillary supporter) actually publish fair articles on Buffet's federal tax dispute with the IRS?
How many of the dozens of newspapers owned by Warren Buffet (Hillary supporter) actually publish fair articles on Buffet's federal tax dispute with the IRS?
Oh Phuleeeze, Similar to the uncontested monopolization of our local print media, a single conservative family has bought all but a few newspapers in a 300 mile radius. All the public protestations claim they will not influence editorial content. However, starting 6 months after they take over a newspaper, the content (usually AP stores) are the same, the local news is limited to a few pages and the editorial content (and particularly which letters to the editor are accepted for publication) show an ever increasing slant to the right. Talking with the former editor and staff (who quit in disgust), they uncovered evidence of a three year plan to ensure that in the future direction of the newspapers in our region will definitely have a specific ideological standard. Fair and balanced? He who controls the print and electronic media controls the mindset of the audience.
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And in his case he already has a track record as his Isrrale Hayom, also known ironically as Bibiton is simply a device for keeping Bibi in power, regardless of what the facts of any situation might be.
Thanks to Adelson if you visit the Newseum you will see that Israel is in the "somewhat free press" category.
He cares only for Bibi and grabbing as much moolah as he can and he is not fit to own a newspaper in a country With a proud tradition of free press.
Thanks to Adelson if you visit the Newseum you will see that Israel is in the "somewhat free press" category.
He cares only for Bibi and grabbing as much moolah as he can and he is not fit to own a newspaper in a country With a proud tradition of free press.
6
tom:
Sounds like you are writing from Sheboygan about the strategic management formula of Gannett, who finally, recently bought the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel after several years of small paper acquisitions up and down the western shore of Lake Michigan.
Sounds like you are writing from Sheboygan about the strategic management formula of Gannett, who finally, recently bought the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel after several years of small paper acquisitions up and down the western shore of Lake Michigan.
The Washington Post has Charles Krauthamer, George Will, and Ruth Marcus, to name a few conservative columnists. The New York Times has Russ Douthat and David Brooks among others. Most national newspapers cover a number of viewpoints. The real danger is in small local newspaper markets where the newspaper is the only voice for the town and has outsized influence on the political life of the area. Most people don't get their news from the print media but the print media is the only place to do any in-depth investigations, and that is being curbed by reductions in staff because of diminishing subscription snd advertising income. If newspapers investigate it will end up with wider coverage. Your right to information is being limited whether you are a conservative, liberal, or in-between.
2
As Ed Schultz has frequently said in connection with the media, ownership has its privileges. But, in the end, Adleson and his kind can only get away with corrupting our system of politics and justice is because we let them. Let 2016 be the year we kick the money-changers out of our national temple, and we can start by voting for President Bernie Sanders.
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Mancuroc - I concur. Ownership (of the press) has its privileges, to wit the NYT slanting political coverage to Mrs. Clinton and mentioning Bernie Sanders only every now and then. But in this last go-round of fundraising, Bernie raised $33 million in mostly small donations...meanwhile, Mrs. Clinton's campaign bombarded people with begging letters - please donate a dollar to my campaign, in order to get her small donor numbers up. Well, it didn't work.
Bernie 2016!
Bernie 2016!
Thanks for giving us something positive to do. I don't know what Bernie could do about Sheldon, but this story is so horrifying and the result so corrupt, that
it makes me feel a little better, knowing that Bernie would try to do something
about the outsize power of the purse.
it makes me feel a little better, knowing that Bernie would try to do something
about the outsize power of the purse.
He can buy a newspaper, but it doesn't mean he can maintain readership. If he does, it means he has a lot of like-minded readers.
To those who object, don't buy the paper. No one is forcing anyone to do so.
To those who object, don't buy the paper. No one is forcing anyone to do so.
54
Thomas Jefferson must be rolling in his grave with that comment.
1
Pretty simplistic. The answer Republicans give when caught with their thumb on the scale.
The answer in Flint Mich.- The lead in our water is irreparably damaging your children? Don't use it.
The answer in Flint Mich.- The lead in our water is irreparably damaging your children? Don't use it.
12
Lots of these areas no longer have a newspaper competitor- you can run a really lame newspaper with little to no journalistic value just because you still run obits and local news, not because you have "lots of like-minded readers".
8
America is a country of laws. Laws protect America's democracy. There ought to be a law that stops insanely rich egoists from turning America into an oligarchy or a plutocracy. Long live Judge Elizabeth Gonzalez!
175
Clearly, by definition, your third statement proves that America is NOT a democracy.
Too late. It's already a plutocracy.
It so happens there is a law that guarantees your political speech and Sheldon Adelson's....it's called the first amendment to the constitution.
An interesting article especially right after Paul Krugman's column on the pathology of wealth and power. Pray for our democracy.
161
It takes more than prayer ... vote Bernie Sanders for president if we want to keep the oligarchs from killing freedom of the press and our democracy.
7
A graveside epitaph, with at least five Supreme Court pallbearers standing by, might be as appropriate as any other prayer.
1
Generally agree. But must say: Engaging in free discussion and voting in all local, state, and federal elections is likely to achieve more than prayer.
2
Yes, wealthy individuals have many opportunities to influence the political process. They can buy politicians, including judges where those are elected. They can buy media outlets, whether those are broadcast stations, cable stations, internet sites, newspapers or magazines. But the only way they can buy ME is if I let them.
How would I let them? When I decide not to buy a newspaper or subscribe to it (home delivery or on-line), I am making it impossible for publishers to make enough of a profit to keep it going independently. That opens the door for the Murdochs and Adelsons to buy media properties and recreate them as propaganda organs for their business interests.
When I rely on one source for news and information, I am letting someone else tell me what I should know and what I should think, whether it is the Las Vegas Review-Journal or the NY Times.
If people don't like Adelson buying a newspaper, the solution is to not buy, not read it, and get your news from a variety of other sources.
How would I let them? When I decide not to buy a newspaper or subscribe to it (home delivery or on-line), I am making it impossible for publishers to make enough of a profit to keep it going independently. That opens the door for the Murdochs and Adelsons to buy media properties and recreate them as propaganda organs for their business interests.
When I rely on one source for news and information, I am letting someone else tell me what I should know and what I should think, whether it is the Las Vegas Review-Journal or the NY Times.
If people don't like Adelson buying a newspaper, the solution is to not buy, not read it, and get your news from a variety of other sources.
73
Let's see in Las Vegas and Nevada how many other news sources exist and what are their $$$$ resources to provide coverage equal to the Las Vegas Review Journal? None. There are no legitimate alternatives to the Review Journal for citizens of Nevada- not today and very unlikely in the future.
Democracy continues to be chipped away in big chunks--- and its not only about winning elections.
Democracy continues to be chipped away in big chunks--- and its not only about winning elections.
4
The only problem is in recent years with the consolidation of ALL media,, the options for unbiased news is shrinking, at least in America anyway. Your best bet is to go online to such sources as the CBC/ BBC and similar type public broadcasters to at least get some sort of unbiased in-depth news reporting since it is quite clear in recent years, so-called news reporting in America has become a combination of entertainment/talk tv on various broadcasts and in publications, clear political bias.
4
Yeah, right, the BBC is unbiased and I am the second coming. Only left-wing ideologues think that way.
I caught wind of this last Monday when the Times first reported on this story, now fait accompli. Alarm bells went off in my head then, and now, given Adelson's outsized influence on just about anything affecting his corporate empire and political interests--to the extent that Republicans line up in an annual rite of passage to curry favor with him and get the most campaign money.
Isn't it sickening enough that Mr. Adelson can wield such influence with politicians without resorting to altering the stakes in the court of public opinion? When the wealthy threaten the journalistic integrity of a city paper. it seems like another blow to American liberty, because without power of the press, what's left?
The Kochs have been more subtle, but no less dangerous, preferring to pack local and state legislatures to advance their political interests. The Adelson paper grab, designed to influence voter perceptions of a judge on the verge perhaps of unmasking corrupt financial shenanigans, smacks of totalitarian regimes.
Adelson isn't a communist dictator--yet. But when billionaires can pack legislatures, and gain command of the press, we aren't really that far off in theory from the Communist Soviet Union in the 50s and 60s. It's may be a different type of communism--not so much ideological as totalitarian--but it's dictatorship all the same.
Dictatorships of the wealthy are systematically destroying this country.
Isn't it sickening enough that Mr. Adelson can wield such influence with politicians without resorting to altering the stakes in the court of public opinion? When the wealthy threaten the journalistic integrity of a city paper. it seems like another blow to American liberty, because without power of the press, what's left?
The Kochs have been more subtle, but no less dangerous, preferring to pack local and state legislatures to advance their political interests. The Adelson paper grab, designed to influence voter perceptions of a judge on the verge perhaps of unmasking corrupt financial shenanigans, smacks of totalitarian regimes.
Adelson isn't a communist dictator--yet. But when billionaires can pack legislatures, and gain command of the press, we aren't really that far off in theory from the Communist Soviet Union in the 50s and 60s. It's may be a different type of communism--not so much ideological as totalitarian--but it's dictatorship all the same.
Dictatorships of the wealthy are systematically destroying this country.
327
You may be right, but it's interesting, although unsurprising, that you left George Soros off your list. The Times mentioned the liberal billionaire this past week as one of the wealthy people who circumvent tax laws to maintain lower tax rates than the rest of us. Jeff Bezos, who bought the Washington Post in 2013, donates mostly to Democratic candidates.
It should also be mentioned that wealthy humans have been using their wealth to influence public opinion ever since...well, forever.
It should also be mentioned that wealthy humans have been using their wealth to influence public opinion ever since...well, forever.
4
Through the American Legislative Exchange Council, the Kochs literally write laws.
11
@Neweryorker: The article was about Sheldon Adelson. I did bring up a number of other wealthy conservatives who leverage wealth and campaign financing rules to push their agendas in ways ordinary citizens can't. You are looking for "fair balance" in a comment about a GOP figure. But I think you'll agree, that, for the most part, the greatest group of billionaires profiting from their easy access to politicians ready to write laws of benefit to them are conservative Republicans.
11
Very smarmy and quite emblematic of what's wrong in our society in regard to the wealthiest 0.0001%. But, he bought a NEWSPAPER. It's 2016. He might as well have bought a buggy whip company. This time, the joke's on Adelson.
16
In all fairness, Warren Buffett also just bought a newspaper.
And politics aside, I'll take Buffett and Adelson in abusiness acumen contest over "fact or friction?" from maryland.
And politics aside, I'll take Buffett and Adelson in abusiness acumen contest over "fact or friction?" from maryland.
7
The intention here is not to print his case in his new paper. It is to use the reporting staff of the paper as his private detectives, using the cloak of journalistic freedom as a way to gain information and advantage in this lawsuit.
By requiring all news of Mr. Adelson to be personally approved by Mr. Taylor, the paper is basically allowing him to dictate coverage that will be carried online, far outside of its circulation area, modifying it to serve his interests. And it is preventing the kind of enterprise reporting that casts light on the case.
On a higher level, it isn't strictly Mr. Adelson's fault that he is only doing what he is allowed to do. It is that we allow him, and others such as Mr. Murdoch whose impact has been far more sustained and damaging, to do it.
But this move does raise an interesting point about US companies doing business overseas. It is virtually impossible for a casino to do business in Macau without the triads, who control much of its highly profitable closed-door 'VIP' rooms where much gambling takes place. China only allows its citizens to leave with a few thousand dollars yet they gamble with millions, which they get from the triads. And their losses can be collected in China only through illegal means. Thus, the role of criminal organizations.
Businesses all over the world face this issue in some way or other, where doing business illegally (by US standards) is pretty much the norm. This is simply a more glaring example.
By requiring all news of Mr. Adelson to be personally approved by Mr. Taylor, the paper is basically allowing him to dictate coverage that will be carried online, far outside of its circulation area, modifying it to serve his interests. And it is preventing the kind of enterprise reporting that casts light on the case.
On a higher level, it isn't strictly Mr. Adelson's fault that he is only doing what he is allowed to do. It is that we allow him, and others such as Mr. Murdoch whose impact has been far more sustained and damaging, to do it.
But this move does raise an interesting point about US companies doing business overseas. It is virtually impossible for a casino to do business in Macau without the triads, who control much of its highly profitable closed-door 'VIP' rooms where much gambling takes place. China only allows its citizens to leave with a few thousand dollars yet they gamble with millions, which they get from the triads. And their losses can be collected in China only through illegal means. Thus, the role of criminal organizations.
Businesses all over the world face this issue in some way or other, where doing business illegally (by US standards) is pretty much the norm. This is simply a more glaring example.
28
Having lived in Vegas for years, the RJ is the only real source of local news in Southern NV and has been its main hometown newspaper for many decades. Like all newspapers, it's been online for years. Balanced news and good journalism will never go out of "style"; only the mode of distribution changes.
Adelson's buy is indicative of the systematic rot that's destroying our cherished democracy. Sad and scary times.
Adelson's buy is indicative of the systematic rot that's destroying our cherished democracy. Sad and scary times.
1
Maybe now the Supreme Court will recognize that unlimited money has a pernicious corrupting quality and re-examine its conclusion that it does not lead to undue political influence.
118
@frazerbear. Don't hold your breath. The Supreme Court knew exactly what would result from Citizens United. It was laid out in the dissents. This is the future they desired for the country. Mores the pity.
11
You mean like the undue influence of the left-leaning New York Times.
1
You're kidding right? The Supreme Corporate Court thinks this is a good thing.
5
Wow! It seems that absolute power does absolutely corrupt anything it touches. This article leaves me with the feeling that I personally will never go to one of Mr. Adelson's casinos. Viva Judge Gonzalez!
188
good. stay away from Adelson's casino. I think that is the thing to do. Genius...
If you combine the NYT in article from last week regarding tax maneuvers by the wealthiest Americans with the buying of newspapers by that same class (others include Jeff Bezos buying the Washington Post, John Henry buying the Boston Globe) we need to be careful how they will influence what is reported and how it is reported. This could get ugly as they twist public opinion. And no I don't have a tin foil hat on!
124
and also what doesn't get reported.
4
This is a Rupert Murdoch move--only worse! Mr. Adelson has already provided suspicious fingerprints on a trial balloon press attack on Judge Gonzales from his associate-controlled paper in Connecticut. Murdoch tried to influence opinion and elections from multiple platforms. Mr. Adelson, who clearly has more money than he knows what to do with, is just starting his own media empire. He already controls a newspaper in Israel designed to shore up Bibi Netanyahu. We can anticipate the same kind of political influence with distortion of facts in purple state Nevada under his direction. This is just another way a 1%-er is trying to buy our government. There will be more if he is successful in skewing public opinion in the presidential race next year. Newspapers were once oriented toward making money through their own efforts. Now they are oriented toward making money for their owners by facilitating the election of toady politicians who will sponsor legislation to give business and tax breaks to the oligarchs.
What is tragic is the realization that Mr. Adelson could be doing so much public good with the money he is spending trying to influence politics and buying our government, but he prefers to be a political puppeteer with his spare cash, benefiting no one but himself.
What is tragic is the realization that Mr. Adelson could be doing so much public good with the money he is spending trying to influence politics and buying our government, but he prefers to be a political puppeteer with his spare cash, benefiting no one but himself.
230
Unlike your precious leftist benefactor George "the destroyer of currencies" Soros. His meddling in politics is just fine. Let's not forget, it was the democrats accepting Tom Steyers money in exchange for directing a particular debate be held on the Senate floor. Bribery.
This is just Rupert Murdoch redux. He fancies himself a king. A kingdom needs a newspaper to maintain influence in affairs of state.
110
Adelson is a disgrace for the nation. It is an irony how a corrupt narcissist and opportunist is buying his way into power. The democracy is at stake- the common people are the victim since crooks like Adelson buys the power machine making democracy a joke.
Kudos to Judge Gonzalez and all the power to her since Adelson's fat pocket could not buy her out. Hope SEC does the right thing and put him behind the bar which he deserves.
Kudos to Judge Gonzalez and all the power to her since Adelson's fat pocket could not buy her out. Hope SEC does the right thing and put him behind the bar which he deserves.
152
Why grouse about a "corrupt narcissist" buying his way into power when we have one running for president? How much did Adelson's money help candidates last election cycle? Us Americans may be stupid, but we're not THAT stupid.
It is our own disgrace. Billionaires do what we let them do. We let money corrupt all three branches of government as well as the journalistic oversight. It is within people's power to change the rules and remove money from politics.
Sheldon Adelson is nearly as despicable as Rupert Murdoch, who owns the Wall Street Journal as well as fox so-called news. They are out to destroy democracy around the world. They CANNOT HAVE AMERICA!
307
And, there is as little chance of Adelson facing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act charges over bribery allegations as Rupert Murdoch did when his UK papers bribed cops.
1
So apparently in your view disagreeing with your opinions makes someone despicable and out to destroy America? I wonder, do you object to Warren Buffet owning dozens of newspapers around the nation? Or is Warren okay because he supports Hillary?
Olson Johnson in Blazing Saddles: [after Gabby Johnson's speech] Now who can argue with that? I think we're all indebted to Gabby Johnson for clearly stating what needed to be said. I'm particulary glad that these lovely children were here today to hear that speech. Not only was it authentic frontier gibberish, it expressed a courage little seen in this day and age.
[townspeople murmur and nod in approval].
[townspeople murmur and nod in approval].
1
It's a sad day when a newspaper loses all journalistic integrity, but by becoming Adelson's mouthpiece, The Review-Journal has accomplished that.
259
Democracy means that people who don't share liberal views also get to own newspapers. Sorry if you don't like that.
6
You mean as opposed to being a pro-amnesty mouthpiece for Carlos Slim?
But it is not sad when most of the pretend newspapers in the country rubber stamp everything the radical left wing extremist democrat party wants to do. and that includes knowingly trying to get readers to believe every lie that Obama/Democrats told about the wildly unpopular failing risky scheme known as Obama care.