The only thing that might save this country is that the fourth estate does its job well with an aggressiveness never seen before. The cultists have taken over the White House, Senate, House and soon all the courts. Do not let them destroy real news before they destroy you. Raise the bar to survival mode. Some of these elected officials have expiration dates. Hopefully, a free press will avoid that fate.
2
For Trump to label any part of the press "the enemy of the American people" is an obvious step down the road of authoritarian repression. Trump has clearly been fomenting violence in speech and action against journalists, including the latest tweet. Anyone who dismisses the seriousness of this dictatorial assault on freedom and truth, or who somehow manages to blame journalists themselves, is, simply, wrong.
1
The "free press" that you write of was destroyed by the likes of The New York Times and other papers. The clear bias and aggressive lies brewed and promoted by this paper during and after the election are blatant.
2
Some of us remember the pictures of the book burnings in Nazi Germany.
Journalists who wrote unfavorable articles about the Fascist leaders were hung with piano wire.
Tyrants can not abide a free press. This administration has been cited several times for its similarity to the Fascists. But it is not only the administration, it is its enablers, the GOP and its sycophants. They are all traitors to the republic.
Journalists who wrote unfavorable articles about the Fascist leaders were hung with piano wire.
Tyrants can not abide a free press. This administration has been cited several times for its similarity to the Fascists. But it is not only the administration, it is its enablers, the GOP and its sycophants. They are all traitors to the republic.
3
there's nothing independent about most of the press. And slamming a figure with a cnn logo as it's head is not promoting violence, no matter how often you so-called independents repeat it over and over again, in perfect lockstep.
And yeah, Amazon used to be great cuz they didn't charge tax. I still use them though.
And yeah, Amazon used to be great cuz they didn't charge tax. I still use them though.
1
Dear mr. trump, as a real President once said: "If You Can't Stand The Heat, Get Out Of The Kitchen".
3
I am a vigorous proponent of free speech. And I really cannot stand our obnoxious president. But everything in this article points out how safe free speech remains.
150 years ago, before the age of broadcast media and film, information was disseminated in a highly decentralized fashion. Big cities had several papers. A lot of these were absolute rags spewing vicious nonsense about immigrants, politicians they didn't like and whatever else they wanted. The bar to opening a paper was not huge-you just needed a press.
With the advent of broadcasting, news and entertainment became centralized. This tamed both news and entertainment because what was published had to work for a widely dispersed audience-city and rural, white and black.
Now we have come full circle. Once again, any crackpot-even our President-can express his ill informed opinions to as wide an audience as is reached by the sober media. So, when one reads or sees that stuff-remember: when the first outlet is shut down for its "outrageous" content that will be the beginning of the end of free speech.
150 years ago, before the age of broadcast media and film, information was disseminated in a highly decentralized fashion. Big cities had several papers. A lot of these were absolute rags spewing vicious nonsense about immigrants, politicians they didn't like and whatever else they wanted. The bar to opening a paper was not huge-you just needed a press.
With the advent of broadcasting, news and entertainment became centralized. This tamed both news and entertainment because what was published had to work for a widely dispersed audience-city and rural, white and black.
Now we have come full circle. Once again, any crackpot-even our President-can express his ill informed opinions to as wide an audience as is reached by the sober media. So, when one reads or sees that stuff-remember: when the first outlet is shut down for its "outrageous" content that will be the beginning of the end of free speech.
3
When the first outlet is shut down, the beginning of the end will be clearly recognized to have been no later than the day the President of the US identified some journalists as "the Enemy of the American People." He uses the rhetoric of dictators, he respects literally no authority, only power, and he revels in malice. Free speech and all our other freedoms are in peril from this ignorant, infantile, spiteful con man.
Thank you, NY Times, for reminding us not to take our freedoms for granted as we celebrate Independence Day.
6
All newspapers, urban and rural, large or small, throughout the nation should have signed on today to run the same front page editorial explaining how necessary a free press is to a free, self-governing people. The quotes from the presidents, and from the founding fathers, should be front and center. And a challenge to President Trump to educate himself. Since today's opportunity was not taken, perhaps sometime soon, sometime soon.
9
I do think the distrust of the media is unprecedented and due to 45's constant attack on anything that is critical of him or tries to point out his lies. False equivalency during reporting of the campaign also contributed to the low level of knowledge many citizens exhibit.
4
Last time I checked The New York Times was allowed to freely publish their paper and their editorial opinions. What appears to have changed is the level of influence and control the publisher has over political decisions in the United States. Freedom of the press does not equate to the wishes and desires of wealthy publishers to get their way with the American people.
1
But, is it OK for the President to attack our free press? He is sworn to uphold our Constitution. Also, are you fine with the oligarchy and kleptocracy which Trump advocates and promotes?
3
Actually I am fine with this.
I have to say that I am ok with Trump expressing himself. You should be as well. The price of your freedom of speech is his freedom of speech. If he could be shut up, so could you.
I think this article is confusing free press with access.
The Free Press Clause in the Constitution allows the press to act, operate and self-regulate independent of the government. The President does not, nor do Sean Hannity nor Newt Gingrich for that matter, advocate for the government to take over XYZ news organization and publish only the government line. This would most definitely go against the Constitution.
What the Free Press clause does not do, however, is to mandate the President give access to his press conferences (including the White House press briefing and entry into the briefing room) to one particular news outlet over another. The government is free to set up their press conferences any which way they so desire. And the credential committee has free will to dole out credentials and access to whomever they deem legitimate news organizations.
The Presidential Press Conferences are most definitely NOT covered by the Constitution and as such the government is free to restrict, and or change, access to them however it deems appropriate. The NYT can call that a sad thing to happen this Fourth of July or unconstitutional or going against the Founder's wishes; but the stubborn little fact remains that it is none of those things whatsoever.
The Free Press Clause in the Constitution allows the press to act, operate and self-regulate independent of the government. The President does not, nor do Sean Hannity nor Newt Gingrich for that matter, advocate for the government to take over XYZ news organization and publish only the government line. This would most definitely go against the Constitution.
What the Free Press clause does not do, however, is to mandate the President give access to his press conferences (including the White House press briefing and entry into the briefing room) to one particular news outlet over another. The government is free to set up their press conferences any which way they so desire. And the credential committee has free will to dole out credentials and access to whomever they deem legitimate news organizations.
The Presidential Press Conferences are most definitely NOT covered by the Constitution and as such the government is free to restrict, and or change, access to them however it deems appropriate. The NYT can call that a sad thing to happen this Fourth of July or unconstitutional or going against the Founder's wishes; but the stubborn little fact remains that it is none of those things whatsoever.
4
If the article was only about access, you would be correct. The current administration is within its rights to restrict access as it sees fit. However unwise it is to do so.
But, the article is not just about access. It is also about this administration demonizing the press, calling the press the "enemy of the people" and encouraging violence against reporters and publications that rightfully criticized the current administration's and Trump's blatant lies.
But, the article is not just about access. It is also about this administration demonizing the press, calling the press the "enemy of the people" and encouraging violence against reporters and publications that rightfully criticized the current administration's and Trump's blatant lies.
4
Give the guy a break.
He is President and because he doesn't ascribe to the pomp and circumstance so many consider fitting he is castigated, incessantly.
Regardless the apparent fact he is in many ways over his head, his viciousness appears to be an act more than anything else. He is over the top, but he has always been that way so the surprisejust doesn't ring true.
If he keeps us out of war, doesn't oversee the complete destruction of our government and judiciously lines his and his friends pockets we will survive. As of this moment he has 3 years, 6 months, 18 days, 2 hours, 36 minutes and 15 seconds left in office, so cheer up. Things could be worse.
He could retire.
He is President and because he doesn't ascribe to the pomp and circumstance so many consider fitting he is castigated, incessantly.
Regardless the apparent fact he is in many ways over his head, his viciousness appears to be an act more than anything else. He is over the top, but he has always been that way so the surprisejust doesn't ring true.
If he keeps us out of war, doesn't oversee the complete destruction of our government and judiciously lines his and his friends pockets we will survive. As of this moment he has 3 years, 6 months, 18 days, 2 hours, 36 minutes and 15 seconds left in office, so cheer up. Things could be worse.
He could retire.
3
The inability of the President and his communications staff to handle live questions from the press may well have something to do with his total ignorance in so many areas and their dread of again and again have to lie about it or cover it up.
10
I've been reading and rereading the First Amendment for a while now (it's not very long) and I still don't see the part where it says "as long as King Trump likes what they say or write."
2
This editorial is based on two assumptions. It assumes that A; the Press is truly independent, and B; that it's First Amendment freedoms are under threat. Both assumptions are highly questionable.
In the most literal sense, the Press is independent in that they are not an official organ of the government. The term independent, however, also carries the implication that the Press is independent of partisanship-at least in the actual reporting of news. Partisanship, however, has actually left the editorial page and become overt in main line stories. This explains why, as bad as Trump's approval ratings are, they are twice as high as the approval of the Press.
The second assumption is that the Freedom of the Press is under attack. Trump has not proposed any law or regulation that would place new limits or censorship on what they are allowed to report. What he has done is attack the credibility and respectability of how they report the news. Freedom of the Press is protected by the constitution. Respect and Credibility, however, have to be earned. The approval numbers for the Press in general prove that the Press has not earned much respect or credit from their readers or audiences, and they are the final arbiters.
In the most literal sense, the Press is independent in that they are not an official organ of the government. The term independent, however, also carries the implication that the Press is independent of partisanship-at least in the actual reporting of news. Partisanship, however, has actually left the editorial page and become overt in main line stories. This explains why, as bad as Trump's approval ratings are, they are twice as high as the approval of the Press.
The second assumption is that the Freedom of the Press is under attack. Trump has not proposed any law or regulation that would place new limits or censorship on what they are allowed to report. What he has done is attack the credibility and respectability of how they report the news. Freedom of the Press is protected by the constitution. Respect and Credibility, however, have to be earned. The approval numbers for the Press in general prove that the Press has not earned much respect or credit from their readers or audiences, and they are the final arbiters.
4
The press was never expected to be "independent" or unbiased or non-partisan. The historical core of the first amendment has always been freedom to publish dissenting or unpopular political views, short of inciting violence. Trump has in fact directly incited violence against the press, obviously including the content of the clip he retweeted.
It's richly ironic that someone presuming to defend Trump would disparage anyone else's Respect and Credibility. Trump's deepest values are contempt, malice and dishonesty, and he threatens all of our freedoms.
It's richly ironic that someone presuming to defend Trump would disparage anyone else's Respect and Credibility. Trump's deepest values are contempt, malice and dishonesty, and he threatens all of our freedoms.
I see the job of the media as doing one thing: reporting waste, fraud, and abuse, and moreover reporting grave injustices. If you examine conservative media, they will be about one thing: anti-media. Anti-media is what feeds their viewers.
Before, it was the media against the government; now, it seems to me that the media has taken sides, largely with the Democratic party. It's dangerous when a reporting agency aligns with an ideology. Just as the church has aligned with the religious right, it undermines the institution.
It is true that forces are trying to destroy the institution (that they call the government) just as it is true that some seek to erase religion, within the church. However, there is one thing that neither side does: seek justice. I believe in the institution of the free press, that it is fundamentally about that: unearthing grave injustices. There is no replacement for that.
Before, it was the media against the government; now, it seems to me that the media has taken sides, largely with the Democratic party. It's dangerous when a reporting agency aligns with an ideology. Just as the church has aligned with the religious right, it undermines the institution.
It is true that forces are trying to destroy the institution (that they call the government) just as it is true that some seek to erase religion, within the church. However, there is one thing that neither side does: seek justice. I believe in the institution of the free press, that it is fundamentally about that: unearthing grave injustices. There is no replacement for that.
5
The media has the right to defend itself and inform its readers of any assault against a free press. When the list of trump's lies exceeds Heinz 57, it's time for some serious reporting.
9
The institution of the free press is fundamentally about expressing dissenting political views.
2
As does Trump has the right to respond to the foolishness that spews out of the mouths of cnn, msnbc, etc.
Although he shouldn't....
Although he shouldn't....
is there any way the media can stop covering his tweets
The circus has got to end.
The circus has got to end.
9
Best words to ever escape W's mouth.
3
The independent press couldn't get enough of of Trump and uncritically normalized his alt-right agenda and followers. Now, when he turns on you, it's a great big deal. You are reaping what you sowed. No sympathy from me.
6
Trump is a cancer on this country, as are his pathetic supporters, enablers, and apologists. Written history of this dark era will not be kind to any of them, and rightfully so. Perhaps some Trumpers will come to see the error of their ways in time, but I fear that most are as irredeemable as Trump himself. History is full of disastrous results when humans willingly abandon logic en masse.
11
Actually, Trump is having the exact effect, a very salubrious one on press independence. After years of going into a major slump in public esteem, capped by the election, this marks a resurgence.
People are flocking to reputable press sources like refuges to sanctuaries of truthful information in a land besieged by the fake news media (of both political leanings). Do you really think these attacks on CNN and Morning Joe are HURTING them???
People are flocking to reputable press sources like refuges to sanctuaries of truthful information in a land besieged by the fake news media (of both political leanings). Do you really think these attacks on CNN and Morning Joe are HURTING them???
5
If I was a script writer for a new TV show that was about the decline of America, I could not have come up with a story line worse than the everyday decline of our once great nation and the politics that the current occupant of the White House displays. I risked my life and the lives of my crew during my deployment to Vietnam during the war, it upsets me so much to watch Trump dismantle some of the freedoms we enjoy. We used to be the envy of of nations all over the world, now they laugh at us because of the childish way Trump behaves. Troops ... please, please .... let's make sure he doesn't win another four years in 2020.
16
Your angst about our nation and how citizens of other countries laugh at us is in psychological terms called projection. It's hard fight it alone and makes one miserable. No sarc, seek help.
What freedoms are being dismantled?
1
We need to cautiously recognize our founding and celebrate now, especially for our young people, so they understand what freedom is since it may not be here next year.
2
Free press?
Like when fake reports about wmd's went unquestioned or lies about Iraq participation went unquestioned?
Or maybe like when Hillary Clinton and the Trumpster had every word uncritically reported but Sanders voters were considered militants?
Or maybe freedom of the press refers to the laughable Sunday network fantasy of reporters failing to be reporters?
After all there hasn't been a prime time documentary on network tv in decades despite the fact the airwaves are public property and are supposed to operate in the public interest.
Like when fake reports about wmd's went unquestioned or lies about Iraq participation went unquestioned?
Or maybe like when Hillary Clinton and the Trumpster had every word uncritically reported but Sanders voters were considered militants?
Or maybe freedom of the press refers to the laughable Sunday network fantasy of reporters failing to be reporters?
After all there hasn't been a prime time documentary on network tv in decades despite the fact the airwaves are public property and are supposed to operate in the public interest.
2
PBS isn't network TV?
On this July 4 I am in the City of Munich, Germany vacationing with my son, for his high school graduation, in August he will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A true American success story. My father, was an undocumented immigrant from Quebec, Canada. He settled in Detroit, Michigan, served in the Air Force in WW2 in England and Italy. Dad and my amazing Mom raised 12 children. Freedom, including freedom of the press is what my son's Grandpa fought for. My job as a parent is to teach my child right from wrong to be independent and how fragile is freedom, democracy, and especially tolerance for all people regardless of color, creed, orientation, ability, gender and wealth. Our society desperately needs a strong independent free press
22
12 children? Isn't that claiming a disproportionate share of future resources?
2
Ernie: "On this July 4 I am in the City of Munich, Germany ..."
What are Germans saying about their government's latest attack on freedom of speech?
"BERLIN — Social media companies operating in Germany face fines of as much as $57 million if they do not delete illegal, racist or slanderous comments and posts within 24 hours under a law passed on Friday."
Delete Hate Speech or Pay Up, Germany Tells Social Media Companies
By MELISSA EDDY and MARK SCOTT
JUNE 30, 2017
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/business/germany-facebook-google-twit...
What are Germans saying about their government's latest attack on freedom of speech?
"BERLIN — Social media companies operating in Germany face fines of as much as $57 million if they do not delete illegal, racist or slanderous comments and posts within 24 hours under a law passed on Friday."
Delete Hate Speech or Pay Up, Germany Tells Social Media Companies
By MELISSA EDDY and MARK SCOTT
JUNE 30, 2017
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/30/business/germany-facebook-google-twit...
Ernie, congrats to you and family as you celebrate this milestone.
Munich is a great place to be to reflect on this subject. Hitler's first frenzied public speeches took place there.
Despite the comments of so many NYT readers, we are a long way from losing freedom of speech in USA.
I returned home a few weeks ago from Eastern Europe--which lived through both Nazi and Communist eras. What a reminder it is to be in nations that never would have permitted journalists to keep functioning if they disapproved--let alone called political leaders names!!--during those eras.
No matter how much we hate the unnecessary incivility of the present discourse, we must not lose sight of how blessed we are that we can hear those we agree with, and those we staunchly oppose.
In other parts of the world to this day, "sticks and stones may break bones". But words do not hurt strong, good, free journalists.
They keep digging, investigating and reporting.
Happy Fourth of July!
Munich is a great place to be to reflect on this subject. Hitler's first frenzied public speeches took place there.
Despite the comments of so many NYT readers, we are a long way from losing freedom of speech in USA.
I returned home a few weeks ago from Eastern Europe--which lived through both Nazi and Communist eras. What a reminder it is to be in nations that never would have permitted journalists to keep functioning if they disapproved--let alone called political leaders names!!--during those eras.
No matter how much we hate the unnecessary incivility of the present discourse, we must not lose sight of how blessed we are that we can hear those we agree with, and those we staunchly oppose.
In other parts of the world to this day, "sticks and stones may break bones". But words do not hurt strong, good, free journalists.
They keep digging, investigating and reporting.
Happy Fourth of July!
3
"Independent press" is a laugh in these days of corporate media consolidation. CNN and the NY Times just got pounded for running false stories. Oh, I'm sorry. I mean "stories that didn't meet our editorial standards."
It is laughable to see this complaining after months of retractions ranging from the fake story of the Vermont electric grid to the whole baseless Russia hack farce. And the Times itself just pulled back on the over-the-top "17 Intel Agencies" canard.
WMD ring a bell?
More to the point, as the Times ran last December:
"If Donald Trump Targets Journalists, Thank Obama"
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/30/opinion/sunday/if-donald-trump-target...
Want to end the "siege"? Just get back to reporting the news. Not stories that are anonymously sourced by people with a stake in the game. Not stories that stand on the word "reportedly", meaning you read them elsewhere and just repeated them. Give people news.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
It is laughable to see this complaining after months of retractions ranging from the fake story of the Vermont electric grid to the whole baseless Russia hack farce. And the Times itself just pulled back on the over-the-top "17 Intel Agencies" canard.
WMD ring a bell?
More to the point, as the Times ran last December:
"If Donald Trump Targets Journalists, Thank Obama"
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/30/opinion/sunday/if-donald-trump-target...
Want to end the "siege"? Just get back to reporting the news. Not stories that are anonymously sourced by people with a stake in the game. Not stories that stand on the word "reportedly", meaning you read them elsewhere and just repeated them. Give people news.
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
10
See the Richard Brooks prescient film WRONG IS RIGHT to get a handle on the situation.
1
"Baseless Russia hack farce"? The one Putin admitted?
Every morning I read the NYT and know America is still alive, kicking, and (despite self-acknowledged flaws), still great (see Black Lives Matter).
8
Moderating news article threads under the guise of civility conforms establishment accepted technobabble.
3
Most Americans resent--actually repulsed by-- constant mainstream press, especially the Times, force feeding boutique fake news regarding ersatz civil rights Transsexuals advocating self mutilation.
6
Sean: "Most Americans resent ..."
How did you determine that? Did you see poll results?
How did you determine that? Did you see poll results?
14
Sean--Evidence of this claim? No, I thought not.
9
Poll results? Actually yeah: the main one last November elected Trump.
2
Asquith
Anyone with a thin skin and fragile ego should choose a career outside of politics. Mr Trump is a novice trying to play in a pros game. It is time to stop giving him a pass, literally.
13
I absolutely agree. But ditto for the press. They cannot do their jobs without thick skin.
3
I’ll be into seeing the Times as a bunch of victims the day that an Islamic kill squad gets onto the editorial and publisher floors in Times Tower and lets them report on the subsequent Charlie Hebdo shooting spree. Until then, sand must they pound.
3
Amen!!!! Danny Pearl and others knew what it meant to be journalists under siege. This wallowing is inexcusable.
1
DJT has never read the constitution and has no understanding of it.
When one does not understand ANYTHING about the system and the country he governs he is bound to do it very poorly (I'm being generous here).
When one does not understand ANYTHING about the system and the country he governs he is bound to do it very poorly (I'm being generous here).
17
Obama never read it either.
Trump is a total fraud and he knows it. His attacks on the press are an effort to tray to keep the public from knowing that although a huge portion of the public already knows. IO have seen on many internet platforms how America's love affair with guns is what keeps us free. That love affair in fact makes America a very dangerous place. he only thing that keeps America free is a robust free press and an informed electorate. Eliminate those two factors and you have a perfect environment for Trump and his ilk.
7
The Wall Street Journal is quietly connecting all the dots on the Trump-Russian Collusion scandal and he is petrified and panicking!
17
What confuses me is that we knew this, learned it already, and now we have to learn it again. Why? Are we insane? How can Citizens United be a good decision based on the historic and still worthy words we all recognize in this article.
1
Lets add to the list of inspirational quotes this one: "No politician in history, and I say this with great surety, has been treated worse or more unfairly" - Donald J Trump, 2017
1
It's been truly disheartening watching make-believe 'patriots' like Russia-conflicted Donald Trump and his congressional allies pretend to be celebrating our nation's independence. The shame of it all is overwhelming.
9
I agree completely that the very being of the free press is being threatened by this administration. No, they have not as yet taken action, but words precede action.
As for Twitter posts, they are just as germane as press conferences or State of the Union addresses, and they do need to be reported upon. The balance in reporting, however, must come with the deeds of the administration. Right now, the agencies and departments established to keep us safe, healthy, and within Constitutional bounds are being destroyed from within. This includes our right to free elections and voting rights. Many commentators have referenced dictatorship in regards to the First Amendment and the press, but as we watch that spectacle, other areas of this government are deliberately being gutted. Even our allies have been tarnished, and are now moving away from us. Brave citizens from those nations came to our aid post 9-11. They hear and see what is going on and are distancing themselves.
We cannot lose sight of the forest for the trees. Whether irresponsible tweets are merely ramblings by someone unbalanced, or intentional slight of hand to keep our eyes from seeing what is actually happening, we cannot yet be sure. But, journalist and every day citizens must be vigilant, paying attention to what is going on behind the rantings. If we fail to do so, and don't take action, we could wake up some dark cold morning to find that our fine nation has been turned into something sinister.
As for Twitter posts, they are just as germane as press conferences or State of the Union addresses, and they do need to be reported upon. The balance in reporting, however, must come with the deeds of the administration. Right now, the agencies and departments established to keep us safe, healthy, and within Constitutional bounds are being destroyed from within. This includes our right to free elections and voting rights. Many commentators have referenced dictatorship in regards to the First Amendment and the press, but as we watch that spectacle, other areas of this government are deliberately being gutted. Even our allies have been tarnished, and are now moving away from us. Brave citizens from those nations came to our aid post 9-11. They hear and see what is going on and are distancing themselves.
We cannot lose sight of the forest for the trees. Whether irresponsible tweets are merely ramblings by someone unbalanced, or intentional slight of hand to keep our eyes from seeing what is actually happening, we cannot yet be sure. But, journalist and every day citizens must be vigilant, paying attention to what is going on behind the rantings. If we fail to do so, and don't take action, we could wake up some dark cold morning to find that our fine nation has been turned into something sinister.
10
Under siege? The cable news outlets run 24/7 entirely free to attack Trump which they do. WaPo and the NYT can daily attack Trump in print on on the web, which they do. How is their voice being stifled? Because Trump pushes back at networks who run stories about the Russia investigation, which, as Trump has protested, are unfounded and required them to fire reporters? The press is free to challenge, refute, or debunk these pushbacks, which they do. These news outlets attack Trump daily, which is their right. But give me a break by complaining they are somehow "under siege." They are empowered and undoubtedly shape public opinion with their editorial choices.
7
Yes, isn't it terrible that the media repeats Trump's actual works and describe his actual actions.
5
Free speech is only as durable as the majority of free citizens agree it is and are willing to protect it.
7
As long as we have press willing to fiercely hash things out with each other and us, as well as politicians, we are free.
Don't lose sight of that, no matter what pessimists and exaggerators say.
Don't lose sight of that, no matter what pessimists and exaggerators say.
1
"Constitutional republic" is what the Texas State department of education is reported to have be substituted for the words, "democracy" and "democratic" in 2010, as members of the extreme-right wing of the Republican Party gained majority. Democracy was not to be taught as a concept, according to the news articles. In addition, Jefferson was deleted from the curricula for being un-American. John Calvin was substituted for his American Christian values. I assume therefore that "constitutional republic" is code for government by and for white Christians.
8
LD: "... the Texas State department of education ..."
It was the Texas state school board that approved the changes.
Anyway, could you explain how textbooks in Texas have anything to with President Trump or the national press?
Source:
Texas board approves social studies standards that perceived liberal bias
By Michael Birnbaum
Washington Post
May 22, 2010
It was the Texas state school board that approved the changes.
Anyway, could you explain how textbooks in Texas have anything to with President Trump or the national press?
Source:
Texas board approves social studies standards that perceived liberal bias
By Michael Birnbaum
Washington Post
May 22, 2010
It takes more than a photo badge to make someone a true member of the "press." It takes fairness, balance and a willingness to leave personal bias at the door. Our supposed mainstream media has failed on all 3 counts.
6
Re-read the Constitution and Bill of Rights this holiday. There is the key to getting rid of wanna-be tyrants.
9
Yes when the press is disrespectful and abuses their first amendment rights, they get push back. Pretty mild push back as long as you understand that professional wrestling has a script.
8
Some birthdays as I've learned are times for reflection. Yes, we have studied history but how many Americans have had to put to the test to defend the Constitution?
5
And how many know about the Articles of Confederation, that the Declaration of Independence is not a legally binding document, and why we have the bill of rights which was not initially a part of the constitution.
I'm sure your president has no idea what it is Scooter.
Check that.
Amd I am also positive your president couldn't name half of the Bill of Rights.
Check that.
Amd I am also positive your president couldn't name half of the Bill of Rights.
5
Give Trump something to really complain about. Get the NYT legal team to couch the wording carefully enough to avoid a lawsuit, then "report" that Trump is having sex with his daughter. Report that his kids are doing business with known organized crime figures. Report that he is running a child sex trafficking ring out of a pizza parlor.
Wake up, media. He's trying to destroy you, and your only chance of surviving, of saving the First Amendment, is to destroy him first.
Wake up, media. He's trying to destroy you, and your only chance of surviving, of saving the First Amendment, is to destroy him first.
12
those things would be impossible to do any you suggesting them is totally inappropriate.
3
Impossible? A deranged man shot up a pizza parlor because a media outlet suggested Hillary was running a child sex traffic ring in the basement. This is Trump's America now. Literally anything is possible. I only suggest the liberal media adopt the successful tactics of their opponents.
4
Yeah, preposterous to think that anyone would try to get a political or cultural foothold with propagandist slurs. It's not like, say, if we were to fabricate a black man's illegitimacy as President, feeding the illegitimate, racist fears of a whole class of people. Or, maybe, had a series of articles, talking points and propagandist blasts about DNC responsibility for deaths, child-sex trafficking and voter suppression. Or, maybe, made up a whole network to function as the propaganda/educational arm of a regressive ideology?
The truth is, the NYTimes, among other actual news outlets, however flawed they may be, more or less, are the way that a democracy keeps itself from devolving into banana-republic. Without truth-tellers -- in positions of truth-telling, institutionally -- we leave the door open for fraud's like Trump to manipulate the population. This administration, like so many political entities with only ambition and venality to drive them, has weaponed aggressive distrust of authority and knowledge. This is a douchocracy, and I pray the Republic can survive it.
The truth is, the NYTimes, among other actual news outlets, however flawed they may be, more or less, are the way that a democracy keeps itself from devolving into banana-republic. Without truth-tellers -- in positions of truth-telling, institutionally -- we leave the door open for fraud's like Trump to manipulate the population. This administration, like so many political entities with only ambition and venality to drive them, has weaponed aggressive distrust of authority and knowledge. This is a douchocracy, and I pray the Republic can survive it.
4
Self righteous self pity is not selling with most Americans as the mainstream news media's response to Terrible Trump Tweets. To say the news media is a pillar of democracy is borderline silly. Look at our history. Newspapers were full-throated, sharp elbowed partisan combatants in the ugliest political campaigns of the 19th century. They didn't maintain the artifice of being neutral, nor did they claim to be sanctified keepers of constitutional liberties. Please, enough haughty pretense. The Times, CNN and Trump are all clawing at each other in the same unseemly scrum.
10
Add Fox, Breitbart and some others, too.
3
Aren't you supposed to mature as you get older? In the media market, shouldn't honest competition be at play and not slander and suppression?
Happy Birthday, USA...hopefully you're not in your twilight years. We need you.
www.thewaryouknow.com
Happy Birthday, USA...hopefully you're not in your twilight years. We need you.
www.thewaryouknow.com
3
The"pillar" is our President.
2
How is Melania Trump's campaign against cyber bullying going to get off the ground if her husband keeps undercutting her, him being the Cyber-Bully-in-Chief? Maybe she should move back to New York.
12
You can only cyber bully a child, not an adult and never a corporation.
1
Not entirely so, but also not the point. Melania will have a tough time advocating against inappropriate online behavior. (Maybe they can ban the press from her press conferences.)
1
I question if that is true. Cyber bullying is using social media to harass and intimidate someone.
3
Thanks, Mr. President, for reminding us that "wrestling promoter" is on your tawdry resume.
9
No his friend is the promoter, he was just a participant.
3
"liberal" college newspapers stifle speech.
5
Oscar tango. Have a blessed day.
Freedom of the Press comes first in the USA. It is Guaranteed by the Constitution. It is what really makes America great! It certainly isn't fascist-leaning Trump and his nasty anti-Honest news tweets. Nor it is his attempt to suppress voter privacy. Hooray for CNN, MSNBC and the NyTimes. We are listening and looking. We are with you. We will always be with and for you.
56
Good article. Our freedom depends on free speech and respect for the opinions of others. Trying to discredit and silence the press is the beginning of dictatorship and the end of freedom
10
Gee, Jim Rutenberg, are you talking about fascism? You KNOW it can't happen here! Yet another NYT piece that lays the groundwork, but misses an accurate conclusion: our democracy is under siege by a fascist GOP and journalists are just too afraid to sound the alarm! Failed again, NYT!
2
You know, it works better if you can manage not to call them a Grand Old Party.
I know it's hard.
Try anyway.
I know it's hard.
Try anyway.
So called journalists who shout rhetorical questions at the White House expecting to get news are getting what they deserve these days. Nothing. And I say good to that.
Time was, journalists got their news by developing trust with multiple, reliable sources in the trenches. Only then did they go to company spokespeople and only to get a confirmation or denial before going to press.
Shabby journalism – mostly by on-screen people out for the quick ratings boost – has weakened what Rutenberg refers to as a pillar of our republic and has allowed the “fake news” propaganda to resonate with much of the voting public.
I agree with Rutenburg when he writes that this Independence Day should be “a powerful reminder to journalists everywhere to take the extra time to get it right, to make sure that the processes that ensure editorial quality and accuracy remain intact and strong.”
Time was, journalists got their news by developing trust with multiple, reliable sources in the trenches. Only then did they go to company spokespeople and only to get a confirmation or denial before going to press.
Shabby journalism – mostly by on-screen people out for the quick ratings boost – has weakened what Rutenberg refers to as a pillar of our republic and has allowed the “fake news” propaganda to resonate with much of the voting public.
I agree with Rutenburg when he writes that this Independence Day should be “a powerful reminder to journalists everywhere to take the extra time to get it right, to make sure that the processes that ensure editorial quality and accuracy remain intact and strong.”
2
This headline is a bit dramatic, no? It only takes a tweet from the President for the press to be "under siege."
If it bleeds, it leads, I guess...
If it bleeds, it leads, I guess...
5
Yes, it sounds a bit hysterical. Not as bad as the Prez, but still way beyond the bounds.
2
I am going to have to stick with the words of our Founding Fathers, regarding the Freedom of the Press.
Mr. Trump has not read a single book on the subject, and he is incapable of speaking truthfully.
Mr. Trump has not read a single book on the subject, and he is incapable of speaking truthfully.
12
What book do you need, the constitution is self explanatory.
2
What book do you need? The Constitution is self explanatory
Fixed it for you. Simple!!
Fixed it for you. Simple!!
Ironic that Rutenberg should quote George W. Bush, whose administration's successful manipulation of the press to soft-peddle its crimes was a dress rehearsal for the Trumpocalypse. Rutenberg is determined to be bi-partisan, still trying to draw false equivalences between the GOP and actual law-abiding Americans. This is itself a form of dishonesty — a big lie, if you will — and Rutenberg should be reprimanded severely.
4
We have another tin pot, strongman, wannabe dictator in our midst, though most people refuse to see it. Trump cares not for the Constitution, the law of the land, or the institutions that define it. Rather he is intent to destroy it brick by brick. Many have speculated that he decided to run for POTUS because of how he was roasted by Obama at the Correspondent's dinner all those years ago, but I'd argue that its genesis comes from the anti-discriminatory housing suit the federal government brought against the Trumps in the 1970's. This is vengeance for daddy and he intends to burn the whole house down, damn the cost to you, me, the nation.
8
Oh posh. The President's disapproval of a news source doesn't put it under siege. It makes it more valuable. As long as you're putting out your paper with your choice of editorial content and people are subscribing, you're fine.
7
I agree with you, Mr. Turner.
Now about that fellow admired by Trump: Putin has poisoned, shot and by other means assassinated dozens of journalists. That is what I would consider siege against some press attempting to be free.
Now about that fellow admired by Trump: Putin has poisoned, shot and by other means assassinated dozens of journalists. That is what I would consider siege against some press attempting to be free.
1
I really wish Twitter would shut down the president's account for violation of harassment policies. I agree with his administration that this form of direct communication with the American people has potential merit; too bad he can only see fit to use it in an adolescent and detrimental manner. With every new low I see the office and our country further diminished. SAD.
5
A compliant press won't come to the U. S. by government control. The press will conform voluntarily as they find producing genuine news expensive and conformity more profitable. Bothsideism (cough, Brett Stephens, cough) has them half way there already.
Or making genuine news (not about Tweets) is more profitable and acceptable to the citizens.
1
The press is under attack by itself. Reporting facts and objectivity is no longer the norm, but is rather an exception. The media defends a vicious play that shows an assassination of Trump, and prefers to blame the Congressional victims of an attempted assassination by a Sanders supporter rather than blaming the vitriol printed by papers like the NYT on a daily basis. And you think I should support such a press? Not likely.
5
luxembourg: "The media defends a vicious play that shows an assassination of Trump ..."
Julius Caesar is assassinated by Roman senators in the play.
And the Times criticized the production for "the ways that Trump and Caesar never properly scanned, and an aftermath in which that confusion breeds more confusion."
Note, in particular, that there is no vice-president in the play. Indeed, the succession is determined by civil war, not by constitutional means.
BTW, when did President Trump ever smoke a cigar in a gold-plated, claw-foot bathtub?
Review: Can Trump Survive in Caesar’s Palace?
Julius Caesar
By JESSE GREEN
JUNE 9, 2017
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/09/theater/review-julius-caesar-delacort...
Julius Caesar is assassinated by Roman senators in the play.
And the Times criticized the production for "the ways that Trump and Caesar never properly scanned, and an aftermath in which that confusion breeds more confusion."
Note, in particular, that there is no vice-president in the play. Indeed, the succession is determined by civil war, not by constitutional means.
BTW, when did President Trump ever smoke a cigar in a gold-plated, claw-foot bathtub?
Review: Can Trump Survive in Caesar’s Palace?
Julius Caesar
By JESSE GREEN
JUNE 9, 2017
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/09/theater/review-julius-caesar-delacort...
As far as I am concerned this is the worst 4 of July in my life as far as celebrating our government and I am 70 years old. VERY SAD!
10
One of the first things wannabe dictators do is to malign and eventually control the press, right now its happening in Venezuela.
Wannabe dictator Drumpf and his propaganda minister Bannon are working hard to discredit the press via Twitter, Breitbart and FOX.
Wannabe dictator Drumpf and his propaganda minister Bannon are working hard to discredit the press via Twitter, Breitbart and FOX.
5
Does this article make you weep? How far we have chosen to fall.
1
Here is where you are confused, Mr. Rutenberg.
You're referring to The NY Times, CNN, Fox News etc as free and independent press.
They are not.
They are the in house company newsletter of the D or at party.
Each of those Presidents you list with their quotes would not let you attribute today's media to their message.
I can't stand trump.
I can't stand you and MSM either.
You're in a race to the bottom with each other and the majority of us don't care about your fate.
You're referring to The NY Times, CNN, Fox News etc as free and independent press.
They are not.
They are the in house company newsletter of the D or at party.
Each of those Presidents you list with their quotes would not let you attribute today's media to their message.
I can't stand trump.
I can't stand you and MSM either.
You're in a race to the bottom with each other and the majority of us don't care about your fate.
4
If you mean more than you and your mother, the phrase you want is "the VAST majority." I thought every troll knew that.
Tell your friends about the trial subscription:99 cents, four weeks, all you can bait. So satisfying.
Tell your friends about the trial subscription:99 cents, four weeks, all you can bait. So satisfying.
The Press has been fighting Trump fires with gasoline. Here is an alternative approach... ignore the buffoon. Report "all of the news for to print" and ignore the tweets and all other forms of distractions by a master manipulator who has lead the press with a ring through its nose.
Ignoring a response, according to thousands of studies on the psychological literature, extinguishes it--ie. facilitates its disappearance. Try not responding to TrumpTweets. My bet is that there will be a flurry of new ones and then its frequency will diminish to insignificance, soon to be followed by the National Tweeter.
Ignoring a response, according to thousands of studies on the psychological literature, extinguishes it--ie. facilitates its disappearance. Try not responding to TrumpTweets. My bet is that there will be a flurry of new ones and then its frequency will diminish to insignificance, soon to be followed by the National Tweeter.
4
A Happy Birthday to you America!
And keep up the good work to all journalists around the world. The only folks who want to silence you are the small-minded, dictators, and those who have something to hide. I cherish our freedom of the press.
And keep up the good work to all journalists around the world. The only folks who want to silence you are the small-minded, dictators, and those who have something to hide. I cherish our freedom of the press.
7
The attacks on the non-Fox news is born in paranoia. The press has not changed. It has always pursued the easy story by focusing on the latest miss-steps of the anointed. The now-anointed, the Trump bunch, have never faced this amount of public scrutiny that they could not control. Paranoia is the result. It leads, of course, to ever more outlandish behavior. Things will not change until Trump is out of office.
4
The consequence to Trumps CNN clip is...............................Kathy Griffith has been handed a "Get Out of Jail card. I abhor what she did and believed in my heart of hearts that there should be no forgiveness, ever for that total lapse of anything resembling decency, but Trump's, especially coming from the man occupying the White House wipes her slate clean. Welcome back Kathy, all is forgiven. Two wrongs can sometimes cancel each other out if not make a right.
How can it be a feel-good celebration when the President acts like a dictator in-waiting and when significant numbers of both Congress and the public continue to turn a blind eye/make excuses for his abhorrent conduct and total ineptitude (have you heard him try to explain the health-care legislation?). How indeed, when evidence that Trump and/or his campaign colluded with the Russians to steal the election continues to mount? Fake President.
5
May I add an historical counterpoint quote to those included in the column:
"The receptivity of the masses is very limited, their intelligence is small, but their power of forgetting is enormous. In consequence of these facts, all effective propaganda must be limited to a very few points and must harp on these in slogans until the last member of the public understands what you want him to understand by your slogan." Adolf Hitler
Sound familiar America?
"The receptivity of the masses is very limited, their intelligence is small, but their power of forgetting is enormous. In consequence of these facts, all effective propaganda must be limited to a very few points and must harp on these in slogans until the last member of the public understands what you want him to understand by your slogan." Adolf Hitler
Sound familiar America?
8
According to President Trump, he has about 2 million Twitter followers. The exact number of actual people who follow his tweets is more difficult to determine. The New York Times reports that they have about 2 million paid subscribers and estimate that they have just fewer than 60 million readers. Just fewer than 9 million people watch NBC Nightly News. I could go on about other news outlets. The point is that the President's tweets reach far fewer people than the media can reach in a day, and it is reasonable to assume that the President's tweets are more apt to be read by his most fervent supporters rather than the average person on the street. Until, that is, those tweets are rebroadcast by the mainstream media, sometimes ad nauseam. So here's a thought: Stop doing that! You are being played into being your own worst enemy.
The media acts like a junkie and presidential tweets oxycodone. Go cold turkey. Report on the President only those things that come through official outlets...press briefings, interviews, investigative reporting; you know...regular journalistic work. Accept the tweets for what they are; provocative campaign and personal promotions that allow the President to set the news agenda to his liking virtually everyday. Deny him that ability and see what happens.
The media acts like a junkie and presidential tweets oxycodone. Go cold turkey. Report on the President only those things that come through official outlets...press briefings, interviews, investigative reporting; you know...regular journalistic work. Accept the tweets for what they are; provocative campaign and personal promotions that allow the President to set the news agenda to his liking virtually everyday. Deny him that ability and see what happens.
8
Free press? I pay for my NYT subscription. So this morning I read another diatribe from Rutenberg claiming that Trump and his buddies are somehow trying to muzzle the Free Press.
The NYT has all the access it needs. Ask Maggie Haberman. It prints anything it wants, usually the most negative stuff imaginable - even this piece from Rutenberg. Or their ceaseless anti-Trump Editorial Board carping. Day in, day out, bashing Trump for exercising his First Amendment rights to Free Speech on Twitter or wherever.
Has Trump moved to nationalize the NYT? Jail your reporters. Surveil them as Obama did to the AP? Ask James Risen about Obama.
Neither the NYT or any other media outlet is in the least danger. The Free Press is alive. It may not be "well," but that 's their own fault.
The NYT has all the access it needs. Ask Maggie Haberman. It prints anything it wants, usually the most negative stuff imaginable - even this piece from Rutenberg. Or their ceaseless anti-Trump Editorial Board carping. Day in, day out, bashing Trump for exercising his First Amendment rights to Free Speech on Twitter or wherever.
Has Trump moved to nationalize the NYT? Jail your reporters. Surveil them as Obama did to the AP? Ask James Risen about Obama.
Neither the NYT or any other media outlet is in the least danger. The Free Press is alive. It may not be "well," but that 's their own fault.
5
We must remember that his base doesn't care about his antics, abuse, and debasing of his office. It cares not for his denigration of a free press. They want an authoritarian in office and because they are not aware of history do not realize these are the beginnings of a fascist state.
We must remember and fight for our Constitution and the democracy admired around the world. Less than 80,000 voters gave us this abomination and we can certainly fight in 2018 and 2020 to restore our REPRESENTATIVE government.
We must remember and fight for our Constitution and the democracy admired around the world. Less than 80,000 voters gave us this abomination and we can certainly fight in 2018 and 2020 to restore our REPRESENTATIVE government.
7
Remove Trump from office now. He has violated the emoluments clause. He has broken his oath to preserve and protect the 1st Amendment. Impeachment, 25th Amendment or any other legal means: Throw. This. Bum. Out.
3
I think the NYT is missing the point. The press privileges are not being hindered. The sources and information are more plentiful than at anytime in American history. The NYT, WashPost, PBS, etc. have a trust issue. I have a Masters of Journalism degree and I am able to pick apart all the verbs, adjectives, etc. that are littered throughout all your reporting. There is more opinion in your reporting than actually facts. Edits (both tv and print) are arranged to give a viewpoint, not to inform judiciously. Not to mention how often the reporting is incorrect (remember the reporter you fired for making up stories?). Your problem is you have been drifting away from your core purpose for more than a decade. Go back and just read your headlines over the past 50 years. See how they have changed from neutral information to dissenting or approving conjecture. That is at the core of why you (and loyal readers) are sad this July 4th
5
Google journalist job cuts in the west. Then you will see the truth-how can journalists be journalists if there is hardly anyone in the news room anymore? Vital stories are missing because there are no journalists-read the US magazine The Reporter to read the truth about the industry. It is connected to the Communication Decency Act, which allowed social media not to play by the same standards for hate speech so they did not have to pay for people to filter the words. The ads went to social media..now we have a power vacumn. Just research it.
Trump, come over and try your luck with me.
5
Be careful - he might show up!
1
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure,” Jefferson
1
I am dismayed by comments saying the press isn't being squelched, or in prison, or worse. And that they'll worry only when that happens. Well, when that happens it will be too late. Better to identify the cancer (which for the most part is doing you the favor of announcing itself), and excise it before it metastasizes.
The press only needs to react to the reality around us, it isn't fomenting strife.
Ask the Germans how they felt when their opportunity to push back against the Nazis had passed...
The press only needs to react to the reality around us, it isn't fomenting strife.
Ask the Germans how they felt when their opportunity to push back against the Nazis had passed...
3
The Nazis rounded up and first sent to the camps the writers. I have studied the Holocaust, and know that getting the critics imprisoned and killed was a critical first step.
That has not happened here.
I am a liberal who has been a wire service bureau chief and one of the editors of national publications.
We are not looking at another Pinochet or other dictators.
Stop the hysterics, and keep reporting the news! If you can't stop crying about the abuse, do it in the newsroom or over drinks with colleagues.
Be more professional about not whining to your readers.
Or retire, and let some younger writers have your jobs.
That has not happened here.
I am a liberal who has been a wire service bureau chief and one of the editors of national publications.
We are not looking at another Pinochet or other dictators.
Stop the hysterics, and keep reporting the news! If you can't stop crying about the abuse, do it in the newsroom or over drinks with colleagues.
Be more professional about not whining to your readers.
Or retire, and let some younger writers have your jobs.
3
Jean, Trump labeling the press "the enemy of the American people" is an obvious "critical first step" down the road of authoritarian repression. Trump has clearly been fomenting violence in speech and action against journalists, including the latest tweet. Hysterics? Whining? If journalists aren't calling him out on this they're not doing their jobs in the first place.
SINCLAIR now owns a LOT of local news (mostly FOX affiliates...but...) Look for the canned right-wing propaganda popping up on your fav. local news stations.
2
More than ever our time-tested media needs to push, and push hard against this unprecedented and unconscionable assault on freedom of the press and speech. There are millions upon millions of us who need to be informed on the behavior of Trump, his Cabinet, his Congress, and his infamous crony from Russia. The facts speak for themselves. But we must have those facts. So please, NY TIMES and your counterparts, keep it up. And remember: There are more of us who have your back. We are just not as loud, but our voices are alive and well.
34
I'm glad we have the pro-life Republican Party in power. Imagine how many people would be killed without a party who so thoroughly celebrates the sanctity of life. Now, between taking food from the hungry, shelter from the homeless, medicine from the sick, aid from the poor, reversing environmental protection laws, safety from the refugees, combined with putting guns in the hands of the mentally deranged, "reviewing and evaluating" national parks for commercialization and generating Tweets that sound like conversations from The Jerry Springer Show, the Republican Party is making America great again!
(PS..Some are missing the point that this is meant as sarcasm).
(PS..Some are missing the point that this is meant as sarcasm).
36
There is no joy this July fourth in America.
Even Trump voters , who so far have gained nothing from his presidency, are slowly losing their delight in winning .
The only thrill left for them is attacking the media, which is hardly a substitute for for truly joyful patriotism.
Even Trump voters , who so far have gained nothing from his presidency, are slowly losing their delight in winning .
The only thrill left for them is attacking the media, which is hardly a substitute for for truly joyful patriotism.
22
Speak for yourself please...
Violence being promoted by The President off the United States is dangerous and frightening. If you question "The Donald" you are subject to attack. The Congress and the American people must put a stop to this. Stop this nonsense NOW.
Alex
Alex
So I guess it's elitist to have a brain, and actually engage that brain now and again? And just forget about critical thinking....that's apparently a crime against humanity.
How is it EVER ok to body-slam a reporter? I don't care which side of the aisle the slammer is from.
How is it EVER ok to promote violence against anyone? Journalists or not, the NRA quote is out there and is unconscionable.
How is it EVER ok that when Trump claims he never said or did this or that, and the evidence is right there on video, and the press is blamed for making it up and reporting it??? Oh yes, fake news....when it came out of his own mouth for all the world to see and hear???
Happy Birthday America, and kiss your healthcare, freedoms, and sanity goodbye....solipsism has just swallowed up the government.
Everything is fake. Except the weapons. They're real, and kill real people in the real world.
How is it EVER ok to body-slam a reporter? I don't care which side of the aisle the slammer is from.
How is it EVER ok to promote violence against anyone? Journalists or not, the NRA quote is out there and is unconscionable.
How is it EVER ok that when Trump claims he never said or did this or that, and the evidence is right there on video, and the press is blamed for making it up and reporting it??? Oh yes, fake news....when it came out of his own mouth for all the world to see and hear???
Happy Birthday America, and kiss your healthcare, freedoms, and sanity goodbye....solipsism has just swallowed up the government.
Everything is fake. Except the weapons. They're real, and kill real people in the real world.
34
I would like to point out that the very fact that the NY Times can even publish an article like this, much less the opinion pieces it publishes on a daily basis; and the immense power it and other news outlets enjoy over political discourse that only grows over time; make this article hilarious. Free speech is far from besieged. You and the media are enjoying a hey day of authority and readership, unprecedented impact on the public psyche and opinion. And you feel threatened? Really?
16
Sounds good, but hard-copy papers, which were are mainstays in reporting local news, are in jeopardy of disappearing . And the Gray Lady just laid off a slew of workers. Survival of real news outfits at a time when people access what they see as news through third and fourth party websites - who do no research - is not so simple.
1
Well-said, sir. A few tweets from the President do not--and never will--put the American press under siege. I'm no fan of the President's tweet choices, but the press reaction is starting to remind me of the Middlebury students. NYT, you're a only few inches short of crying "safe space".
Does the press not see that Trump is proving his point? Media outlets elevating his tweets to national crisis status could rightly be called "fake news."
Does the press not see that Trump is proving his point? Media outlets elevating his tweets to national crisis status could rightly be called "fake news."
1
Trump was elected with mainstream media strongly against him; MSM rated him as unqualified for POTUS. GOP lies were effective and Trump is president. GOP has discredited MSM where such an election is possible.
1
About half this country voted for a man who does not respect women, who despises handshakes (both physically and in spirit), who has little use for scientists, and who has no use for keeping a promise. It was strictly the choice of America. Now stop complaining and accept reality.
5
I gave up on the media after the media ignored Sanders while promoting Clinton and blasting Trump front page back page op ed page style page. Nobody could get away.
3
Your kidding right?
1
Constitution? What's that?
2
I have been reading the New York Times since I have been in Elementary School, & there are times i have been infuriated at some of their editorials, but never did I ever consider dropping my subscription, I take that back,I felt that way recently, but got over it.The Times is my political guide, & the guardian of the poor & disenfranchised.They have suffered slings and arrows sometimes deserved , but mostly they have been on the right side of History. There are millions like me who support the Free Press , & the tyrants of the world, regardless of their rhetoric, will never overcome the truth as written by publications like the Times.
6
Long before Trump started his current scam, I have been an admirer of the NY Times and the Washington Post. It is only by digital subscription that I now have daily access to these two newspapers. For so long I could only wish to have a printed subscription to them, could only read them when visiting New York state or the DC area. So they are on the attack against Trump now all the time and some object. I do not. They should be on the attack against Trump. He is a clear and present danger to our Constitution, a short but very important document.
My local newspaper is gutless. They will not attack Trump anymore. They should change their name to "The Sporting News Only."
My local newspaper is gutless. They will not attack Trump anymore. They should change their name to "The Sporting News Only."
2
Rutenberg: "... there were the occasional stumbles, like the short-lived Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 ..."
In fact, people were prosecuted and imprisoned under the Sedition Act, so Rutenberg is misleading, if not lying:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_and_Sedition_Acts
In fact, people were prosecuted and imprisoned under the Sedition Act, so Rutenberg is misleading, if not lying:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alien_and_Sedition_Acts
1
Hmm, you quote from the article where the author cites one of the few exceptions to the state's respect for a free press, and then you label him misleading? Short-lived means that the law was soon rescinded. That folks were prosecuted and imprisoned during that "short-lived" period certainly does not qualify as information that a reasonable person would find surprising.
1
Seems to me that the press is profiting quite well under Trump as people eagerly await the next placement of his foot in his mouth and gape with disbelief that he can get both feet in.
5
"Cable news outlets are pulling huge ratings and reporters are becoming overnight celebrities as the attacks between President Trump and the media enter strange new territory." The Hill
It isn't the media that is hurting. It is the public that has to weather all this nonsense.
It isn't the media that is hurting. It is the public that has to weather all this nonsense.
4
First off, Amazon is(was) a tax avoider. They used to never collect tax, and I was glad they didn't.
The so called free press is no such thing. It's just all anti -trump, all the time, piece of garbage.
Trumps wife and daughter posts a "benign happy fathers day " tweet, Headlines blare "fathers day tweets cause backlash".
trump says Putin is doing a good job.
Headlines blare: "Trump's statement about Putin borders on treason"
Trump posts a stupid video about a totally fake sport, wrestling, having him body slam a body with a cnn logo on his head.
Headlines blare: "Trump is advocating violence".
This is ridiculous. It is not news . It is not even a believable report. ( I realize Trump should stop tweeting, but that's not the point of this post.)
Mainstream America does not support this. It's why the worst candidate ever beat HRC. It's why dems will lose in '18 and '20, because they have no answer, they just have "resistance"
The so called free press is no such thing. It's just all anti -trump, all the time, piece of garbage.
Trumps wife and daughter posts a "benign happy fathers day " tweet, Headlines blare "fathers day tweets cause backlash".
trump says Putin is doing a good job.
Headlines blare: "Trump's statement about Putin borders on treason"
Trump posts a stupid video about a totally fake sport, wrestling, having him body slam a body with a cnn logo on his head.
Headlines blare: "Trump is advocating violence".
This is ridiculous. It is not news . It is not even a believable report. ( I realize Trump should stop tweeting, but that's not the point of this post.)
Mainstream America does not support this. It's why the worst candidate ever beat HRC. It's why dems will lose in '18 and '20, because they have no answer, they just have "resistance"
4
And by "mainstream America" I assume you mean people who have no problem with bigotry, sexism, incitements to violence and a complete lack of knowledge of how policy must be in place in order for basic goods and services to be delivered to the citizens of this country? You people are fooling yourselves. There's a lag effect when incompetence reigns. Your Congressional heroes are talking about their "boss," Mr. Trump. That is not how this country runs. He is not their boss. We have checks and balances. Check back in a year to see how "ridiculous" those of us who are sounding the alarm are. I suspect you'll find that those of you sitting on your hands, criticizing the media, were taken for a ride by a dictator. Let's hope someone stops it. It's not going to be Republicans.
2
Let's have a state run outlet in this country like Russia Today. King T would like that. Let's call it FAUX Today which could be version 2.0 of FOX.
5
The CON continues. Ignore his disgusting demeanor! Keep your eyes focused on all the things going on that he's merely trying to distract us from. If you don't like the "press", "media", seek out your own information. Go to your websites for the government legislative agenda and take appropriate action on your own. We're on our own now and must be diligent! Education NEVER stops.
3
We need to stop entertaining intellectual curiosity items about this guy and hold him to account for doing everything from obstructing investigations to enriching himself by refusing to divest interests. His henchmen keep trying to normalize the abnormality of his behavior. Nothing about his time in office has been normal and nothing about him has changed. He is grossly incompetent and proves it daily. He is using the office to enrich himself and his spawn, and proves it daily.
7
Those fury consumed faces and guttural roars at the Kennedy Center detected
last week during the so-called POTUS' "speech" can not be ignored. They
are the very ominous signs, along with others involving white men with
guns in their hands and pure hate in their hearts, that dangerous force
fields of evil are well formed and wandering in our midst. This energy
has no interest in the institutions of democracy, nor the balances of
power fundamental to its functioning. It only wants what it is sure it has
lost, and doesn't care how it's regained.
The skills at organizing mob rule into an intimidating power have been
on display for many months already, and very few in Congress appear
willing and able to help neutralize its toxic powers. However I am not sure if people with institutional authority and power fully grasp what opposes
them in that Kennedy Center gathering, though I suspect
that Dean Heller might, by now.
It should be evident that imaginative efforts are needed to come to grips with the manipulated fury that's out there and is
ready for war. It will not dissipate until there is far stronger and unified pushback.
I've been surprised at how effective this fake news propaganda campaign
has been. Such pathetic crudities, full of such vapid hateful nonsense, have been swallowed whole and internalized by about 35% of the population. Goebbels must surely be proud, if not jealous, since he never had F-x "news" on his side.
last week during the so-called POTUS' "speech" can not be ignored. They
are the very ominous signs, along with others involving white men with
guns in their hands and pure hate in their hearts, that dangerous force
fields of evil are well formed and wandering in our midst. This energy
has no interest in the institutions of democracy, nor the balances of
power fundamental to its functioning. It only wants what it is sure it has
lost, and doesn't care how it's regained.
The skills at organizing mob rule into an intimidating power have been
on display for many months already, and very few in Congress appear
willing and able to help neutralize its toxic powers. However I am not sure if people with institutional authority and power fully grasp what opposes
them in that Kennedy Center gathering, though I suspect
that Dean Heller might, by now.
It should be evident that imaginative efforts are needed to come to grips with the manipulated fury that's out there and is
ready for war. It will not dissipate until there is far stronger and unified pushback.
I've been surprised at how effective this fake news propaganda campaign
has been. Such pathetic crudities, full of such vapid hateful nonsense, have been swallowed whole and internalized by about 35% of the population. Goebbels must surely be proud, if not jealous, since he never had F-x "news" on his side.
4
Free press is definitely under attack but the press still doesn't seem to understand their opponent.
"If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat." -Sun Tzu
You're not dealing with a President so don't treat him like one. Approach Trump like you would a sleazy C-rate casino mogul because that's what he is. The man is running doctored wrestling footage as a brand promotion for crying out loud. You're obviously dealing with a different beast than previous presidents. You better start learning fast. I would suggest treating Trump with the dignity befitting his behavior rather than his position. If it gets you kicked out of the press briefing room, so be it. I'd take the criticism as rather a compliment.
"If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat." -Sun Tzu
You're not dealing with a President so don't treat him like one. Approach Trump like you would a sleazy C-rate casino mogul because that's what he is. The man is running doctored wrestling footage as a brand promotion for crying out loud. You're obviously dealing with a different beast than previous presidents. You better start learning fast. I would suggest treating Trump with the dignity befitting his behavior rather than his position. If it gets you kicked out of the press briefing room, so be it. I'd take the criticism as rather a compliment.
3
It's high time we take a critical look at ourselves (yes, ourselves -- let's skip the finger pointing). If nothing else, that is coming through loud and clear from the Donald Trump presidency.
1
Trump and his ilk are not really worried that the press might tell a lie, but that it might tell the truth.
7
"Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter." -- Thomas Jefferson, 1787
4
"Mainstream media" SHOULD be independent, but with media and other corporate interest in bed with each other, that is increasingly difficult. This is why I have sought out NON-mainstream media, like "Democracy Now!," "DW," and "The Guardian," to get real stories, with real research, and different expert opinions. You can also learn a lot from the top comics who make fun of the government. (Oh, I'm sorry, there are no right wing comics. They have no sense of humor, and don't get the jokes.) Read, listen, and watch broadly, in order to form an opinion.
4
Requiem as a nightmare.
Trump, ever the media man, gauged the temperature of a segment of the nation, whose Tea Party core had already been hatched by a dog-whistle and truth-indifferent GOP megaphone, Fox News. He readily realized that, as a candidate for President, rather than offering policies that might help address the concerns of this segment of the population, he could increase its numbers and exploit their fears by extending a carelessly crafted fleshed-out caricature made up of his late consigliere Roger Ailes, the GOP/Tea Party and the dregs of Hannity, O’Reilly, Limbaugh, Beck, Coulter, et al. But Trump decided, unlike his GOP peers, he would fully speak his mind and the press would amplify it for him. Win, win.
Trump, always the carnival-barker clown, with Giuliani, Ryan, Rubio, McConnell et al dangling from his sweaty, ill-fitting ruff, runs roughshod through our streets, gutters and psyches alarming us with daily headlines - headlines he then distorts in an attempt to discredit reporters.
It is his mission. All other responsibilities of the office are dressing, dispensable and subject to his toxic narrative.
Trump, ever the media man, gauged the temperature of a segment of the nation, whose Tea Party core had already been hatched by a dog-whistle and truth-indifferent GOP megaphone, Fox News. He readily realized that, as a candidate for President, rather than offering policies that might help address the concerns of this segment of the population, he could increase its numbers and exploit their fears by extending a carelessly crafted fleshed-out caricature made up of his late consigliere Roger Ailes, the GOP/Tea Party and the dregs of Hannity, O’Reilly, Limbaugh, Beck, Coulter, et al. But Trump decided, unlike his GOP peers, he would fully speak his mind and the press would amplify it for him. Win, win.
Trump, always the carnival-barker clown, with Giuliani, Ryan, Rubio, McConnell et al dangling from his sweaty, ill-fitting ruff, runs roughshod through our streets, gutters and psyches alarming us with daily headlines - headlines he then distorts in an attempt to discredit reporters.
It is his mission. All other responsibilities of the office are dressing, dispensable and subject to his toxic narrative.
6
Dear journalists,
Please review the last presidential debates. You will see that you didn't ask important questions. You didn't press the candidates on pertinent issues facing America. It looked like a game show. "News" has become a lure to get viewers and offer little real substance in return, and in many cases encourage division.
You sold out. But hey, you had to. The public doesn't want the truth.
Please review the last presidential debates. You will see that you didn't ask important questions. You didn't press the candidates on pertinent issues facing America. It looked like a game show. "News" has become a lure to get viewers and offer little real substance in return, and in many cases encourage division.
You sold out. But hey, you had to. The public doesn't want the truth.
6
A photo of a Trump supporter's T-Shirt taken at a 2016 Trump rally reads:
"Rope. Tree. Journalist. SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED,"
https://cpj.org/2017/04/what-is-the-worst-case-scenario.php
And things have gotten far worse with the President going full throttle with violent tweets. Even worse is that none of his people dare say anything. and his spokespeople, Huckabee-Sanders, Conway, Spicer and others inflame the situation by supporting and defending his slurs, denigrations and attacks, disrespecting, scolding, berating the media, delegitimizing them, treating them as subject to the whims of their "king", causing confusion and chaos, thus fanning the flames for blind hate and violence to grow.
The media is not perfect and there have been mistakes and gross errors and lapses of ethics and judgements, but to advocate censorship and violence is unconscionable, anti-democracy, the route to suppression, oppression, corruption, autocracy and worse.
Now, more than ever a good education system that teaches people to think critically and teaches civics is desperately needed. If newspapers have to take up the slack, so be it. I know teaching critical thought and civics is not its remit but desperate times call for desperate measures. Start serving the people. Relegate Trump to a corner and please start reporting on what his team are up to before it's too late.
"Rope. Tree. Journalist. SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED,"
https://cpj.org/2017/04/what-is-the-worst-case-scenario.php
And things have gotten far worse with the President going full throttle with violent tweets. Even worse is that none of his people dare say anything. and his spokespeople, Huckabee-Sanders, Conway, Spicer and others inflame the situation by supporting and defending his slurs, denigrations and attacks, disrespecting, scolding, berating the media, delegitimizing them, treating them as subject to the whims of their "king", causing confusion and chaos, thus fanning the flames for blind hate and violence to grow.
The media is not perfect and there have been mistakes and gross errors and lapses of ethics and judgements, but to advocate censorship and violence is unconscionable, anti-democracy, the route to suppression, oppression, corruption, autocracy and worse.
Now, more than ever a good education system that teaches people to think critically and teaches civics is desperately needed. If newspapers have to take up the slack, so be it. I know teaching critical thought and civics is not its remit but desperate times call for desperate measures. Start serving the people. Relegate Trump to a corner and please start reporting on what his team are up to before it's too late.
3
Deflection and projection defense mechanisms a la trump is de rigeur among the GOP base.
The most aggregious of these by far is this ‘fake news’ moniker attributed to the media liberally bandied about by trump and GOP operatives while in truth what we really have is a tragically unprepared and dangerously unprincipled ‘fake’ president who is an unabashed leech and an unrepentant liar.
The most aggregious of these by far is this ‘fake news’ moniker attributed to the media liberally bandied about by trump and GOP operatives while in truth what we really have is a tragically unprepared and dangerously unprincipled ‘fake’ president who is an unabashed leech and an unrepentant liar.
2
First. let's be clear. Were the self-important editors of the NYT transported back in time to the first years of the republic, they would see a "press" that was totally in control of political factions, and which made scurrilous, intentionally false, and politically motivated stories the centerpiece of their trade. That lasted, essentially, until the early 20th Century. So the Times needs a history lesson before it's staff starts calling on the ghosts of the Founding Fathers to teach us about a free press. The "press" the Founding Fathers fostered was merely a corrupt mouthpiece of political power.
Second, before the editors of the NYT start quoting Franklin and Washington on free speech, it should reflect on the nature of free speech at our universities, and among the liberal political elites, basically a look in the mirror. They are the ones, led by the New York Times, who are attempting to strangle free speech in the pursuit of a progressive agenda they consider too important to be deflected by free speech and free thought.
Second, before the editors of the NYT start quoting Franklin and Washington on free speech, it should reflect on the nature of free speech at our universities, and among the liberal political elites, basically a look in the mirror. They are the ones, led by the New York Times, who are attempting to strangle free speech in the pursuit of a progressive agenda they consider too important to be deflected by free speech and free thought.
5
Chuck French. I assume you are kidding.
1
Chuck French. What in the world are you talking about?, Freedom of speech is for everyone--conservative or liberal. Certainly the president talks as much as he wants though I do wish he stopped name calling.
1
Just remember that Trump is the epitome of the GOP and someone just like him the only possible destination of the reagan revolution.
4
I agree, but there are many, including in President Trump's camp, who believe it's the Second Ammendment that's the cornerstone of our freedoms. what I never quite get is this: are all their guns needed for a Militia effort when everyone grabs a bkunderbus and runs from Lexington to Concord to head off George III and his Hessians... or to shoot people from our own government coming to force us to do somethign we don't like... or just to shoot at everyone and anyone who gets you exercised somehow?
a rolled up newspaper may scare a dog, but it doesn't phase a patriot.
a rolled up newspaper may scare a dog, but it doesn't phase a patriot.
Mr. Rutenberg,
The best way to rid oneself of an idol is to starve it; limit or cut off its oxygen, and it will die. Metaphorically, President Trump's tweets have an larger effect than they otherwise would have because they are amplified in the press 10, 20 50+ times. They're analyzed, debated, mulled, reviewed, etc. The media's obsession over Trump's tweets made him larger than life as a presidential candidate and is doing so now that he's in office. My advice to all journalist assigned to covering the White House: significantly reduce the air time, talk time and print space currently devoted to his tweets. Instead, replace that valuable media real estate with cogent analysis of the legislative proposals of the White House and how they are implemented or blocked by Congress, how they might affect the American people. Starve the attention-hungry-media-loving beast in Trump by revealing to the American people the paucity of his ideas and leadership, as well as the G.O.P.'s lack of vision for anything beyond ingratiating themselves with the donor class. Doing so will honor the vision and warnings of our nation's founding fathers. Keep up the good work.
The best way to rid oneself of an idol is to starve it; limit or cut off its oxygen, and it will die. Metaphorically, President Trump's tweets have an larger effect than they otherwise would have because they are amplified in the press 10, 20 50+ times. They're analyzed, debated, mulled, reviewed, etc. The media's obsession over Trump's tweets made him larger than life as a presidential candidate and is doing so now that he's in office. My advice to all journalist assigned to covering the White House: significantly reduce the air time, talk time and print space currently devoted to his tweets. Instead, replace that valuable media real estate with cogent analysis of the legislative proposals of the White House and how they are implemented or blocked by Congress, how they might affect the American people. Starve the attention-hungry-media-loving beast in Trump by revealing to the American people the paucity of his ideas and leadership, as well as the G.O.P.'s lack of vision for anything beyond ingratiating themselves with the donor class. Doing so will honor the vision and warnings of our nation's founding fathers. Keep up the good work.
21
I can't read any of this anymore. I just can't do it. It's a mix of worry and anger that compels me to switch off which is exactly what trump and co. want
4
I'm currently a rising sophomore at Rutgers University in the heart of one of the most diverse pockets of the entire country try. Despite this diversity, I'm apart of a very left leaning political spectrum where there is a severe lack of meaningful and direct political dialogue between ideologies and opinions. When I go home to South Jersey in the summer, the same issue persists, but with the spectrum being heavily skewed to the right. So as a result of these two very polarizing political landscapes I call home, I try and find as much "real news" as I can from multiple sources with different narratives so I can begin to understand the complexity and depth of these issues. Without media outlets that I can trust and rely on (NYTimes, BBC, Al Jazeera, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and sometimes CNN) it would be nearly impossible to gain anything close to a complete understanding of any particular issue. What I'm saying here isn't some great revelation in political theory, it's common sense with a track record. In order for a democratic government to thrive, or even to function, it needs to have a robust and free press that can hold it accountable. So with all of this being said, it's very concerning seeing this increasingly hostile attitude towards media and journalism. It's a strange and complicated time for anyone in this country who believes in political freedoms and journalism that is based in fact, not fiction.
18
If he's done so much damage now (Gorsuch, free trade, health care, EPA, freedom of the press,and oil pipelines to name a few, who knows what more evil, trump will do.
Someone has to stand up to the man child, and I hope that the Fourth Estate (media is a part) does stand up.
1297 days left to trump's (small hands, small initial!) term in office.
Someone has to stand up to the man child, and I hope that the Fourth Estate (media is a part) does stand up.
1297 days left to trump's (small hands, small initial!) term in office.
9
I started to write, "if he succeed in his efforts to destroy the independent press, we are sunk ", but then realized that I don't know how success can be measured. how will we know that he has (or has not) achieved his aim?
3
When the press all start broadcasting stuff like Fox News broadcasts and publishing right wing slanted stories, when they stop fact checking Trump or his minions' lies, when comedians no longer make jokes about Trump due to fear of retaliation, when comments and letters at media sites only allow Trump/GOP supporting letters and Trump/GOP supporting comments, then you will know that the free press is dead.
You will then know that free speech suppression and dissent suppression are active and free speech and dissent will be dying next.
There are many groups and people in the US that are working hard toward getting to that day (besides Trump himself and it is why they support Trump), the death of the free press, the suppression of free speech and dissent, and right wing control over education. Look at the US map, the legislatures controlled by the right wing.
This country is in more danger than it has ever been before of ditching the US Constitution, which is not a very large document. When the US Constitution is ditched, the second amendment will also be ditched even though the NRA and 2nd amendment fans have supported the step by step unfolding of the political movement leading to the eventual ditching of the Constitution.
Because no citizens can own guns in such a society unless they are part of police or military. Even a right wing government will take guns away from citizens once they have total control. Permanent martial law will go into effect.
You will then know that free speech suppression and dissent suppression are active and free speech and dissent will be dying next.
There are many groups and people in the US that are working hard toward getting to that day (besides Trump himself and it is why they support Trump), the death of the free press, the suppression of free speech and dissent, and right wing control over education. Look at the US map, the legislatures controlled by the right wing.
This country is in more danger than it has ever been before of ditching the US Constitution, which is not a very large document. When the US Constitution is ditched, the second amendment will also be ditched even though the NRA and 2nd amendment fans have supported the step by step unfolding of the political movement leading to the eventual ditching of the Constitution.
Because no citizens can own guns in such a society unless they are part of police or military. Even a right wing government will take guns away from citizens once they have total control. Permanent martial law will go into effect.
1
Carol, flo was being ironic.
A pervasive sense of incivility and worse, can be directly laid at the feet of Donald J. Trump. His reckless, incendiary campaign rhetoric has fostered violence among us. In addition it has added much to the distrust of our basic institutions and is doing great damage to our national consciousness. To me, that's almost the greatest damage of his presidency.
19
The paramilitaries with guns will be given police powers, then we are done. The right wing would need them to keep the rest of us pacified.
1
Sir, be honest in assessing media! Look at the headlines of say Washington Post for last one year, especially last five months, the media has declared war on US President and not the vice versa. Freedom to insult a Head of a state even in a democracy has its limits. And also look at the fortunes and assets media people have acquired with their influence. A newly elected leader must be given some time to think and work for his country. When u declare war from day one and non-stop, the bold and the honest leaders have the right to react. God save civilization from media of the day?
6
Not well a reasoned comment. our press must be free to write what they believe to be true and factual, regardless of perceived insults by officials.
6
Are they really??? Independently of the Trump phenomenon of course.
2
This is exactly what Congress and the right wing media did the minute Obama became president. The difference now is that for his entire career Obama keep it civil and did not humiliate the office of the presidency with disgraceful trash talk. President Trump has the right to disagree with the media when they don't agree with him. That is not the point here. What is at risk here is the institutionalization of this form of behavior to the point where it becomes acceptable as 'normal' behavior. A great lesson to kids and school children no doubt.
2
Four words: Weapons of Mass Distraction. The Trump/GoP agendas (and yes, they are far more alike than most would like to believe) are mainly to allow the wealthy and powerful in the country to become wealthier and more powerful, and to have fewer government checks and balances (using USA spelling, this means increasing the 5%'s paychecks and bank balances...), and to attain and then maintain power and influence - pure and simple. There is nothing noble or praiseworthy that i can see in this agenda, nor in the manner in which it is ruthlessly being pursued. The remedies to this frightening condition include educating both children and adults in how to think and reason clearly, in unbiased ways, increasing public access to information of all kinds on all levels (evil breeds secrecy, and secrecy breeds evil), fighting poverty, illiteracy, lack of opportunity and hoplessness, TRUE democracy (as opposed to oligarchy and "dollarocracy", and rampant voter suppression), and yes, robust, vigorous freedom of the press. NYT i salute you: you are fighting for ALL of these to happen.
9
Trump's protests only serve to remind us how necessary a free press is to our principles.
The truth is always out there, somewhere. We'll be fine as long as the willingness of an individual or organization to seek and publish the truth is never endangered.
The truth is always out there, somewhere. We'll be fine as long as the willingness of an individual or organization to seek and publish the truth is never endangered.
7
The media is not under assault, at least not yet. Just because Trump, Trump surrogates, or the NRA tweet, rant and shout does not mean the media is restricted from their reporting. Just because the White House daily briefings are often off-camera does not mean the important work journalists do is restricted. (As an aside, who cares about the White House daily briefings? Other than confirming that Trump's spokesperson has to defend his absurd behavior, what do they reveal?)
When journalists are arrested, imprisoned, sued, or prevented from reporting the news or their opinions, then, yes, that is the time to worry about an assault on the first amendment.
But it seems to me that, for example, The NY Times, Washington Post, ProPublica, MSNBC, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, and late night talk show hosts do not seem inhibited to criticize Trump, the Trump Administration, or to report stories damaging to the White House.
When that changes, then I will worry.
When journalists are arrested, imprisoned, sued, or prevented from reporting the news or their opinions, then, yes, that is the time to worry about an assault on the first amendment.
But it seems to me that, for example, The NY Times, Washington Post, ProPublica, MSNBC, ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, and late night talk show hosts do not seem inhibited to criticize Trump, the Trump Administration, or to report stories damaging to the White House.
When that changes, then I will worry.
13
Read the comment by Electroman70 and you will understand it's not too soon to start worrying.
That is a bad standard, as by then it will be too late. The time to recognize and stop a problem is before it is entrenched. If they jail reporters, do you think they will hesitate to jail protestors? And then who report on your jailing? This echos the words of a German minister after WWII. To paraphrase, they came for the Jews and I didnt say anything because I wasnt a Jew. They came for the communists and I didnt say anything because I wasnt a communist. He lists several more groups in like statements. He finishes with when they came for me, there was no one left to say anything. Authortatians dont usually just seize power in one fell swoop, it creeps up. Put a frog in boiling water and it jumps out. But put a feog in cold water and gradually heat it and you can cook it to death without it realizing it is dieing.
1
Richard, Electroman70 made good points. But he did not describe a nation in danger of no longer having any freedom of the press!
Celebrity and gross wealth inequality has led to the rise of a shameless elite class who feel entitled to their lies as they loot American democracy of it's treasury, rights and freedoms. The media today are wealthy celebrities like the POTUS only in it for the money. You all could not care less if America became a fascist totalitarian state rife with inequality as long as you are rich and famous and have clout over average working class people. News broadcasts today are nothing but fawning breathless exercises in elite toadyism comprised of faux concern and outrage, are a kind of "news" pornography, the POTUS may be nasty but he at least understands the American media.
You ain't Walter Cronkite or Huntley and Brinkley that's for sure. Rachel Maddow does try though, one of the better presenters today. Truscott over at Salon is good too.
You ain't Walter Cronkite or Huntley and Brinkley that's for sure. Rachel Maddow does try though, one of the better presenters today. Truscott over at Salon is good too.
3
Two things help support our democracy in this troubled time: a free press and a sense of humor.
Before getting too breathless about Trump's stupid wrestling video, we would be better off not allowing his twitters to distract us from real issues.
In 1812 a mob killed General Lingan, a Revolutionary War hero and injured others in a riot over an editorial in a Baltimore newspaper. Our press may be under "attack" but it is quite able to take care of itself - as long as it doesn't exaggerate the "danger" it is in.
Before getting too breathless about Trump's stupid wrestling video, we would be better off not allowing his twitters to distract us from real issues.
In 1812 a mob killed General Lingan, a Revolutionary War hero and injured others in a riot over an editorial in a Baltimore newspaper. Our press may be under "attack" but it is quite able to take care of itself - as long as it doesn't exaggerate the "danger" it is in.
4
Not hard to see why Trump is relentlessly attacking the press when he gives them so much great material.
As with all things Trumpian, his actions have precisely opposite the intended effect. He is singlehandedly saving the mainstream media, MSNBC and CNN are surging while Fox News sees ratings drop. Late night comedians are estatic. Alt-right news is doing pretty well.
He might be succeeding in keeping his 36% of the country together as his base with his juvenile antics but that leaves nearly 60% who think the guy has a screw loose.
The Trump TV Show will eventually be cancelled but in the meantime, it does not appear that the First Amendment is at risk, much the opposite.
As with all things Trumpian, his actions have precisely opposite the intended effect. He is singlehandedly saving the mainstream media, MSNBC and CNN are surging while Fox News sees ratings drop. Late night comedians are estatic. Alt-right news is doing pretty well.
He might be succeeding in keeping his 36% of the country together as his base with his juvenile antics but that leaves nearly 60% who think the guy has a screw loose.
The Trump TV Show will eventually be cancelled but in the meantime, it does not appear that the First Amendment is at risk, much the opposite.
5
Imperfect as they may be, a free press and media are the eyes and ears of our national and local government awareness. Along with free elections it forms the bulwark of what already makes America great. Efforts to diminish their ability to ask questions, evaluate answers and investigate for truth cannot be tolerated without harm to what I recall of the lead-in to the 50's Superman television series: "...fighting for truth, Justice and the American way." I don't think it was coincidence that Clark Kent was a reporter for the Daily Planet.
4
I believe the main stream media only have themselves to blame for the rise of the tyrant, authoritarian, misogynist, racist, bigot Trump! If you had all done the reporting to begin with about who this man truly is and not gave him the constant free press that allowed him daily exposure..and gave you great ratings...oh the web we weave!!
8
This column is called 'The Mediator'. What exactly is it mediating? It seems to me that, unsurprisingly, the New York Times is once again providing only one side of the story. I've become inured to such practices in its news coverage. But in a column called 'The Mediator'? Maybe you should change the name to 'The Advocator'.
10
So if politicians fight back against ridiculous hatred, bias and fake news then the press is under siege. The Mainstream media still doesn't get it. One of the MAIN reasons this man won is because of YOU.
7
Wake up and take a hard look at the man who is at the center of this. A man who has no business being president in terms of intelligence, honesty, or temperament. A man whose lies are regular and well documented. Where you see bias, a majority of the country sees truth. If anything the press has been too lenient by allowing Trump at least some element of legitimacy. And, lest you comfort yourself by thinking this is all due to left wing bias, look at the commentary coming from the more thoughtful elements in the conservative press. To quote William Kristol's tweet in response to Trump's Morning Joe rant, "You are a pig". That came from a conservative.
29
I don't support this man. He is a buffoon. But, to ignore the horrible media bias and the role they played in getting him elected is to stick your head in the sand.
Write your elected representatives and demand the removal of the guy assaulting our 1st Amendment rights. For you gun owners, pretend that the 2nd is next, a likely event the longer Trump remains in power.
3
I agree with you. The second amendment will be ditched once the free press, free speech, and dissent are all suppressed.
Press reports. Something else expresses opinions. CNN and others surrendered their status as "press" a long time ago.
5
Fox News surrendered its title to being "the press" from day one of its existence. It has always been a right wing propaganda organ, privately owned by rich right wingers.
I have two suggestions for you Mr. Rutenberg,
First buy yourself a great big mirror. Take a good look at yourself and your colleagues. Half of the country thinks the media is nothing more than a wing of the Democratic party. Did you ever wonder why?
You spent a year telling us Clinton would win easily, "reckless disregard for national security (the conclusion of the FBI report on her private server)" is a vindication, and Trump "colluded" with Russia when you have absolutely no evidence. Your coverage of the Trump administration consists of one media driven hysteria after another and when it turns out there is no evidence behind the hysteria you simply move on to another.
For weeks we heard lies about the Trump administration being anti-Semitic when real dangerous anti-Semitism can be witnessed every day coming from the left. Steve Bannon was smeared as an anti-Semite when there is no evidence he ever said or did anything anti-Semitic. Then we hear lies about collusion with Russia then when Trump stands up to Russia and its genocidal henchman Assad you say nothing.
Now, you're moaning on July 4th that the Trump administration sees you for what you are? The media is trying to overturn a fairly contested democratic election in which you took sides and then lost.
The independent press is under siege because it lost its impartiality, took sides, lost, and continues to take sides.
OR...second, don't celebrate. Don't tell us about it. We don't care.
First buy yourself a great big mirror. Take a good look at yourself and your colleagues. Half of the country thinks the media is nothing more than a wing of the Democratic party. Did you ever wonder why?
You spent a year telling us Clinton would win easily, "reckless disregard for national security (the conclusion of the FBI report on her private server)" is a vindication, and Trump "colluded" with Russia when you have absolutely no evidence. Your coverage of the Trump administration consists of one media driven hysteria after another and when it turns out there is no evidence behind the hysteria you simply move on to another.
For weeks we heard lies about the Trump administration being anti-Semitic when real dangerous anti-Semitism can be witnessed every day coming from the left. Steve Bannon was smeared as an anti-Semite when there is no evidence he ever said or did anything anti-Semitic. Then we hear lies about collusion with Russia then when Trump stands up to Russia and its genocidal henchman Assad you say nothing.
Now, you're moaning on July 4th that the Trump administration sees you for what you are? The media is trying to overturn a fairly contested democratic election in which you took sides and then lost.
The independent press is under siege because it lost its impartiality, took sides, lost, and continues to take sides.
OR...second, don't celebrate. Don't tell us about it. We don't care.
5
Jim Rutenberg bends over backwards to be non-partisan, even as the right wing threatens to destroy the very concept of objective truth. That's what's wrong with Jim Rutenberg. What's wrong with you that you're comfortable with Trump's behavior and willing to allow his administration to foment class warfare as it loots the nation?
2
Trump twisting the concept of false and fabricated news churned out by the Russians into an attack on our legitimate if imperfect media is truly Orwellian. #doublespeak
4
If the Congress is looking for a solid reason to depose Trump, here it is. Trump is attempting to deprive the 4th Estate of its rights as we enjoy them. We will call it "obstruction of the News".
2
Alas, unfortunately they are not.
They will defend him as long as he signs their bills and generally sides with their agenda.
Doesn't look good....
They will defend him as long as he signs their bills and generally sides with their agenda.
Doesn't look good....
1
voices on these pages now bemoaning threats to the first amendment have consistently sought undermine the second amendment. both deserve equel respect.
As the Author of a very basic Civics Book, I've been moved to offer my Kindle Book free as our Nation's Birthday is upon us. My hope has always been to make a contribution to Civics Education and hopefully empower people & citizens with knowledge. The book includes the complete texts of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and much more basic information. I wanted to try to put these precious America documents into the hands of fellow citizens at these....strange...unprecedented times. Remember how the very First Amendment protects the Freedom of the Press among other Freedoms. My book, Americana A Civics Handbook (Second Edition) can be found on Amazon's Kindle List for free download July 2-4...As we celebrate the Fourth, it is so important to be reminded what our wise Founders did for us. Happy Fourth! Mary B. Mackley, Author
7
Trump is, above all, a test of the American people. A minority of them hijacked the Oval Office and put this dangerous fool in it. Either the majority rises up and makes it clear to the Republican Congress that they are dead meat if they don't kick this guy out, or our dumb and dumber masses will finally destroy America with their laziness, obliviousness, and sheer moral stupidity.
17
Our press has always leaned towards the salacious and yet we wouldn't enjoy the freedoms we have today without it. Let's face it if it bleeds it leads. But if you look at the countries today that are rolling back citizens freedom the first thing they do is target the press. The press is either dismantled entirely or controlled by the government and only allowed to put out stories that are approved by the government.
If we as Americans want to retain our freedom to say and do whatever we believe we must protect our press. If we allow our press to be silenced we open the door for ourselves to be silenced also. I'd rather live my life free and irritated than afraid and censored.
If we as Americans want to retain our freedom to say and do whatever we believe we must protect our press. If we allow our press to be silenced we open the door for ourselves to be silenced also. I'd rather live my life free and irritated than afraid and censored.
7
“The only security of all is in a free press.”
- - Thomas Jefferson
- - Thomas Jefferson
First --and perhaps last-- step to authoritarian rule. Most authoritarian rulers come to power by fomenting rage and keep it by continued fermentation of it. When leadership seeks to re-press the press, we are on that path. The intellectuals, the press, the scientists are all under assault and not even consulted, as with EPA. Book burning and removing of those voices are not just Einstein leaving Germany after Kristalnacht but in ancient China and modern Egypt and Qatar, and America. We see those who claimed to protect the constitution rally against it, afraid now after they got power they will lose it by the same mechanism they used to get it. It is not surprising that formerly respectable politicians like Gingrich will switch sides in a quest for relevancy, and begin siding with a bully--let him lose his legitimacy completely by siding with a bully to speak out against a free press by suggesting a mechanism to repress it. He's not a principled American leader it seems but a chameleon switching colors to grab power. But the other GOP who speak out against Trump and withstand the attacks, like the good senator from Nevada, are the ones who win out by sticking to their principles (or at least to their voting base, the people). We can only hope that press presses on, but above the fray instead of sinking into the morass for the sake of ratings and continue to expose and challenge all in power, or American will be lost. Happy Birthday!
6
““The formula ‘enemy of the people,’” Mr. Khrushchev told the Soviet Communist Party in a 1956 speech denouncing Stalin’s cult of personality, “was specifically introduced for the purpose of physically annihilating such individuals” who disagreed with the supreme leader.”
"Nina Khrushcheva, the great-granddaughter of Mr. Khrushchev and a professor of international affairs at the New School in New York, said the phrase was “shocking to hear in a non-Soviet, moreover non-Stalinist setting.” Her great-grandfather, she said, “of course also used Soviet slogans and ideological idioms but still tried to stay away from sweeping denunciations of whole segments of the Soviet population.””
“In Mr. Trump’s case, however, he is branding as enemies a segment of the American population — specifically representatives of what he calls the “fake news” media, including The New York Times."
New York Times: Trump Embraces ‘Enemy of the People,’ a Phrase With a Fraught History
https://nyti.ms/2msZz1C
"Nina Khrushcheva, the great-granddaughter of Mr. Khrushchev and a professor of international affairs at the New School in New York, said the phrase was “shocking to hear in a non-Soviet, moreover non-Stalinist setting.” Her great-grandfather, she said, “of course also used Soviet slogans and ideological idioms but still tried to stay away from sweeping denunciations of whole segments of the Soviet population.””
“In Mr. Trump’s case, however, he is branding as enemies a segment of the American population — specifically representatives of what he calls the “fake news” media, including The New York Times."
New York Times: Trump Embraces ‘Enemy of the People,’ a Phrase With a Fraught History
https://nyti.ms/2msZz1C
7
Once an opponent, accustomed to attacking without retribution and thinking himself above reproach, used the "defend by attack" approach offered by the Times. My partner, Mr. Watson, responded simply: "A hit dog hollers."
When the press investigates the facts and publishes the facts, the press is the critically important Fourth Estate. When the press runs story after story doing little more than attacking someone, the press becomes a participant in the contact sport. The Times has chosen to participate.
When the press investigates the facts and publishes the facts, the press is the critically important Fourth Estate. When the press runs story after story doing little more than attacking someone, the press becomes a participant in the contact sport. The Times has chosen to participate.
2
One shifty middle-schooler with bad hair and nuclear weapons was quite a handful, now we have two.
It is fate that they should meet and make a deal. Korean Central News Agency reporters are very respectful and the lenses in their cameras are very slimming, no slamming necessary.
It is fate that they should meet and make a deal. Korean Central News Agency reporters are very respectful and the lenses in their cameras are very slimming, no slamming necessary.
3
A solution to the Trump Twitter issue - The top 20 news organizations should agree to cover every entertainment tweet, on the next to the last page of the print, digital, or blog publication. There can be great gnashing of teeth, and tons of purple prose, but not on page 1, or 2, or 3 and so on. Front pages and main stories should be on policy, national issues, international issues, climate, and so on. Should the President have tweeted on substantial issues, then those tweets can be included in main coverage. Trump rarely tweets with substance. To change a behavior, remove the attention, cease rewarding it and watch what happens.
14
Unfortunately, the profit motive keeps the press slavishly following every Trump tweet, while comparatively little attention is paid to his appointees and Congress while they pillage the public sector.
7
“Power can be very addictive, and it can be corrosive. And it’s important for the media to call to account people who abuse their power, whether it be here or elsewhere.” — George W. Bush, 2017
I am not in favor of George W Bush as President, but I agree with him on the above. Long live the free press!
I am not in favor of George W Bush as President, but I agree with him on the above. Long live the free press!
14
The quotation from George Washington, 1783, is not actually apropos. See https://en.m.wikisource.org/wiki/Newburgh_address for the original context, in which it is clear that he is actually saying that, if a certain principle be accepted, then the right of free speech may as well be taken away, for it will have lost its point.
Faith based beliefs are false principles.
1
The amount of press attention devoted to Trump in the NYT alone has consumed enough newsprint to denude a good chunk of a forest. No matter how Trump vibrates the press resonates, endlessly and predictably, and I don't see anyone trying to erode the First Amendment to put a stop to it. Threatening advertisers of news organizations is something that started with the Left, and the Left has has become the greatest enemy of the First Amendment, not Trump.
4
Bob K. what is wrong with refusing to do business with advertisers who support programs we do not want to support. Are you suggesting Americans lack the freedom to spend money how they see fit? why do you oppose liberty?
2
no matter how Trump vibrates?
Thank you, Mr. Rutenberg, for a most timely article. This analysis should be required reading for every citizen. This analysis should be page one above the fold and should be reprinted in every newspaper in the country. Trump and his minions abhor the press because it exposes their fabrications and frauds. Democracy cannot exist without the press. The free press is the instrument that detects governmental fraud and abuse of power. Without it, we are an uninformed manipulable mass.
17
It's plainly clear that Donald Trump does not care a wit about facts or evidence or objective truth. The Office of Science and Technology Policy now is totally empty. He is part of a mindset that I call the "Masters of the Universe"--people who see the world as nothing but a social Darwinian competition and they intend to win the battle by *any* means available to them, including undermining any source of evidence contrary to their goals. (Most historical totalitarians, both left and right, fall into this group, but I would even toss in a number of corporate executives like those at Enron.)
The good news is that history has shown that these people and their movements always burn out--facts have a way of winning in the long run. The bad news is that they do tremendous damage before they are gone.
The good news is that history has shown that these people and their movements always burn out--facts have a way of winning in the long run. The bad news is that they do tremendous damage before they are gone.
13
If only Trump would celebrate this freedom of the Press. He has freedom of speech to bash the press, but if he could also just say occasionally that he celebrates the freedom of press. I can definitely see that this administration could chip at libel law protection. Very few newspapers have deep pockets to pay out big bucks on libel. But isn't this film of Trump beating up on CNN also encouraging violence ... not libel, but actionable? If a single CNN reporter is beaten up, Trump must be sued. A cross-media fund must be created to protect against libel threats. A frightening time for media ...
14
Ummmm.
Please note that the same First Amendment that protects and enables the Press to broadcast its points of view is the very same First Amendment that protects and enables every citizen and non-citizen (including the President, of course) to make public his or her thoughts.
Too many of us seem to fail to appreciate our freedoms!
Please note that the same First Amendment that protects and enables the Press to broadcast its points of view is the very same First Amendment that protects and enables every citizen and non-citizen (including the President, of course) to make public his or her thoughts.
Too many of us seem to fail to appreciate our freedoms!
12
Nobody's challenging Trump's right to tweet, just his judgment, character, and capacity to serve in any position of public trust and responsibility.
7
So, if he urged all his base to shun communicating with or interacting with liberals or blacks, that is still 'Free Speech', and absolutely nothing wrong in your book?
It is free speech. It is also wrong.
If I stood up in the town square and said it was okay for parents to molest their children, how long do you honestly believe I would be allowed to freely speak?
It is free speech. It is also wrong.
If I stood up in the town square and said it was okay for parents to molest their children, how long do you honestly believe I would be allowed to freely speak?
1
Free? Yes, but a better word for it might be the independent and answerable press. The Breitbarters are faked news and propaganda. They have a right to their propaganda, as long as they respond to lawsuits. For the news component, Fox is the USA's Pravda. It's time for the independent press to say so. By the way, did you catch Kellyanne telling the CNN host to shut up, she had a right to avoid the question and divert to Talking Points? At this point, media has to keep the Breitbarters inside the Breitbart silo. You will never hear a rational debate on air from them.
16
This was a very good article and I enjoyed reading it.... Freedom of speech includes "alternative facts." Right now, I'm not so sure the people of this nation are well informed..... so are, so are not... As noted in other articles, we have an "echo chamber" which reinforces what we want to hear/read. These echo chambers are perfect examples of propaganda techniques and marketing... the old saying was... say it 3 times and someone will hear it... Now, its say it a zillion times, and it must be true... I have to give full credit to the spin doctors and Koch brothers... they are winning the battle for the "minds" of the people... say something enough times, and it must be true... alternative facts become facts if you say it enough times, and read it everywhere... it must be true... and "they" must be wrong....
4
We are living a nightmare. With Trump on the verge of mental breakdown right now I shudder to think what could happen if a national security crisis should erupt. He is unhinged and a danger to world peace.
18
As President Trump keeps hitting back – more often than not below the waist – against the perceived attacks from the news media, I find it worth stepping back and noting the difference between being criticized and being attacked.
The dictionary defines ‘criticize’ as “to censure or find fault with”, or “to judge or discuss the merits and faults of”. Look up ‘attack’, and you find “to blame or abuse violently or bitterly”, as well as “to try to destroy, especially with verbal abuse”.
It seems clear to me that only one of the involved parties is actually attacking: it’s the thin-skinned President of the United States, who for all his bluster, is simply a man of little substance, a superficial namby-pamby, and a picture-perfect bully.
Every school in the country has signs to show that bullying will not be tolerated – why do we as a nation, along with our elected officials, find it acceptable in the Oval Office?
The dictionary defines ‘criticize’ as “to censure or find fault with”, or “to judge or discuss the merits and faults of”. Look up ‘attack’, and you find “to blame or abuse violently or bitterly”, as well as “to try to destroy, especially with verbal abuse”.
It seems clear to me that only one of the involved parties is actually attacking: it’s the thin-skinned President of the United States, who for all his bluster, is simply a man of little substance, a superficial namby-pamby, and a picture-perfect bully.
Every school in the country has signs to show that bullying will not be tolerated – why do we as a nation, along with our elected officials, find it acceptable in the Oval Office?
18
Ipso facto that you have published this opinion article proves that the free press is alive and well in the United States.
No one I know - Trump lovers or Trump haters and all in-between - wants to dismantle the First Amendment. Get real.
No one I know - Trump lovers or Trump haters and all in-between - wants to dismantle the First Amendment. Get real.
7
Gianforte should not be giving any credit for supposed "contrition."
After assaulting and injuring reporter Ben Jacobs, Gianforte lied to the police and to reporters about what occurred. He even fraudulently alleged that Jacobs assaulted him first.
However, there were multiple witnesses to Gianforte's criminal violence. And there was an audio tape of Gianforte attacking Jacobs, which seemed to make clear that Gianforte was lying.
Thus, after the fact of lying to police and to reporters, Gianforte realized there was evidence that most likely could be used at trial and that he most likely would be found guilty.
Gianforte only pleaded guilty because it turned out there were witnesses and other likely-admissible evidence. He has shabby character -- if there had been no witnesses and no evidence, there would most likely not have been the least sign of "contrition" from him.
After assaulting and injuring reporter Ben Jacobs, Gianforte lied to the police and to reporters about what occurred. He even fraudulently alleged that Jacobs assaulted him first.
However, there were multiple witnesses to Gianforte's criminal violence. And there was an audio tape of Gianforte attacking Jacobs, which seemed to make clear that Gianforte was lying.
Thus, after the fact of lying to police and to reporters, Gianforte realized there was evidence that most likely could be used at trial and that he most likely would be found guilty.
Gianforte only pleaded guilty because it turned out there were witnesses and other likely-admissible evidence. He has shabby character -- if there had been no witnesses and no evidence, there would most likely not have been the least sign of "contrition" from him.
10
Donald Trump is the Bernie Madoff of politics. Every new attack on free press raises the stakes in his scheme to wipe out free thought. He is not here by accident. His presidency was bought by plutocrat billionaires who profit from every executive order.
18
The reaction to Trump's CNN tweet - overblown hyteria, or justified concern? Here's a little game to help you decidt. Don't worry - no need to exert yourself; you can play from the comfort of your chair.
It's a version of the child's game Pretend, and it's simple: just pretend it's a face you care about on that body being slammed by Trump.
Anyone can play - Democrats, you can put a cartoon Hilary's mug there, or perhaps FDR in a wheelchair. Republicans, you can substitute Dubya for the CNN logo, or Sarah Palin, or Ted Nugent.
The game needn't be confined to politics. Black people can put a cartoon image of an African American on the body - they're easy to find on the Intetrnet. Same for Asians, or native Americans.
The religious can play, too - Evangelicals, Muslims, Jews - just stick a cartoonish image of your faith on the figure, and imagine how seeing it smacked makes you feel.
You can up the game by adding a twist: Democrats, instead of having HIlary being whacked, try putting a Republican there - Jeff Sessions, perhaps. Does it make you feel different now, seeming a political adversary being thumped? Does it make your pulse quicken, your heart harden a bit? What part of the brain do you think that appeals to, that rush?
And for those ready for an advanced version of the game, you can substitute your own face for the CNN logo, or that face of your wife, or your child, or your aging parent. Pretty fun, isn't it.
Isn't it?
It's a version of the child's game Pretend, and it's simple: just pretend it's a face you care about on that body being slammed by Trump.
Anyone can play - Democrats, you can put a cartoon Hilary's mug there, or perhaps FDR in a wheelchair. Republicans, you can substitute Dubya for the CNN logo, or Sarah Palin, or Ted Nugent.
The game needn't be confined to politics. Black people can put a cartoon image of an African American on the body - they're easy to find on the Intetrnet. Same for Asians, or native Americans.
The religious can play, too - Evangelicals, Muslims, Jews - just stick a cartoonish image of your faith on the figure, and imagine how seeing it smacked makes you feel.
You can up the game by adding a twist: Democrats, instead of having HIlary being whacked, try putting a Republican there - Jeff Sessions, perhaps. Does it make you feel different now, seeming a political adversary being thumped? Does it make your pulse quicken, your heart harden a bit? What part of the brain do you think that appeals to, that rush?
And for those ready for an advanced version of the game, you can substitute your own face for the CNN logo, or that face of your wife, or your child, or your aging parent. Pretty fun, isn't it.
Isn't it?
12
Agreed but here the rub you should need to explain the the average American what they see.
As long as the Right to Carry a Gun and walk down the Street spouting garbage is what free speech and the Right to bear arms is about then you have no hope.
Freedoms just another word for Nothing Left to lose, nothing ain't worth nothing but it's free. (Me and Bobby McGee)
Rousseau in the Social,Contract quoted by Jo Biden gets twisted into a statement about racism.
They weren't talking about a Ball and Chain but the Chains that we allow on thought.
To be Free is very costly the Price of Freedom is often Bloody.
The World isn't Free by default and the Press has misused its freedom which is why it funds its self under such easy attack.
The Problem with Trump is there is just a liitle bit of truth in what he says.
The Media didn't back Obama they sat on the Fence fence sitting isn't an option,after all the lies were allowed to roam free such as Death panels,
The Media Reaps what it sows I feel we will see a repeat of the Eighties rioting fairly soon as the people see the establishment and that includes the Media failing to deliver.
As long as the Right to Carry a Gun and walk down the Street spouting garbage is what free speech and the Right to bear arms is about then you have no hope.
Freedoms just another word for Nothing Left to lose, nothing ain't worth nothing but it's free. (Me and Bobby McGee)
Rousseau in the Social,Contract quoted by Jo Biden gets twisted into a statement about racism.
They weren't talking about a Ball and Chain but the Chains that we allow on thought.
To be Free is very costly the Price of Freedom is often Bloody.
The World isn't Free by default and the Press has misused its freedom which is why it funds its self under such easy attack.
The Problem with Trump is there is just a liitle bit of truth in what he says.
The Media didn't back Obama they sat on the Fence fence sitting isn't an option,after all the lies were allowed to roam free such as Death panels,
The Media Reaps what it sows I feel we will see a repeat of the Eighties rioting fairly soon as the people see the establishment and that includes the Media failing to deliver.
Is the free press really "under siege"? Well, if so, then fight back. But the more you take Trump's garbage seriously, the more space or time you give him to repeat the nonsense.
5
Oh, for heaven's sake, the journalistic sky isn't falling. Simply keep doing your job. And if it's a slow news day, Trump gives you lotsa faux drama to report.
11
There are probably many more who get their news from right wing radio, online right wing propaganda sites, and Fox News, than from the NYT, WP, and CNN. But Trump has not included these (predominantly fake) news sources in his attacks.
I'm sure that if the NYT did an in depth analysis of right wing radio and concluded it was mainly fake, Trump would would Twitter thunder and lightning accusations that the NYT was attacking freedom of the press. Every media outlet is "incorrigible", by someone's particular judgement.
Unless the NYT, WP, and other serious members of the press decide to switch to really fake news, they will be increasingly villainized by Trump and his supporters. Lucky for us they have thick skins.
I'm sure that if the NYT did an in depth analysis of right wing radio and concluded it was mainly fake, Trump would would Twitter thunder and lightning accusations that the NYT was attacking freedom of the press. Every media outlet is "incorrigible", by someone's particular judgement.
Unless the NYT, WP, and other serious members of the press decide to switch to really fake news, they will be increasingly villainized by Trump and his supporters. Lucky for us they have thick skins.
49
Of all the verbs you could have used:
abase, asperse, belittle, blacken, calumniate, debase, defame, degrade, denigrate, detract, disparage, discredit, disgrace, dishonor, humble, humiliate, libel, malign, revile, scorn, shame, slander, smear, or traduce,
you instead chose the one right word, the best, most descriptive word: villainize.
Congratulations, sir.
Your obedient servant, etc.
abase, asperse, belittle, blacken, calumniate, debase, defame, degrade, denigrate, detract, disparage, discredit, disgrace, dishonor, humble, humiliate, libel, malign, revile, scorn, shame, slander, smear, or traduce,
you instead chose the one right word, the best, most descriptive word: villainize.
Congratulations, sir.
Your obedient servant, etc.
A free and robust press long preceded Trump, and will serve this country well long after he is gone. He can't destroy it, and apparently he can't stand that. Keep on calling him to account, NYT.
15
Republicans support the leader of their Party, but what if Trump was their kid? Would they still support his actions or seek professional help? This is not a trick question.
10
It's perhaps a rare moment in the 241-year-old American republic's history when the first amendment guaranteed freedom of expression is under serious threat from the ruling Republican establishment presided over by the President whose penchant with raw twitter comments and anti-media outbursts have led to an avoidable hostile interface between the state and media, that has adversely affected the communication between the state and society with serious repercussions for the responsive and accountable governance.
9
Who is writing Trump's speeches, particularly ones like his anti-press, and by extension, anti-1st Amendment, tirade to veterans the other day? Julius Streicher?
Tyrants and would-be tyrants always seek to marginalize, isolate, and finally eliminate all traces of a free press.
When confronted with the obfuscation and non-answers offered up by Sean Spicer and Sarah Sanders during what passes for the Trump administration's press briefings, each member of the press should repeat the precise question over and over until it is answered appropriately. Ask again and again why Trump himself has not held a press conference in months. And, when any administration member asserts an "alternative fact" in an answer to a direct question, call the lie out on the spot, not in later commentary. Here's a phrase to use, "[insert name or title here] that's just not so."
Tyrants and would-be tyrants always seek to marginalize, isolate, and finally eliminate all traces of a free press.
When confronted with the obfuscation and non-answers offered up by Sean Spicer and Sarah Sanders during what passes for the Trump administration's press briefings, each member of the press should repeat the precise question over and over until it is answered appropriately. Ask again and again why Trump himself has not held a press conference in months. And, when any administration member asserts an "alternative fact" in an answer to a direct question, call the lie out on the spot, not in later commentary. Here's a phrase to use, "[insert name or title here] that's just not so."
18
And in the daily process of enabling freedom of the press and all other necessary sources of factual information, knowledge, and understanding, in order to develop and sustain menschlich living, adapting, coping and functioning for individuals, families, neighborhoods, communities and all other interpersonal systems is the personal responsibility to experience shame as a social corrective process in a violating WE-THEY culture.Shamelessness appears to increasingly reign locally, regionally, nationally and globally among powerful policy makers. Personally responsibility for violating actions is at best a series of letters empowered by willful blindness, deafness and ignorance of existing pains by more and more ordinary people who easily justify the unjustifiable.
2
Well, because the people don't see the press as an institution that serves the people. The press serves only itself. National cable-TV reporters are more interested in access to politicians and ratings than stories which are truly important. Their jobs depend on how many eyes are watching them, not substance. There are no Cronkites or Brinkleys in which people have faith.
Newspaper articles on important subjects are shallow compared to 40 years ago. In dumbing-down the quality of reporters and articles newspapers have lost the more intelligent readers. In order to find out what is going on I must scan the broad spectrum of news, all available on the internet.
People have been lied to and shucked by the press so much that it isn't trusted anymore than the government institutions which have done the same. Or stories are written with a conservative or neoliberal or so-called progressive bent to attract ratings.
Newspaper articles on important subjects are shallow compared to 40 years ago. In dumbing-down the quality of reporters and articles newspapers have lost the more intelligent readers. In order to find out what is going on I must scan the broad spectrum of news, all available on the internet.
People have been lied to and shucked by the press so much that it isn't trusted anymore than the government institutions which have done the same. Or stories are written with a conservative or neoliberal or so-called progressive bent to attract ratings.
8
Lied to and shushed so often? Sounds to me like Donald. Study his history
1
After the time after George Washington, when the Federalist press that supported John Adams and the Democratic-Republican press that supported Thomas Jefferson, castigated each candidate for the presidency with vicious rumours and outright lies, the printed press was openly partisan. When the Federalist John Quincy Adams accused candidate Andrew Jackson of taking as a wife a woman before she had completed her divorce, the charge was printed in a Richmond, Virginia newspaper which Jackson attempted to hide from his wife. She uncovered the newspaper, saw the article, and the mental shock caused her to collapse and die. Only in modern times have newspapers claimed objectivity, but are obviously tools of our ruling class which dictates the political line that the masses are taught to regurgitate.
4
The essential function of a free press in a “democratic” society — of course, unquestioned. But not a given.
Lots of ways to pervert the free part of that presumed bulwark against the undermining power of outright propaganda and nefarious misinformation.
Any notion that the press is the unblemished white knight in shinning armor is equally dangerous.
So much about what is now dubbed the MEDIA is very big, for-profit business in the hands of vastly wealthy and extraordinarily powerful individuals who can and do to varying degrees impose agendas and biases into what is broadly dubbed legitimate and independent journalism.
Sorting the wheat from the chaff is a perpetually burgeoning challenge in the age of the internet where almost anyone can pose as a journalist, or an informed commentator.
Undergirding all of this are the consumers of information many of whom want only the easily captured bites, the bits and pieces that affirm biases rather than challenge personal beliefs. Many Americans are locked into, even addicted to a single source of news and opinion with no tolerance for contradictory view points or alternative facts.
Lots of ways to pervert the free part of that presumed bulwark against the undermining power of outright propaganda and nefarious misinformation.
Any notion that the press is the unblemished white knight in shinning armor is equally dangerous.
So much about what is now dubbed the MEDIA is very big, for-profit business in the hands of vastly wealthy and extraordinarily powerful individuals who can and do to varying degrees impose agendas and biases into what is broadly dubbed legitimate and independent journalism.
Sorting the wheat from the chaff is a perpetually burgeoning challenge in the age of the internet where almost anyone can pose as a journalist, or an informed commentator.
Undergirding all of this are the consumers of information many of whom want only the easily captured bites, the bits and pieces that affirm biases rather than challenge personal beliefs. Many Americans are locked into, even addicted to a single source of news and opinion with no tolerance for contradictory view points or alternative facts.
4
The New York Times. Breitbart News. Hmm. Which is the wheat and which the chaff? What a terrible challenge to discern.
1
Mr. Rutenberg you ask, "How could it be when one of the pillars of our 241-year-old republic — the First Amendment — is under near-daily assault from the highest levels of the government?"
Easy. The media owners got caught up in the "money is everything" harmonic convergence craze of the greed-driven Reagan years and you forgot your real job was to inform the public of what is truly happening in OUR democracy. You still do forget with your incessant reporting on every "tweet" The Con Don spews.
Do your job. Keep a running list of everything being done to destroy every single branch of OUR government by The Con Don and his Koch brothers/Goldman-Sachs/ radical christian Robber Baron cartel who have taken over OUR governments at all levels.
WE do not feel sorry for the whiny press but WE will regain our faith in the press/media when and if you start fully and honestly reporting the news that is changing OUR lives, and the lives of ordinary people around the world so WE can fight back.
NOW is the time!
Easy. The media owners got caught up in the "money is everything" harmonic convergence craze of the greed-driven Reagan years and you forgot your real job was to inform the public of what is truly happening in OUR democracy. You still do forget with your incessant reporting on every "tweet" The Con Don spews.
Do your job. Keep a running list of everything being done to destroy every single branch of OUR government by The Con Don and his Koch brothers/Goldman-Sachs/ radical christian Robber Baron cartel who have taken over OUR governments at all levels.
WE do not feel sorry for the whiny press but WE will regain our faith in the press/media when and if you start fully and honestly reporting the news that is changing OUR lives, and the lives of ordinary people around the world so WE can fight back.
NOW is the time!
14
Republican trust in media is less than 15% (TV, newspapers, internet).
One can either take the easy route and assume 85% of the opposing party is wrong on the facts or you can ask the hard question as to how the media got to this place. That requires introspection. Only this type of introspection will lead you to improving this situation.
The media has earned the distrust it has received. Compare the fawning coverage of Obama 2008 (Is he more like Lincoln or FDR?) to Trump 2016 (Every known slander has been applied to him repeatedly).
Trump deserves plenty of criticism, but the media having a seizure when Trump releases a Twitter video is an indictment of the media, not Trump. That's not news, nobody is buying the very serious tut-tutting from the very serious people in the very serious media. It's a joke. Both the video and the media's reaction to it.
Syria. Healthcare. Immigration. Terrorism. The economy. Globalism. Trade imbalances with China. North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Opioid academic in rural areas.
What's the media focusing on for the past week? Petty Twitter wars. Trump spent 2 minutes on these and the media has spent man years covering it like it was the Cuban Missile Crisis.
This isn't serious news. If you want to be taken seriously and respected, start acting seriously.
One can either take the easy route and assume 85% of the opposing party is wrong on the facts or you can ask the hard question as to how the media got to this place. That requires introspection. Only this type of introspection will lead you to improving this situation.
The media has earned the distrust it has received. Compare the fawning coverage of Obama 2008 (Is he more like Lincoln or FDR?) to Trump 2016 (Every known slander has been applied to him repeatedly).
Trump deserves plenty of criticism, but the media having a seizure when Trump releases a Twitter video is an indictment of the media, not Trump. That's not news, nobody is buying the very serious tut-tutting from the very serious people in the very serious media. It's a joke. Both the video and the media's reaction to it.
Syria. Healthcare. Immigration. Terrorism. The economy. Globalism. Trade imbalances with China. North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Opioid academic in rural areas.
What's the media focusing on for the past week? Petty Twitter wars. Trump spent 2 minutes on these and the media has spent man years covering it like it was the Cuban Missile Crisis.
This isn't serious news. If you want to be taken seriously and respected, start acting seriously.
11
"Republicans" have fox so-called news, Breitbart, and most of the major media because the International Mafia control them. Republicans get all the lies and "conservatism" they need there.
If you are one of the people who do call themselves a republican you had better work like hell to wrest control from the International Mafia and restore it to a valid political party.
If you are one of the people who do call themselves a republican you had better work like hell to wrest control from the International Mafia and restore it to a valid political party.
2
I do not think there is anything new about bias in the press. The only difference now is there are more news outlets and coverage has gone from a few newspapers and TV channels to hundreds, maybe thousands of news sources and the same old stories are reported on a 24 hour basis. And most stories get sensationalized, thereby guaranteeing a huge audience.
The only good that has come out of the Trump's campaign is that more of the citizens have gotten a real glimpse of how our government really operates. And how much power that the President and the Senate and Congress truly have. This probably is the only reporting that has been done that has served the public well. As for unbiased reporting, NPR and Public radio are the closest we get to it.
The only good that has come out of the Trump's campaign is that more of the citizens have gotten a real glimpse of how our government really operates. And how much power that the President and the Senate and Congress truly have. This probably is the only reporting that has been done that has served the public well. As for unbiased reporting, NPR and Public radio are the closest we get to it.
7
NPR is public radio.
Journalists also have to be beware that there are not deliberately false stories being planted for political reasons against the media. Research the links between the stories that are getting corrections to make sure there are no insidious links.
1
Unfortunately, as we celebrate our Country, top of mind for a large, probably a majority, segment of citizens is exercising our Constitutional right to impeach this President. Most of what he Tweets or says is demonstrably false, and for he and his surrogates like Newt Gingrich to go around attempting to discredit and diminish all media with the exception of alt-right outlets, is the biggest threat this Country has faced since 9/11.
The President must be removed from office.
The President must be removed from office.
11
there are no grounds for impeachment. You hate him, we understand that. You hate that your anointed princess, "It's my turn HRC" got shellacked by a terrible man. We understand that.
We are glad you are incensed by your hatred and are so easily distracted. You will lose in '18 because you have nothing to offer. Just "I hate him, I hate him, I hate him" . That's not a platform.
We are glad you are incensed by your hatred and are so easily distracted. You will lose in '18 because you have nothing to offer. Just "I hate him, I hate him, I hate him" . That's not a platform.
john, while it was certainly not in "shellacking" territory, imho, you are certainly entitled to yours. I would point out to you that the FBI is actually currently investigating the President of the United States, much to the chagrin of those who seem to feel that because the former Director may have at one time indicated otherwise; that has nothing to do with what is happening now. The President is a strong candidate for an obstruction charge, as well as witness tampering. These facts exist independently of any dislike I may have for the man. We shall see if the spineless, party before patriotism Republican and Alt-Right House will move to impeach, but to suggest that he has no exposure here is simply not the case. I'm sorry you are glad. The problem we face, however, is that the President is easily distracted, not me.
2
As well, as a general primer on the real Donald John Trump, you may wish to brush up on his long (and ever growing) list of falsehoods.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/23/opinion/trumps-lies.html?...
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/06/23/opinion/trumps-lies.html?...
1
If Trump isn't actually working for Putin, he might as well be given all that he has done to undermine the nation.
16
The American press is not now, nor has it ever been, independent of the controlling power of capital. The once-powerful labor press has gone the way of the labor movement. The leftist counter culture alternative media, ditto. A handful of media conglomerates, themselves giant corporations, set the national media agenda. Where is your imaginary press freedom?
All the major mainstream media support the ongoing, never-ending, global war on terror. All the MSM ardently support the US capitalist system.
If you want to celebrate the wonderful diversity of the American press,
perhaps the TIMES might provide some, by occasionally give space to anti-war, anti-capitalist views. I am not holding my breath waiting however!
All the major mainstream media support the ongoing, never-ending, global war on terror. All the MSM ardently support the US capitalist system.
If you want to celebrate the wonderful diversity of the American press,
perhaps the TIMES might provide some, by occasionally give space to anti-war, anti-capitalist views. I am not holding my breath waiting however!
11
The press would do well to emphasize a guiding principle that was always in my mind in more than 30 years as a newspaper reporter and editor: Journalists are servants, of their readers, of the citizenry, of the important role they play in our republic (and most definitely not of their advertisers, or of the power brokers). As such, they are representatives of those readers. Reporters do not gain access to the White House briefing room -- or to the inner sanctums of the Capitol, statehouses, governors' mansions, mayor's offices, etc. -- because they are a special and favored class. Rather, they are there in their constitutionally guaranteed role to represent citizens who cannot exercise the same right to be there, to demand answers from their elected representatives and hold them accountable. Television journalism has eroded this sense of duty in journalism because its practitioners too often succumb to their own fame and sense of self-importance fueled by constant exposure on national broadcasts.
10
“Independent Press Is Under Siege as Freedom Rings”
Yes now just six corporations control 90% of the media.
Yes now just six corporations control 90% of the media.
14
People have to support the media with their wallets if they want a thriving press no good just washing your hands of the situation.
How can America have a feel-good birthday when one of the pillars of our 241-year-old republic, the presidency, is under daily assault from another pillar of our republic, the media?
10
You can feel good about the nation's birthday by celebrating the fact that for now at least we still have a free press and journalists can criticize the president as they see fit. It is one of the necessary building blocks for a democracy and guaranteed by our constitution. Enjoy it while you can ad protect it.
2
It is called defense, and unlike the lying euphemism of defense instead of military, the attribution is quite accurate.
Brought it on himself. Period. End it.
For many of us, Trump's pattern of this kind of immature roaring anger towards those in the press who refuse to maintain a certain 'loyalty' (remember Comey?) to him and his 'crew' of extremely cold, aloof administrators and 'chiefs', is only further indication (vindication) of his suspect alliance and determination to turn us into a Russian, Eastern European type of dictatorship where the only word, person of importance that matters- is HIS, and HIM.
Be very afraid. All the signs are there. What I don't understand is why we're still sitting here laughing about it. There is no comedy for me about this man's narcissistic and violence inducing proclivities. Hello America?
Be very afraid. All the signs are there. What I don't understand is why we're still sitting here laughing about it. There is no comedy for me about this man's narcissistic and violence inducing proclivities. Hello America?
30
Who's laughing? The Trump nightmare continues!
It is not the freedom of the Press that is under siege. No laws have been passed or are seriously being considered which would curtail the freedom of the Press.
Nor is it new that Press bias and distortions are alleged. Both the blatantly right and left wings of the press and media have always been challenged for their understanding of the truth. Both wings of which have had to find ways to defend their positions and that they are truly reporting the truth.
What is new is that what is called the mainstream media is under assault for bias and untruth. This part of the media has never faced a challenge to its presumption of what is true, of what is important and of how it is to be perceived ie bias. This media as a whole has always been the inquisitor and never the subject of the inquisition.
This media is having a hard time adjusting. And more relevantly, as evidenced by the number of editorials like this one, it is finding it as hard to take and respond to as many of the individuals and causes it has subjected to its own inquisitions.
Nor is it new that Press bias and distortions are alleged. Both the blatantly right and left wings of the press and media have always been challenged for their understanding of the truth. Both wings of which have had to find ways to defend their positions and that they are truly reporting the truth.
What is new is that what is called the mainstream media is under assault for bias and untruth. This part of the media has never faced a challenge to its presumption of what is true, of what is important and of how it is to be perceived ie bias. This media as a whole has always been the inquisitor and never the subject of the inquisition.
This media is having a hard time adjusting. And more relevantly, as evidenced by the number of editorials like this one, it is finding it as hard to take and respond to as many of the individuals and causes it has subjected to its own inquisitions.
14
You are missing the point. The Press is not in power. The President and his administration is. The free Press is supposed to check those in power. It's their job and without it we end up with a totalitarian state full of a propaganda press. It's up to fellow journalists to challenge the Press if they think there is something wrong. Presidential attacks of this kind on the Press, driven by a desire for revenge because of bad coverage (deservedly bad in my view), is a very dangerous action. Watch what you argue for, you may come to regret it.
16
Just so I'm clear, you're suggesting the free press should back off from an inquiry into Russian meddling in our election? That the press should stop reporting on strong indications that members ofTrump's campaign may have colluded in this effort? Also-just to be clear-the press should stop reporting Trump's pattern of lies and false statements? Also the press should avoid mentioning the absence of legislative accomplishment w the Republican congress? It should forgo coverage of understaffed agencies such as the State Department? I could go on but wouldn't want to appear unupportive of the president.
Just so it is clear to you. I never wrote anything about what the Press can or can not report nor even made any inference of the sort. So you are not partially misinformed but totally misinformed about what I wrote.
Further I have not seen the Press being more restricted in what it reports by this administration than by any other administration. I have seen the main stream subjected to criticism by this administration more than previous administrations and I have seen that it does not like it. And I have seen it respond with an ugliness that is a unbecoming it as it is unbecoming of some of the President's tweets.
Further I have not seen the Press being more restricted in what it reports by this administration than by any other administration. I have seen the main stream subjected to criticism by this administration more than previous administrations and I have seen that it does not like it. And I have seen it respond with an ugliness that is a unbecoming it as it is unbecoming of some of the President's tweets.
If the president were the only one seeking to undermine an independent press, it would pose only a minor threat. The threat becomes major when he has the help of big business, big religion, the entire apparatus of one of the nation's parties, and a couple of the nation's media moguls.
What we have here is an assault not just on an independent media, but an assault on truth, science and empirical evidence. Which, by the way, did not just start in 2016.
What we have here is an assault not just on an independent media, but an assault on truth, science and empirical evidence. Which, by the way, did not just start in 2016.
20
The independent press, like the independent judiciary, is a thing of the past in your country. Partisanship, bias, and money increasingly supplant life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
17
Dear Toronto citizen,
It isn't that bleak.
We still have a judicial system--with Mueller heading an unstoppable independent investigation; and the press is still challenging Trump and the right wing portion of the news media.
We have endured worse wars of words, and actual wars--in the Civil War years, for example.
We will survive this!
It isn't that bleak.
We still have a judicial system--with Mueller heading an unstoppable independent investigation; and the press is still challenging Trump and the right wing portion of the news media.
We have endured worse wars of words, and actual wars--in the Civil War years, for example.
We will survive this!
3
Imagine a United States that protects the 1st amendment with the passion of the 2nd amendment. Even the founder's thought that words are more powerful than bullets.
26
True, words are more important than bullets. That's exactly why the press must not take sides and report real news. The "free" press loses all credibility by reporting false news for the sake of profits .
5
And the right obviously cherry-picks what they like about the Constitution. The same amendment that guarantees freedom of the press also guarantees freedom of religion. You don't hear them complaining about the other part.
4
And what news is false, news you do not agree with? Beware of these fascists!
1
Since it's July 4th, it's important to look back in history and realize that the press has been biased since the earliest days of the nation. The first newspaper editors discovered readers loved it when they criticized the government, and from the mid-1760s, satirical attacks on government have been common practice in American newspapers. In the early 1800s, both political parties sponsored newspapers, and editors typically were local party spokesman. Since the days of Benjamin Franklin, politicians have railed against the coverage they receive, and have tried to shut down newspapers that disagree with them. The "war" between Trump and the media that we are witnessing now is more of the American tradition of tension between the press and the executive branch. It's been going on in America for more than 250 years.
4
Yes, but not like this, without complete dignity and respect and personal daily assaults by the president, who would rather attack than work.
2
It's telling that CNN was not under criticism during the campaign when coverage benefitted Trump. CNN hasn't substantially changed, it's just that the message is not liked in the White House.
38
Rutenberg: "... seems just the time to invite some of our forebears to remind us ... why a free press is so important."
Cherry-picking quotes is a tactic used by ideologues of all sorts.
In fact, "some of our forebears" opposed freedom of speech and of the press. See the "Sedition Act", which was signed into law in 1798 and says, in part:
"... if any person shall write, print, utter or publish, ... any false, scandalous and malicious writing or writings against the government of the United States, or either house of the Congress of the United States, or the President of the United States, with intent to defame the said government ..."
Google "Alien and Sedition Acts site:gov" for full text.
Cherry-picking quotes is a tactic used by ideologues of all sorts.
In fact, "some of our forebears" opposed freedom of speech and of the press. See the "Sedition Act", which was signed into law in 1798 and says, in part:
"... if any person shall write, print, utter or publish, ... any false, scandalous and malicious writing or writings against the government of the United States, or either house of the Congress of the United States, or the President of the United States, with intent to defame the said government ..."
Google "Alien and Sedition Acts site:gov" for full text.
3
The Sedition Act, which was aimed at pro-Jefferson newspaper owners, lasted all of two years. It was allowed to expire in 1800, after the Jefferson administration took power.
A free and independent press is a bulwark of American democracy. Those who attack the press, including the current POTUS, stand in opposition to one of the core American values we celebrate on the Fourth of July.
A free and independent press is a bulwark of American democracy. Those who attack the press, including the current POTUS, stand in opposition to one of the core American values we celebrate on the Fourth of July.
14
Baloney.
1. It's not cherry-picking. The first amendment endures; the Alien and Sedition Acts did not.
2. Defending the free press makes one an "ideologue"?
1. It's not cherry-picking. The first amendment endures; the Alien and Sedition Acts did not.
2. Defending the free press makes one an "ideologue"?
9
Did you read the piece before commenting?
2
It's time for all of the TV, radio, Internet and print news organizations across the country to produce and widely distribute an ongoing public service campaign that extols the importance of a free and vigorous press in the United States. Journalists should not take for granted that the public understands this nowadays, especially in light of Trump's ongoing effort to denigrate the media. His lies and attacks must be proactively countered or else they will continue to gain traction.
14
The free press is beholden to profits. A good false story like Russian collusion is profit. CNN revealed that. Please don't tell us about free and independent press.
10
So you know more than the independent counsel and the House and Senate committees investigating the matter? The verdict is not yet in and you can't possibly say that collusion is a false story. You may want it to be false, but the investigation is not done.
17
When every one of our intelligence agencies, and the Senate, and Congress agree that the Russians did, in fact, interfere in our elections, how is that "fake" news? When a media outlet simply publishes verbatim one of Trump's many lies, how is that bias?
21
Scott Fordin -- The NYT and AP both just this week published their corrections, that this statement is not true.
2
The layers of irony in Trump’s wrestling video are astounding. Trump uses a fake video, depicting a fake sport, to attack what he thinks is a fake news outlet. This is the bizarre environment of Orwellian smog that we live in. It’s like living in a carnival funhouse full of distorting mirrors. Trump appeals to people who do not recognize or understand irony, nor do they have the critical thinking skills to separate fact from fiction. It may be that Trump knows this on some level and is manipulating the perceptual vulnerability of his base, but I think it is more likely that these kinds of irrational displays are less carefully crafted and are more likely knee-jerk eruptions from Trump’s twisted psyche. If we lose the ability to distinguish between what is real and what is not, we will be in deep, deep trouble. This is why it is imperative that we not relinquish robust epistemological standards based on verifiable evidence and probability. We need science and investigative reporters to give us evidence-based approximations of the world we live in. And equally important, we need educators to educate our students and give them critical thinking skills that will help them navigate through a, more often than not, confusing world. Without some common agreement on what is real and what is not, we will have no social cohesion, but instead a cruel dystopia where survival depends on who can shout the loudest and fool the most.
48
The so-called 'free press' in America is long gone (if there ever was one). In its place is the profit-driven, biased and opinion-based reporting of mostly unsubstantiated and unverified 'facts'.
When each and every media outlet is singing the exact same song in perfect unison, it is not called 'free press'. It is 1984.
When each and every media outlet is singing the exact same song in perfect unison, it is not called 'free press'. It is 1984.
13
The "free" in free press is a reference to the first amendment, of course, as in "free" speech. I'm pretty sure the media has always been a commercial enterprise. Ben Franklin didn't get rich by giving away his newspapers. I'm also pretty sure that "Big Brother" wasn't modeled off of a newspaper publisher.
As a retired journalist, I can affirm that this view of news media is entirely bunkum. In 40 years of work for small and major news media, I never once gave a thought to profit, or selling newspapers, or any other commercial -- or partisan political -- consideration.
As for 1984, I spent it in Moscow as a correspondent (as well as other years.). I highly recommend this experience for comparative purposes to the Waldo's of our world.
As for 1984, I spent it in Moscow as a correspondent (as well as other years.). I highly recommend this experience for comparative purposes to the Waldo's of our world.
4
The hypocrisy of the Times and many of its colleagues on the left regarding freedom of the press is enormous.
I speak of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizens United case, in which the free speech rights of a corporate organization, Citizens United, were upheld by SCOTUS. The Times, and many others, have strongly objected to this decision, and lobbied strongly and frequently to have it overturned. In fact, about a year ago, then candidate Hillary Clinton promised to make amending the Constitution (gutting the First Amendment) a priority.
Citizen United is a right-leaning political advocacy organization that wished to broadcast a program critical of Ms. Clinton near the time of a Democratic primary in 2008, which would have violated Federal election law. SCOTUS declared the relevant portions of the law unconstitutional, and upheld the legality of the proposed broadcast. The Times argued, and continues to advocate, that the First Amendment does not and should not apply to corporations.
The Times, and most media organizations, are corporations. The Times regularly publishes political advocacy at election time, and considers this part of its mission. It would be impossible to restrict the speech of Citizens United without also restricting the Times, and the SCOTUS decision implicitly acknowledges this.
The enemy of free speech and press is not Mr. Trump, it is politically correct liberals themselves.
Times editorial board: you have met the enemy and it is you.
I speak of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizens United case, in which the free speech rights of a corporate organization, Citizens United, were upheld by SCOTUS. The Times, and many others, have strongly objected to this decision, and lobbied strongly and frequently to have it overturned. In fact, about a year ago, then candidate Hillary Clinton promised to make amending the Constitution (gutting the First Amendment) a priority.
Citizen United is a right-leaning political advocacy organization that wished to broadcast a program critical of Ms. Clinton near the time of a Democratic primary in 2008, which would have violated Federal election law. SCOTUS declared the relevant portions of the law unconstitutional, and upheld the legality of the proposed broadcast. The Times argued, and continues to advocate, that the First Amendment does not and should not apply to corporations.
The Times, and most media organizations, are corporations. The Times regularly publishes political advocacy at election time, and considers this part of its mission. It would be impossible to restrict the speech of Citizens United without also restricting the Times, and the SCOTUS decision implicitly acknowledges this.
The enemy of free speech and press is not Mr. Trump, it is politically correct liberals themselves.
Times editorial board: you have met the enemy and it is you.
18
Baloney, Alex. The "Citizens United" decision held that money contributed to election campaigns is a kind of "free speech" and so can't be restricted. Newspapers publish opinions, they don't make unlimited (or any) campaign contributions of money. By whatever twisted logic the Supreme Court may have used at various times, corporations are not in fact people, and money isn't speech.
To claim that Trump isn't the enemy of free speech and the free press is an astounding bit of sophistry.
To claim that Trump isn't the enemy of free speech and the free press is an astounding bit of sophistry.
6
Bob, I respectfully think you're incorrect. The Citizens United decision is about speech (the word "communication" appears frequently in the decision), not about campaign contributions.
I'm not a lawyer. To be fair, there probably is a simplification or flaw in my argument, in that the law sometimes tries to distinguish between media corporations such as the Times and other corporations. But there's only so much one can say in a 1500 character comment, and with big corporations owning little ones, I don't think such distinctions are practical. My argument is: freedom of speech and the press are essential to our democracy, especially political speech. The Citizens' United decision upholds this thesis, and the the Times' opposition to Citizens United is, to me and many others, unfathomable. Freedom of speech of the press are only meaningful if they applies to (almost) all speech.
I'm not a lawyer. To be fair, there probably is a simplification or flaw in my argument, in that the law sometimes tries to distinguish between media corporations such as the Times and other corporations. But there's only so much one can say in a 1500 character comment, and with big corporations owning little ones, I don't think such distinctions are practical. My argument is: freedom of speech and the press are essential to our democracy, especially political speech. The Citizens' United decision upholds this thesis, and the the Times' opposition to Citizens United is, to me and many others, unfathomable. Freedom of speech of the press are only meaningful if they applies to (almost) all speech.
When the Times editorial board decides to give $5 million or $5 to a political PAC to support one candidate over another, then you can call them hypocrites for rightly citing the ridiculousness of citizen's united and its affront to a free and open election. Citizens united has nothing to do with the exercise of free speech in the context you present, giving an endorsement to a political candidate. It's all about buying elections.
2
Our 3 branches of govt were created by our Constitution to be a checks and balances system that works as long as each branch and a free and independent press have enough strength to work with and stand up to the other branches. A continual tug of war among various interests is meant to move us forward, allowing us to adapt our rules to meet an ever-changing world.
It has survived incompetent presidents, weak legislatures, corrupt administrations, short-sighted and self-protective Supreme Courts, yellow journalism.
But, have we ever had the current confluence of an ignorant president who toadies to foreign dictators while attacking our strongest allies, an administration so potentially corrupt that it has been under FBI investigation from the day it took office, a divided Congress incapable of speaking truth to power or protecting the very citizens it represents, a pathetically predictable, politicized Supreme Court, and a media starkly divided between fact and fiction?
Will our nation withstand this onslaught of ignorance, corruption, division, politicization, lack of trust, and possible treason? Will we keep electing men and women who chip away at our freedoms and transfer national resources to the pockets of wealthiest and most powerful?
Will we use our votes to safeguard our liberty from the powerful, wealthy, and ignorant who would take it from us? It is our choice, this liberty, that we celebrate this weekend.
It has survived incompetent presidents, weak legislatures, corrupt administrations, short-sighted and self-protective Supreme Courts, yellow journalism.
But, have we ever had the current confluence of an ignorant president who toadies to foreign dictators while attacking our strongest allies, an administration so potentially corrupt that it has been under FBI investigation from the day it took office, a divided Congress incapable of speaking truth to power or protecting the very citizens it represents, a pathetically predictable, politicized Supreme Court, and a media starkly divided between fact and fiction?
Will our nation withstand this onslaught of ignorance, corruption, division, politicization, lack of trust, and possible treason? Will we keep electing men and women who chip away at our freedoms and transfer national resources to the pockets of wealthiest and most powerful?
Will we use our votes to safeguard our liberty from the powerful, wealthy, and ignorant who would take it from us? It is our choice, this liberty, that we celebrate this weekend.
12
Trump should visit the Newseum in order to learn first hand about the historical importance of the free press. It is right in his DC backyard!
http://www.newseum.org/
http://www.newseum.org/
6
Hard to get too concerned for a business which buys ink by the barrel.
4
"Buys ink by the barrel ... " ... so do -- or did -- "Pravda" and "Izvestia". And "Voelkischer Beobachter".
The current administration accuses the press of lies and fake news. When reporters lie, they get fired. If you fired every liar in this White House you would no longer need the Secret Service and could hear a pin drop.
16
He's at it again, trying to get traction with a new acronym - #FNN. Remember all the other catch-phrases he's used? Crooked Hillary, Lyin' Ted, Little Marco, Build the Wall, Drain the Swamp, MAGA, etc. I think that's pretty much all he knows, how to get people to latch onto a new name/definition/slogan, and then repeat it a thousand times until it sticks. That's his con, and much to my absolute disgust it's worked pretty effectively for him so far.
10
So Trump wants to turn America into Turkey, to attack everyone who is competent and keep threatening them with exclusion or jail. Disparaging the media is the beginning. But until he has the armed forces turn on us, Trump is just a distraction. I don't listen to a thing he says, it's only lies. I wish the press would do the same - boycott his silly meetings and press conferences. Really, it's not about him, it's about Congress. Understand the damage they are doing, learn from our mistakes, come out and vote.
11
I completely agree. A great place to start would be to stop following him on Twitter.
For over two years now Trump has been spitting in the media's face and they in return have been complaining that it was raining.
To gain back their ability to do their job they should start covering this president as the mental case that he is and not as a sane person who can somehow recover on his own and become a functioning leader.
What is needed is a professional evaluation of his state of mind, intervention options, legal ways to limit his ability to execute potentially dangerous military operations and in effect take away his power to govern.
This is not a coupe. This is the press using all the tools available to them to expose what is now a clear and present danger and explore ways to prevent a mad man from completing what he has already started, the destruction of America as we know it.
To gain back their ability to do their job they should start covering this president as the mental case that he is and not as a sane person who can somehow recover on his own and become a functioning leader.
What is needed is a professional evaluation of his state of mind, intervention options, legal ways to limit his ability to execute potentially dangerous military operations and in effect take away his power to govern.
This is not a coupe. This is the press using all the tools available to them to expose what is now a clear and present danger and explore ways to prevent a mad man from completing what he has already started, the destruction of America as we know it.
5
The NYT conveniently forgot how CNN just pulled an article attacking Trump admitting it had no truth to it a week or two ago.
As long as the awful NYT continues to espouse its lunatic support for open borders, where the middle class US taxpayer is required to pay higher taxes to support the cheap labor of corporate america and cheap votes of the disgusting national democratic party, they are in no position whatsoever to complain about anything Trump says or does.
As long as the awful NYT continues to espouse its lunatic support for open borders, where the middle class US taxpayer is required to pay higher taxes to support the cheap labor of corporate america and cheap votes of the disgusting national democratic party, they are in no position whatsoever to complain about anything Trump says or does.
9
@bob jones conveniently forgot that CNN never said they story was "false". They said it was not properly vetted by their standards prior to publication. Big difference. I guess this makes your comment "false".
4
I probably read 20 accounts of the CNN situation in the NY Times since the three reporters were forced to resign. In fact, that's how I found out about it. One of the big problems with the president and his supporters is the cherry picking of facts to represent a trend or to damn everything. In what bizzarro world does a news organization retracting one of hundreds of stories, firing the reporters, not for inaccuracy but for not following procedure, serve as evidence that the mainstream media is corrupt? I think it all started with Reagan and his racist tarring of everyone receiving government assistance as flouting the system and living like a queen. If any reasonable person were to take sides over who was playing more loosely with the truth I'm not sure they would pick the side that takes accountability for mistakes done in the honest pursuit of facts over those that routinely make up alternative facts.
20
Looking forward to July 4th celebrations and expect to see all those Trump lemmings who support his views on the press crowing about all the freedoms they enjoy in the good old USA.
3
What 'independent press'?
NYT. WaPo. AP and others did not acknowledge other side of Sarin gas attack claims...that it did not happen.
A discussion should have ensued in real 'free' press'
Not admin sycophantocracy.
NYT. WaPo. AP and others did not acknowledge other side of Sarin gas attack claims...that it did not happen.
A discussion should have ensued in real 'free' press'
Not admin sycophantocracy.
7
How, indeed, can we celebrate in this climate. HELP
4
make no mistake about it reporting news is different than partisan attacks some without merit making the entire journalistic effort questionable. The media tends to be liberal bias but under the new administration it is off kilter and that is the main issue. Even moderates who consume news from all platforms can question the legitimacy of the press when it has a strong bias. In my opinion there is a difference between reporting the news and selectively reporting the news for sensationalism and monetary gain.
6
Trump's assaults on the First Amendment are very disturbing, as is the growing inclination of this administraytion to govern in secret. When our Secretary of State and Defense Secretary travel abroad without an accompanying press corps how are we to know what they are doing on our behalf -- or not? Lack of transparency is the beginning of dictatorship.
15
Eight years of press freedom under Obama and fat good it did to the country. Endless fawning, endorsing, looking the other way, when it ought to have been vigorous questioning and re-questioning of what's turned out to be the worst-ever presidency in US history.
If you're serious, you'll pull numbers on critical NYT Op-Eds under Obama. Headline story if you find more than five.
What Obama lacked in action (everything) he made up with rhetoric and charm, and the press bought it hook, line and sinker. What Trump lacks in words, he more than makes up with action, and his supporters buy it h, l, s. Guess who wins? No wonder Trump gets to rule like royalty. Who wouldn't? Ahh, yes, the Press. Let's get to that after they've cleaned houses (sorry, laying of copy editors doesn't cut it).
If you're serious, you'll pull numbers on critical NYT Op-Eds under Obama. Headline story if you find more than five.
What Obama lacked in action (everything) he made up with rhetoric and charm, and the press bought it hook, line and sinker. What Trump lacks in words, he more than makes up with action, and his supporters buy it h, l, s. Guess who wins? No wonder Trump gets to rule like royalty. Who wouldn't? Ahh, yes, the Press. Let's get to that after they've cleaned houses (sorry, laying of copy editors doesn't cut it).
7
The key, and telling phrase here, is "worst- ever presidency in US history." That was said a lot during the the Obama administration by the minority of the country that didn't support him. First of all, it completely guts your argument. You either have no knowledge of American history, including the presidencies of James Buchanan or Andrew Johnson or Richard Nixon or George W, Bush or several others who might qualify. Secondly, and I think more truthfully, you aim it at the country's first black president. Somehow, any of his failings are much worse because he's black. You will probably vociferously deny being racist, but by now that phrase is dog whistle, a code. If you think otherwise, prove your case with some real evidence as to the terrible effects the Obama presidency supposedly had.
1
@Reva
You're right, race did play a big part, but only to shield Obama from rigorous scrutiny by the press, mainly because they were too afraid of being called racist. So they did better, heaped praise on Obama at every corner, endorsed his every (non)action, ensured they were always in full admiration of the emperor's clothes.
All those years of self-deception and frustrated fear of being labeled racist is now gushing out in Trump's direction. Clearly the press would much rather call racism out than defend being accused of practising racism, even if falsely.
Trump suffers from no such issues, and neither does this commenter. As for proving how terrible Obama the president was, that horse has been flogged and adjudicated in the 2016 election, no need to rehash it again. We should be able to agree he's in the all time top five worst, and leave open whether Trump will make the all time top five best (I think so).
You're right, race did play a big part, but only to shield Obama from rigorous scrutiny by the press, mainly because they were too afraid of being called racist. So they did better, heaped praise on Obama at every corner, endorsed his every (non)action, ensured they were always in full admiration of the emperor's clothes.
All those years of self-deception and frustrated fear of being labeled racist is now gushing out in Trump's direction. Clearly the press would much rather call racism out than defend being accused of practising racism, even if falsely.
Trump suffers from no such issues, and neither does this commenter. As for proving how terrible Obama the president was, that horse has been flogged and adjudicated in the 2016 election, no need to rehash it again. We should be able to agree he's in the all time top five worst, and leave open whether Trump will make the all time top five best (I think so).
1
Freedom, Democracy, Justice, and Equality go hand in hand with a free and a effective press. Without a free press to hold our leaders accountable there is no Freedom; no Democracy; no Justice; and no hope for Equality.
A free press is a bedrock principle within our Constitution. An assault on the freedom of the press is an assault on everything this nation believes in and stands for. It is a direct attack on the survival of our nation as surely as if an enemy launched and invasion. In this day and age, as we celebrate the founding of our nation it is especially tragic that the greatest threat to the future of nation is from its president.
A free press is a bedrock principle within our Constitution. An assault on the freedom of the press is an assault on everything this nation believes in and stands for. It is a direct attack on the survival of our nation as surely as if an enemy launched and invasion. In this day and age, as we celebrate the founding of our nation it is especially tragic that the greatest threat to the future of nation is from its president.
5
And yet, Trump has spent a lifetime honing the skills he is now employing on social media and the bully pulpit to turn reality on its head and gull the gullible. As P.T. Barnum is reported to have said, there is a sucker born every day.
What is so appalling is the willingness of otherwise powerful people to politely titter at Trump's rambling, nonsensical bantering at official WH meetings. You would think that his obvious vacuous ignorance would be more alarming than humorous to these people. Apparently not as the hypnotic power of proximity to the President clouds their judgment and makes fools of them.
Only Trump can bring down Trump.
What is so appalling is the willingness of otherwise powerful people to politely titter at Trump's rambling, nonsensical bantering at official WH meetings. You would think that his obvious vacuous ignorance would be more alarming than humorous to these people. Apparently not as the hypnotic power of proximity to the President clouds their judgment and makes fools of them.
Only Trump can bring down Trump.
85
We should use reason to fight fire, and stoop to the eye for eye mentality that makes Saudi Arabia a pariah, a hater of free speech and suppressor of rights. I agree on all parts but we can't stoop Trump's level; we can blaze a fire against him but let it not be the same fire of petty hatred and ignorance that burns in him.
This absurd, horrifying scenario gives us moderns a glimpse of what the dynamic was in the courts of medieval kings.
Every day in every way, trump defiles the oval office.
8
Trump has built his empire and image on years and years of lies --does it really come as a shock to any thinking person that the the free press, dedicated to telling the truth, is his arch enemy??? Come on folks, let's get real!
Trump's role model is his Vladimir " Propaganda" Putin, a former KGB agent, kleptocrat, authoritarian master manipulator who masterminded a plot to undermine Hilary's bid for the presidency and install his counterpart in the White House.
Every day I marvel at and am so grateful for the courage and sheer chutzpah the NYT shows as it relentlessly publishes article after article that asks basically the same question: What has America done to itself by electing this scary, destructive bully as the President who is clearly out to destroy our democracy while making himself the richest man in the world?
Trump's role model is his Vladimir " Propaganda" Putin, a former KGB agent, kleptocrat, authoritarian master manipulator who masterminded a plot to undermine Hilary's bid for the presidency and install his counterpart in the White House.
Every day I marvel at and am so grateful for the courage and sheer chutzpah the NYT shows as it relentlessly publishes article after article that asks basically the same question: What has America done to itself by electing this scary, destructive bully as the President who is clearly out to destroy our democracy while making himself the richest man in the world?
8
It is one thing when the President puts for a rational, fact based opinion and the press responds in kind. But Trump pushes back by simply lying or quoting things which he or his right wing apologists have fabricated. That is less like a conversation and more like talking to someone who is mentally ill.
I am having a hard time celebrating this Fourth, since I think that the US is under attack from within and is more vulnerable than I have ever seen it during my lifetime. We have never been conquered from without but it looks like we can be successfully conquered from within.
I am having a hard time celebrating this Fourth, since I think that the US is under attack from within and is more vulnerable than I have ever seen it during my lifetime. We have never been conquered from without but it looks like we can be successfully conquered from within.
9
I would think that a president who violates his oath of office on a daily basis is guilty of a high crime. Why have an oath of office if it is not to be taken seriously? The oath is quite simple - "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
2
Trump has no clue what irony is. This man lies all of the time and yet he accuses the press of lying. Go figure.
2
What is also so pernicious is Trump's undermining of the press so that even if it remains essentially free, people wont believe it. Rather they will believe whatever the bully wants them to believe. This will be a giant step to moving us closer to a totalitarian regime.
3
With the quotes you have given, it's too bad that Donald Trump doesn't read the papers. You certainly won't find essays like this in Breitbart.
1
As strong as the right of a free press may be in America, there is no way the media can "convert" Trump's solid base to abandon him. The media message needs to stay strong while reporting his every word and act, good and bad, such that we know who to hold accountable when anything from health care, infrastructure, energy policy or international relations go south. Once folks feel it in their wallets, or have no health insurance, or have a local bridge fail, or see their sons go off to another war will the base begin to realize they have propped up an incoherent failure as president.
Or maybe the press, in the spirit of Watergate, finds that Russia emails-for-no sanctions smoking gun, and this national nightmare finishes up early with the Trump 737 flying off to some foreign destination carrying him and his family into exile.
Or maybe the press, in the spirit of Watergate, finds that Russia emails-for-no sanctions smoking gun, and this national nightmare finishes up early with the Trump 737 flying off to some foreign destination carrying him and his family into exile.
1
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
I believe President Trump has violated his oath by his consistent, unfounded, untrue, unsupported and politically based campaign to destroy the Constitutional free speech and the free press rights of the media - to use his powers as President to attempt to intimidate, discredit, threaten, isolate, refuse access, render impossible and otherwise violate those rights in violation of his duties under his sacred oath.
Many factual examples exist on the record; of name calling; branding the 4th estate the enemy of the people; of turning rally attendees against the media and encouraging threats and intimidation; of isolating them from conducting their business; of limiting access as normally defined; of reducing press conferences as normally conducted for public knowledge; of publicly shaming individual news outlets and specific reporters; of insulting the appearance or disability of specific reporters; of giving disparate access to channels based on their political affiliation; of granting news access to foreign reporters while denying it to American outlets etc.
He should be impeached and tried on his blatant violation of his sworn duties under his oath to preserve, protect - and defend - the 1st Amendment rights of a free press.
Gloves off.
I believe President Trump has violated his oath by his consistent, unfounded, untrue, unsupported and politically based campaign to destroy the Constitutional free speech and the free press rights of the media - to use his powers as President to attempt to intimidate, discredit, threaten, isolate, refuse access, render impossible and otherwise violate those rights in violation of his duties under his sacred oath.
Many factual examples exist on the record; of name calling; branding the 4th estate the enemy of the people; of turning rally attendees against the media and encouraging threats and intimidation; of isolating them from conducting their business; of limiting access as normally defined; of reducing press conferences as normally conducted for public knowledge; of publicly shaming individual news outlets and specific reporters; of insulting the appearance or disability of specific reporters; of giving disparate access to channels based on their political affiliation; of granting news access to foreign reporters while denying it to American outlets etc.
He should be impeached and tried on his blatant violation of his sworn duties under his oath to preserve, protect - and defend - the 1st Amendment rights of a free press.
Gloves off.
13
I am afraid that The Press needs to take a good look at itself and admit that it has, in many ways, simply given up on true journalism and now practices politics on every page.
Gone are the days of disinterested reporters calmly reporting the news, leaving their own feelings, politics, and opinions out of the stories they write. Gone is careful adherence to the Journalists' Code of Ethics.
CNN has actually been caught promoting what it knew to be false stories for ratings sake.
The front page of this newspaper is so openly politically biased that it reads like a paid political advertisement.
Only when the New York Times returns to the basic values of journalism it will have the right to decry criticism of the press -- today, these criticisms are valid and should act as a call for reform.
Gone are the days of disinterested reporters calmly reporting the news, leaving their own feelings, politics, and opinions out of the stories they write. Gone is careful adherence to the Journalists' Code of Ethics.
CNN has actually been caught promoting what it knew to be false stories for ratings sake.
The front page of this newspaper is so openly politically biased that it reads like a paid political advertisement.
Only when the New York Times returns to the basic values of journalism it will have the right to decry criticism of the press -- today, these criticisms are valid and should act as a call for reform.
16
SPOT ON!
The NY Times is so biased that it has become laughable. Their bias has crept into their news reporting, story placement etc.
It is disgraceful. I did not and do not support Donald Trump. I believe he is a buffoon.
The mainstream media had a large hand in getting him elected. I believe their blant bias led to a huge backlash.
The NY Times is so biased that it has become laughable. Their bias has crept into their news reporting, story placement etc.
It is disgraceful. I did not and do not support Donald Trump. I believe he is a buffoon.
The mainstream media had a large hand in getting him elected. I believe their blant bias led to a huge backlash.
Sadly, I see the support for the attack on a free press having its basis in the anti-intellectual sentiment rampant in the US right now. If someone publishes a report or a theory in the press or even in school textbooks that disagrees with a person's accepted knowledge, then it must be wrong. The natural logic of such an attitude is that such disagreeable reporting is wrong, and therefor a lie, and the publisher should be put out of business.
It's a wonderfully comforting position for people who glory in their ignorance, and for those who would take advantage of them.
It's a wonderfully comforting position for people who glory in their ignorance, and for those who would take advantage of them.
18
"Tax avoider"? Really? Donald Trump sure has gall accusing anyone else of avoiding taxes. But then he accepts responsibility for nothing at all negative (in his view).
8
people keep saying the president is a dolt. he may be. it has no bearing on his grasp of reality. he knows right where reality is. a couple weeks ago he had her locked up for spreading state secrets. what he does not know is that was only the young lady's name. he doesn't know reality for most thinking people is what they live daily. not what they see on tee vee. he cannot tell the difference. reminds me of madonna being accused of not really living unless it is on video. well the president thinks like that. the stunt yesterday was silly. he thinks it is correct for him to look like that. do not worry his feet are being shot daily.
3
As with just about everything else related to the Trump presidency, the answers can be found in an episode of The Simpsons. In this case, our lesson comes from the vignette "Attack of the 50 Foot Eyesores" from the 1995 episode "Tree House of Horrors VI". Go find it online, but when giant advertisements become alive and begin to destroy Springfield, they are defeated by ignoring them. The message is, "If you stop paying attention to the monsters, they'll lose their powers."
There is no reason why the media has to promote Trump as a brand, so stop giving him the attention he so desperately craves. Stop covering his administration's increasingly infrequent press briefings. Don't use his likeness and don't use his name. Refer to him generically as "the President" in reporting about him. You can report the administration's actions without promoting the administration.
There is no reason why the media has to promote Trump as a brand, so stop giving him the attention he so desperately craves. Stop covering his administration's increasingly infrequent press briefings. Don't use his likeness and don't use his name. Refer to him generically as "the President" in reporting about him. You can report the administration's actions without promoting the administration.
15
I'd be thrilled to see his likeness used less frequently.
3
Trump is an embarrassment to this country.
Colin Powell was right on target when he labeled Trump, as a National Disgrace, and an international pariah.
Colin Powell was right on target when he labeled Trump, as a National Disgrace, and an international pariah.
17
Every time Mr. Trump says "fake news", Mr Putin feels a tingle, a dollar is banked somewhere in Russia and a star falls off of a American flag somewhere.
Mr.Trump is a Fascist. It is a historical national embarrassment that he was able to get elected in the first place.
It clearly demonstrates a lack of any grasp of what the President's job is, that many Americans suffer from and how the cult of personality can pervade an electorate and influence decisions that should be made on the merit of the ideas they represent. That Trump was able to gain the presidency is a testament to P.T. Barnum.
Mr.Trump is a Fascist. It is a historical national embarrassment that he was able to get elected in the first place.
It clearly demonstrates a lack of any grasp of what the President's job is, that many Americans suffer from and how the cult of personality can pervade an electorate and influence decisions that should be made on the merit of the ideas they represent. That Trump was able to gain the presidency is a testament to P.T. Barnum.
12
With Trump in power, all democratic institutions are under siege today. It is metaphoric that a wounded bald eagle was just found in the capital right before the 4th of July. "So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late." Resist.
7
When a President declares war on our free press, he is declaring war on our Constitution, the very same Constitution he "swore" to uphold. He obviously doesn't think much about swearing his oath on a Bible, much less care what a sworn oath of office means. Everything about this man reeks of evil, of not caring about anyone but himself, and of hate for our institutions and our Country. He doesn't care of the example he sets for others including our children with his self glorifying acts of violence. Two news reporters were killed live on TV by a madman not too long ago. Their lives obviously means nothing to this man who would encourage more violence in our society. Our free press must confront this man for the evil and fraud that he is, expose him for all his misdeeds he has and will commit. In his mind, he is an Emperor who no one should questioned, but lavish praise on him as we saw his cabinet disgustingly do recently. In just six months, he has damaged our standing in the world, he has divided this nation, and has caused nothing but despair and confusion. This will pale by the damage he will do in 4 years. We must removed this man from office before that damage is done. Our free press as our fourth branch of government is what stands between him and a dictatorship and will stand up against this abomination since the two other branches of government are spineless and owned by this President.
13
What independent press? 90% of reporters vote democratic and this is obvious from their ledes. the latter 20th century would not nearly have been so difficult for many if a conservative viewpoint had been regularly presented. The facts of life are conservative, sorry to break it to you.
I enjoy seeing the old media collapse, they have lied to me and caused me to not understand the world. The conservative press explains things that accurately reflect the facts.
I enjoy seeing the old media collapse, they have lied to me and caused me to not understand the world. The conservative press explains things that accurately reflect the facts.
9
Sorry to hear you've lost touch with the facts, John. Your quest for certainty seems to have led you to think that what you want to hear is what the facts are. What you call conservative "explanations" may be comforting--some may be true to the facts, but they're not synonymous with what is factual. Thinking is not comfortable--it's why we call it thinking.
4
Really? The conservative press I read washed their hands of Donald Trump while he was still just a candidate. They haven't changed their minds yet. Maybe the "conservative" press you read is hyperpartisan rather than conservative.
8
What caused you to "not understand the world" was your own ignorance and lack of intellectual curiosity, not from any failure of the press.
1
Read, people, read. And read more from publishers of viewpoints different from your own. For as Jefferson wrote (thanks, famguardian.org), ""As for what is not true, you will always find abundance in the newspapers." --Thomas Jefferson to Barnabas Bidwell, 1806. ME 11:118"
"The public... say so from all quarters... that they wish to hear reason instead of disgusting blackguardism." --Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1799. ME 10:98
But also, he cautioned that readers must be educated so as to have the best chance for a successful "experiment"..."The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them." --Thomas Jefferson to Edward Carrington, 1787. ME 6:57
"The public... say so from all quarters... that they wish to hear reason instead of disgusting blackguardism." --Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1799. ME 10:98
But also, he cautioned that readers must be educated so as to have the best chance for a successful "experiment"..."The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them." --Thomas Jefferson to Edward Carrington, 1787. ME 6:57
6
The government without newspapers or newspapers without government quote was made BEFORE he was president. Once the press was attacking him, his opinion changed.
We are not far from a point at which we become a nation utterly divided in every respect. Trump, his adherents and the rest of the far right want to occupy a country democracy-supporting Americans won't recognize. So, for that matter, do some elements on the far left. If we continue on this path it won't be long before disintegration of the union of states or outright civil war develops.
4
Trump is a bona fide fruitcake. anybody to whom that is not obvious by now, supporters as well as detractors, is living in a fantasy about "the President" as in he cannot be totally crazy because, well he is the President.
all the policy nonsense is just words for him. he has no idea of the meaning of most of what he says or tweets - except for his perceived personal slights and insults from anybody who doubts that he is the smartest, bestest, nicest, guy who ever held the office of President of the United States... while simultaneously running the most successful business of nothing ever.
he needs serious help. but he won't be able to get help until he decides he needs it and truly wants to change. That's not going to happen. There are alternatives - that do NOT involve violence against him.
The future of the planet and of future generations depends upon his not continuing his krazy krusades, both personal and political.
all the policy nonsense is just words for him. he has no idea of the meaning of most of what he says or tweets - except for his perceived personal slights and insults from anybody who doubts that he is the smartest, bestest, nicest, guy who ever held the office of President of the United States... while simultaneously running the most successful business of nothing ever.
he needs serious help. but he won't be able to get help until he decides he needs it and truly wants to change. That's not going to happen. There are alternatives - that do NOT involve violence against him.
The future of the planet and of future generations depends upon his not continuing his krazy krusades, both personal and political.
5
Whilst the Times may have lacked objectivity when it came to Trump, his behavior made any but a far right publication cautious of supporting him or, for that matter, even extending credibility to the man or his campaign.
An arrogant pathological liar cannot be a good citizen, much less the nation's president.
An arrogant pathological liar cannot be a good citizen, much less the nation's president.
6
journalism has lost it's cred and Trump is rightfully pounding them for it i.e. 'drain the swamp' includes the media
5
The "swamp" has been drained- and he is filling it with the bones of Democracy.
I take it as a very good sign that the media is doing its job well, when someone like Trump complains about it. The louder he complains the more I know they are getting closer to the truth.
There was a recent retraction by CNN, which is also good to see because it reminds us that the press is not perfect and needs to continue to be self-policing in order to remain credible.
This 4th of July I will be celebrating our nation's true heritage including freedom of speech and freedom of the press and freedom of religion.
Happy Birthday America!
There was a recent retraction by CNN, which is also good to see because it reminds us that the press is not perfect and needs to continue to be self-policing in order to remain credible.
This 4th of July I will be celebrating our nation's true heritage including freedom of speech and freedom of the press and freedom of religion.
Happy Birthday America!
6
If the owner of Twitter and the rest of the print, TV, radio, social and electronic media declared a day off - nothing at all from them for 24 hours - perhaps this country and its citizens might get a taste of what life is like with no access to the real news - or baseball scores.
Shut it all down for 24 hours. Reporters stay at their desks. No interviews. Also no reports of shootings, subway or train derailments, plane crashes, graduations, retail sales, deaths ... no nothing. Just a great silence from our most precious institution - a free and independent press. Let the citizens get to feel what it was like in Nazi Germany, Stalin's USSR or Putin's Russia or any past and present dictatorship run by a ruthless tyrannical leader of no intellectual capacity but with a taste for power and all the money he and his family can steal.
Let the stock markets go silent, let movie reviews disappear, let tales of lost dogs who found their ways home vanish. Nothing. Silence, dark screens, no papers on newsstands, no texts on phones, no radio bulletins -- a total blackout . Let's do it and shut off the White House and the US Congress and every government agency from being seen and heard. Let it happen. And then let citizens think about what democracy is - and isn't. If we can't use this as a teachable moment for all of the USA then we are truly lost ... mired in the tangled, mangled thoughts and speech of a tin-pot dictator with small hands, orange hair and a frightened boy's pout.
Shut it all down for 24 hours. Reporters stay at their desks. No interviews. Also no reports of shootings, subway or train derailments, plane crashes, graduations, retail sales, deaths ... no nothing. Just a great silence from our most precious institution - a free and independent press. Let the citizens get to feel what it was like in Nazi Germany, Stalin's USSR or Putin's Russia or any past and present dictatorship run by a ruthless tyrannical leader of no intellectual capacity but with a taste for power and all the money he and his family can steal.
Let the stock markets go silent, let movie reviews disappear, let tales of lost dogs who found their ways home vanish. Nothing. Silence, dark screens, no papers on newsstands, no texts on phones, no radio bulletins -- a total blackout . Let's do it and shut off the White House and the US Congress and every government agency from being seen and heard. Let it happen. And then let citizens think about what democracy is - and isn't. If we can't use this as a teachable moment for all of the USA then we are truly lost ... mired in the tangled, mangled thoughts and speech of a tin-pot dictator with small hands, orange hair and a frightened boy's pout.
3
Look, Trump turns my stomach. I despise Fox, Alex Jones, the whole motley crew. But the Times is biased. And there's no arguing. The Times is biased. I happen to agree with the Times 99 times out of 100. But let's not pretend.
6
In any form of distribution of information there will always be bias - merely choosing what to report on introduces bias - and some people will see extreme bias where others see very little. The issue though, is freedom of the press. Where there is freedom of the press, opposing views from all sides can be brought to light, as they should be. To try to eliminate all bias from the press is, besides being impossible, a first step in eliminating its freedom.
4
I don't know which is worse. That Trump and his acolytes are steering this country toward authoritarianism or that 40% of the population thinks authoritarianism is a good idea. Trump "originalists" cling to their MAGA hats and blindly gut the Constitution with their eyes glued shut.
10
The Presidential Apprentice has reached the pinnacle of Trashy. Until the next stunt. Stay classy, Donald. We are all awed by your brilliance. NOT.
5
Explain how the "free press" is "under siege". Who has been arrested, put in jail or otherwise stopped? Unlike Obama, Trump had not tried to prosecute anyone who has published information obtained from leaks. What he is doing is complain about the very partisan MSM. I never heard these concerns regarding Obamas frequent complaints re Fox News.
7
The so called media brought this on themselves. Most main stream outlets are nothing more that propaganda arms of the democratic party and its embarrassing. Kudos to Mr. Trump for trying to wake up a society that is lazy and believes everything that they are spoon fed.
7
Just continue to look behind the obvious stupidities of the potus. What are the goals of the backers and enablers who have power in the government? What do they want to accomplish with this power? This is what is the most frightening on so many levels.
See the cabinet members and their agendas. See the erosion of real democracy as the games play out.
See the cabinet members and their agendas. See the erosion of real democracy as the games play out.
4
News organizations are not the fourth branch of the government and aught to stop acting as if they were. The Times pushes it's own agenda day by day and becomes increasingly irrelevant as a result. The elected government is in the process of cutting off the un-elected journalistic limb and no matter who is in office this will not change.
Stop whining and report the news.
Stop whining and report the news.
8
Though we do have an independent press, it is not represented by big commercial media, owned by a few biased giants and firmly "embedded" in the system with CIA influence. This is why the Times joins in the chorus of Russia-gate, why you trash independent candidates like Sanders and why you promote official narratives without adequate vetting or question. It is also why the actual independent press, sources like the Intercept and writers like Seymour Hersh are so vital. As s journalist for a local venue. I wrote about some of this recently -- https://almarkowitz.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-vital-necessity-of-truth.html.
2
Excellent article. Specifically the quotes from Franklin, Adams and Madison. Of course the people that need to understand these quotes the most will never read them. Even if reminded that Adolf Hitler was elected, as is Vladimir Putin and their policy was and is complete control of the press in their respective nations, Trump's core supporters and many Republicans who I thought would be horrified by these events will continue to support media suppression or simply call it fake news. The Trump administration doesn't like to answer uncomfortable questions or have any accountability to the very people they allegedly represent. White House press briefings, when they take place at all are laughable. Trump likes to operate with little or no transparency, much like he operated his businesses fraught with law suits, lies and cover-ups. The press has a duty to examine the President's mental health as well as his behavior while in the Oval Office and report on it. Although Abe Lincoln is credited with this quote and it's not clear if he actually said it, but it certainly applies here. "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Joseph Goebbels would be proud to serve in this administration as this is where we're headed. An authoritarian state where the White House determines what news is "fake" and what flatters the president. Scary times in the USA.
4
Courage is what will save us from the abomination that currently occupies the Oval Office. It may take a while longer, but I believe there are some good Republicans left that soon will say, "No more!"
1
Freedom of the Press, the First Amendment ,is under attack. Our democracy is imperiled. What to do? The 25th Amendment for the 45th President. Trump is eminently unqualified for the office of President of the USA. Mentally, morally,intellectually, an obvious malignant narcissist...the list goes on and on. The highest office in the land is occupied by the equivalent of a temper tantrum 5 year old screaming and stamping his foot. Our allies now trust the USA as much as Russia...a whopping 31%. The liar in chief and his toady cohorts (or ignoramuses) scream "Fake News" at the free press. The Fake News IS Trump.
Reality TV rules. Benjamin Franklin once wrote that he gave our national experiment about 250 years.....then, I guess, the rot sets in. Wake up, fellow citizens! Read reputable newspapers (NYT, Washington Post, The Guardian for foreign views). Call your Congress reps and Senators, put letters to the editors in your local papers, organize, get involved! "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing." Happy Birthday America!
Reality TV rules. Benjamin Franklin once wrote that he gave our national experiment about 250 years.....then, I guess, the rot sets in. Wake up, fellow citizens! Read reputable newspapers (NYT, Washington Post, The Guardian for foreign views). Call your Congress reps and Senators, put letters to the editors in your local papers, organize, get involved! "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing." Happy Birthday America!
4
Not so Happy 4th America?
We can wish Donald a Happy 25th!
We can wish Donald a Happy 25th!
4
So this attack consists of a) name calling, and b) refusing to answer any and all questions in any and all situations.
Dear Press: do your job. Stop whining. Get out there and hit the bricks instead of crying into your latte. If you'd been out there during the election, you wouldn't have been shocked and horrified by the result. You might even have helped prevent it. Look at an election map sometime. Even in the strongholds of the "right" politics - states like California - it was mainly the cities that voted for Hills while the rest of the state went for Trump. In California Proposition 8 went exactly the same way years earlier. Anybody with a brain could have seen the dichotomy, but it was too easy to just attend press conferences and regurgitate the party line.
Know thy real enemy: the guy in the mirror.
Dear Press: do your job. Stop whining. Get out there and hit the bricks instead of crying into your latte. If you'd been out there during the election, you wouldn't have been shocked and horrified by the result. You might even have helped prevent it. Look at an election map sometime. Even in the strongholds of the "right" politics - states like California - it was mainly the cities that voted for Hills while the rest of the state went for Trump. In California Proposition 8 went exactly the same way years earlier. Anybody with a brain could have seen the dichotomy, but it was too easy to just attend press conferences and regurgitate the party line.
Know thy real enemy: the guy in the mirror.
4
The very best, and only, solution is for the world's Independent Press to keep on reporting truth. If they have the patience, and if the readers have the patience, truth will prevail. But likely at a pace unsatisfactory to many. Freedom still rings, though muted by our Oval Office Occupant............
6
There is not one person working in the Federal Government that would not have been fired for continuing to send out these creepy tweets during their work hours or on government phones or computers.
4
Trump has captured the independent press because it headlines every little imbecilic action he does, all of which are meant to distract us from the real issues of the day. He is manipulating the press and the press falls for it every time.
3
Perhaps the NYTimes should look inwards in their quest to determine why the press is "under siege". I nearly cancelled my subscription yesterday when I was presented with a front page article about a WWF meme the President posted on Twitter. Why do I care? This isn't journalism. Anyone with a twitter account can see this for themselves. If you're going to dedicate front page space to this garbage then expect to lose credibility, even among your long-time subscribers. Did you seriously think that there wasn't even one other compelling story yesterday that could have taken the headline space?
5
I think the distinction between "the Press" and "the Media" has become blurred. In the President's mind, I think, traditional news outlets such as the NYT and WSJ are no different than cable news outlets or cable television in general. Trump, I believe, thinks in terms of "theatre" rather than "truth."
Long before the debut of cable TV, Richard Nixon proclaimed: "TV news is to journalism what bumper stickers are to philosophy." I think Tricky Dick had a point that has become truer than ever.
Long before the debut of cable TV, Richard Nixon proclaimed: "TV news is to journalism what bumper stickers are to philosophy." I think Tricky Dick had a point that has become truer than ever.
6
Excellent point.
1
The American press died long ago when the product being delivered changed from information to entertainment.
2
Hmm, off the top of my head, three wrestlers from the NYT that have done REAL, not FAKE, harm:
Weapons of Mass Destruction!
Mission Accomplished!
Hands Up Don't Shoot!
Chew on the Americans and Iraqis you have helped kill with your " independent reporting" this July 4 and maybe, just maybe, you'll see why more people are laughing at Trump's silly video than singing your praises.
Weapons of Mass Destruction!
Mission Accomplished!
Hands Up Don't Shoot!
Chew on the Americans and Iraqis you have helped kill with your " independent reporting" this July 4 and maybe, just maybe, you'll see why more people are laughing at Trump's silly video than singing your praises.
3
First of all anything Trump or others say or post in response to an opinion spewed by CNN or others is not an assault on the First Amendment; rather it is an expression of said amendment. Trump is not stopping Mika and Joe from ranting their bile. He's just responding in kind. Frankly I think that's the way it should be and shows that the First Amendment is alive and well.
4
Our current "president" is a pathological liar. I'm not sure what the all the reasons are for that but he is.
Support the press by telling and reminding everybody you can that he lies almost uncontrollably and almost non-stop.
That truth about this regrettable person will be one of the greatest things you can do for a free and independent press these days. And of course read and pay for the good journalism you read.
But one thing is clear and true and that Trump is a pathological liar.
Support the press by telling and reminding everybody you can that he lies almost uncontrollably and almost non-stop.
That truth about this regrettable person will be one of the greatest things you can do for a free and independent press these days. And of course read and pay for the good journalism you read.
But one thing is clear and true and that Trump is a pathological liar.
4
Journalists have a code of conduct and legitimate journalists ground their work in ethics and a commitment to facts . Gutter journalists disgrace their profession and pander to propagandists. We are so fortunate to have a free press which has helped us to correct our errors and build a strong, resilient country. Trump endangers our security by attacking the press and undermining the first amendment. He should never have been elected; he should be impeached. At the very least he should be censured by both houses of Congress for his disgraceful undermining of the nation's fundamental security, peace and freedom.
3
Let's not forget the independent press was never critical and neither was it a bulwark to the lie that was being fed to the American people on a daily basis prior to the Afghanistan & Iraq wars. The recent developments in Syria have demonstrated that the NYT & the rest of the media no longer offer another antiwar point of view. Your editorial board furthermore published an article based on an insane theory on the reason why Assad used sarin gas. The twisted use of logic to demonize him was pathetically laughable. So let's be honest & not feign naiveté. This "independent press" which you so highly elevate also serves as the mouthpiece to the military industrial complex regardless of any opinion spewing out of the mouth of a mentally deficient president.
4
The US press isn't "free" it's owned by the establishment, it pushes narratives and journalists exist in the Beltway bubble, venerating the power brokers they rub shoulders with. It's obsessed with access and court gossip, and purposely dismissive of voices outside the narrow spectrum of accepted wisdom. It's peopled by the same narcissists who seek power and is largely ignorant of ordinary Americans in flyover country and their struggles in a country ruled by, and for, oligarchs. That's why the 2016 election results took the entire media establishment by surprise.
George Orwell defined news as that which powerful people do not wish you to know. The US media is the polar opposite: its about what powerful people want you to believe, and about ignoring what they want us to ignore: the wholesale failure of foreign interventionist wars, the corruption of the political process by corporate lobbying, the economic war waged by the rich and powerful against the poor and powerless.
REAL journalists are those who get their phones and laptops confiscated at US airports, or are jailed or harassed for the crime of undermining these narratives. They don't get to appear on Sunday morning shows or get invited to the White House Corespondents Dinner.
George Orwell defined news as that which powerful people do not wish you to know. The US media is the polar opposite: its about what powerful people want you to believe, and about ignoring what they want us to ignore: the wholesale failure of foreign interventionist wars, the corruption of the political process by corporate lobbying, the economic war waged by the rich and powerful against the poor and powerless.
REAL journalists are those who get their phones and laptops confiscated at US airports, or are jailed or harassed for the crime of undermining these narratives. They don't get to appear on Sunday morning shows or get invited to the White House Corespondents Dinner.
5
The real story is how several mainstream news organizations have turned so expressly partisan like they are in the U.K. There should be some analysis of this trend. From Fox News to the Washington Post to MSNBC, nowadays you know your news has a slant--and not just in the opinion section.
38
False equivalency
2
Yes, every story has a slant. I wonder how it would be possible to report without a slant. Stories and/or news inherently are slanted before published or aired.
I think some of us think the greater problem is the use of false equivalencies as a tactic to minimize the partisanship of a story. That hasn't worked well at all.
Finally, even if it were possible to neutralize a story, the reader will inject their partisan thoughts anyway. By the same token, ultimately, the reader or the viewer must do their own due diligence and hone their critical thinking skills or succumb to willful ignorance.
I think some of us think the greater problem is the use of false equivalencies as a tactic to minimize the partisanship of a story. That hasn't worked well at all.
Finally, even if it were possible to neutralize a story, the reader will inject their partisan thoughts anyway. By the same token, ultimately, the reader or the viewer must do their own due diligence and hone their critical thinking skills or succumb to willful ignorance.
1
You seem to be deploying a Trumpian diversionary tactic -- the topic of this piece was Trump's unseemly attacks on reporters -- put in a context of how past presidents viewed criticism of them in the press -- but you allege that this story is somehow not the "real" story.
The George W. Bush quote with which this piece ends puts the lie to your comment.
The George W. Bush quote with which this piece ends puts the lie to your comment.
"Democracy" defined as "majority rule" or "rule by referendum" is tyranny of the majority--as the "Federalist Papers" argued. It's rule by the ignorant and incompetent--or to put it mildly--the uninformed.
"Rule by the people" is even worse. Which people? All government is rule of some by others. "Self government" is nonsense except as metaphor. Even individual "self control" presumes a bifurcation of the person--Reason over passion, for example.
Thus the separation of powers--executive, legislative, judiciary--partially separated, partially integrated, as supreme court appointments show. A little like double entry bookkeeping--it catches some mistakes, but not all.
The feudal "estates of the realm" clergy, nobles, commoners were facets of a mythical political world. Clergy supposedly interpreting a god's authorization of kings and noble land-lords to rule commoners--those without great private wealth--relegated to public lands.
The "fourth estate" is a much a facet of political reality as the others. It is the interpreter--the go between--the governed and the government as well as the branches of government. Otherwise the left hand needn't know what the right is doing.
Since Res-publica--public reality--is a social construction, the fourth estate is no mere spectator; it's a a creator of that reality--not THAT it is, but WHAT it is.
Marketers want to be gods--creating their own public image. But that's another form of tyranny--like divine right.
"Rule by the people" is even worse. Which people? All government is rule of some by others. "Self government" is nonsense except as metaphor. Even individual "self control" presumes a bifurcation of the person--Reason over passion, for example.
Thus the separation of powers--executive, legislative, judiciary--partially separated, partially integrated, as supreme court appointments show. A little like double entry bookkeeping--it catches some mistakes, but not all.
The feudal "estates of the realm" clergy, nobles, commoners were facets of a mythical political world. Clergy supposedly interpreting a god's authorization of kings and noble land-lords to rule commoners--those without great private wealth--relegated to public lands.
The "fourth estate" is a much a facet of political reality as the others. It is the interpreter--the go between--the governed and the government as well as the branches of government. Otherwise the left hand needn't know what the right is doing.
Since Res-publica--public reality--is a social construction, the fourth estate is no mere spectator; it's a a creator of that reality--not THAT it is, but WHAT it is.
Marketers want to be gods--creating their own public image. But that's another form of tyranny--like divine right.
1
Republicans equal treason, whether they are directly performing the treasonous acts or suborning those same-said acts. These are the same Republicans, who denied a sitting President an opportunity to have his U.S. Supreme Court nominee voted on, via the Constitutional process. The Republican, cherry-picking Constitutionalist have made quite clear they despise the United States Constitution they had sworn to uphold, except for their absolutist definition of the 2nd Amendment. It is the Republicans in general and not just Trump, which are the problem.
10
It's an infamy to call the Alien and Sedition Acts a momentary stumble. Espionage acts and anti-immigration bills are recurring features of US political history, and are symptomatic of elite authoritarianism itself and it's imperative to divide, distract, and demoralize the public who (usually unbeknown to itself) is its greatest enemy.
To call the Alien and Sedition acts a momentary stumble is to reinforce one of the most dangerous elements of American mythology: the idea that democracy has always been an integral part of our republic instead of an often bloody process that has seen the majority of its victories only since the Depression/WWII era. This mythology is like a numbing agent that makes us oblivious to the painful reality that democratic institutions have always been fragile - and are now under a potent multipronged attack by the worst elements of our society.
To call the Alien and Sedition acts a momentary stumble is to reinforce one of the most dangerous elements of American mythology: the idea that democracy has always been an integral part of our republic instead of an often bloody process that has seen the majority of its victories only since the Depression/WWII era. This mythology is like a numbing agent that makes us oblivious to the painful reality that democratic institutions have always been fragile - and are now under a potent multipronged attack by the worst elements of our society.
5
Perhaps if the press stopped covering Trump's disturbing tweets, maybe he would wither up and blow away.
3
Boo-ho! The liberal media is finally getting a taste of its own medicine. I'm sorry, are we supposed to feel sorry for The NY Times and all the other dishonest media outlets because our President is calling them out for who they truly are?
5
Thanks to Jared, whose comment has highlighted the basic problem Trump supporter have; a denial of fact to favor the fictional narrative heralding their leader. Have we witnessed this in North Korea ?
2
The NYT and WP, and even CNN do a good job, but too often focus on opinion and sensational tweets which can appear to be one sided. Do not get me wrong, I agree that the tweets are "presidential" statements and should be reported. The most balanced converage is almost always to be found at NPR and on PBS. Please do not forget how important these sources are to all of America. That is why funding of public broadcasting is to critical to our demoncracy.
I read the NYT every day, and I love the New Yorker, but for views that are often left out, I turn to NPR. Trump is cynically trying to undermine free speech to distract attention from the fact that the Republican agenda has nothing to do with the empty promises he made to his angry base. Trump seeks to stoke his childish need for endless adoration.
Keep up the good work and never back down, Most important, continue to cover the investigation into collusion and corruption and follow the money. It is going to be a long hard slog. Happy 4ht!
I read the NYT every day, and I love the New Yorker, but for views that are often left out, I turn to NPR. Trump is cynically trying to undermine free speech to distract attention from the fact that the Republican agenda has nothing to do with the empty promises he made to his angry base. Trump seeks to stoke his childish need for endless adoration.
Keep up the good work and never back down, Most important, continue to cover the investigation into collusion and corruption and follow the money. It is going to be a long hard slog. Happy 4ht!
7
Like a cockroach, he runs from the light.
5
The question to the American people is: When has this "independent press" held strong anti-war, anti-militaristic stance after 1980? When? The "independent press" has done everything to further the cause of our military industrial complex. The latest articles & editorial opinions on Syria are proof. All you have to do is read the NYT. On the questionable sarin attack which still hasn't been proven who was behind it, the NYT gives full editorial coverage on the twisted, self-destructive logic that may be behind Assad's thinking & full coverage on the victims. One week later a suicide bomber triples the number of children casualties during an evacuation, very little coverage pointing the finger that the murderers are on our side. Any intelligent person with one iota of critical thinking clearly sees the bias. So then, why should we believe the NYT & the rest of the so-called "independent press" where they seem to be independent from all the other branches of government except the CIA & the Pentagon? Are we to conclude that they are actually the ones running our country & not the mentally deficient oaf in the White House?
4
Trump has a right to push back. That is truly the meaning of free speech.
You (the press) must be able to take what you give. You've gotten to used to having the last word.
Mr. Rutenberg's story is laughable. This is the kind of story that might have set off the democratic shooter at the Congressional baseball game. Did you ever think of that? Calm down. This is not Russia. No journalist is going to go missing or murdered.
Now for Mika and Joe. They love to be around power. They never missed a party at Mar-A-Lago, but they bashed Trump for months on end. Mika banned Kelly Anne Conway from the show. Is that American?
Now for CNN. The silence has been deafening in their response to false stories being filed. And the video Trump did is amusing clever. Not a threat to their lives.
Good try Mr. Rutenberg. But no cigar.
You (the press) must be able to take what you give. You've gotten to used to having the last word.
Mr. Rutenberg's story is laughable. This is the kind of story that might have set off the democratic shooter at the Congressional baseball game. Did you ever think of that? Calm down. This is not Russia. No journalist is going to go missing or murdered.
Now for Mika and Joe. They love to be around power. They never missed a party at Mar-A-Lago, but they bashed Trump for months on end. Mika banned Kelly Anne Conway from the show. Is that American?
Now for CNN. The silence has been deafening in their response to false stories being filed. And the video Trump did is amusing clever. Not a threat to their lives.
Good try Mr. Rutenberg. But no cigar.
4
Clever? Low bar.
Trump of course has a right to defend himself, but his mentor was Roy Cohn, whose approach to the press was "attack, attack, attack."
Attempting to undermine the press simply because the press calls Trump out when he lies, is UnAmerican. Though we must recognize that Roy Cohn was a great abuser of that notion, when he played the attack dog for Sen. Joe McCarthy.
Attempting to undermine the press simply because the press calls Trump out when he lies, is UnAmerican. Though we must recognize that Roy Cohn was a great abuser of that notion, when he played the attack dog for Sen. Joe McCarthy.
2
Akin the great Wizard of OZ, Trump fears a free press that always wants to know what's behind the curtain.
7
Single party rule on the right is a dictatorship. T can do nothing wrong.
Democrats are pathetic at all levels but especially now as they hope for the SS Trump to sink.
So you have a Fascist Dictatorship and little power otherwise. America shows how it is like any other 2-bit Democracy.
Democrats are pathetic at all levels but especially now as they hope for the SS Trump to sink.
So you have a Fascist Dictatorship and little power otherwise. America shows how it is like any other 2-bit Democracy.
4
I am embarrassed and feel guilty. I have Trump fatigue.
Being in a constant state of outrage, aghast at our inability to get this pestilence out of Washington I have decided to ignore as much as possible the constant onslaught. Although I still send them money I've unsubscribed from the ACLU, SPLC, Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood etc.
Got rid of the TV and minimize my examination of the only news organization I trust to give me 99% of the truth, the NYT.
Its a matter of mental survival. I miss being able to smile without being sarcastic.
Being in a constant state of outrage, aghast at our inability to get this pestilence out of Washington I have decided to ignore as much as possible the constant onslaught. Although I still send them money I've unsubscribed from the ACLU, SPLC, Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood etc.
Got rid of the TV and minimize my examination of the only news organization I trust to give me 99% of the truth, the NYT.
Its a matter of mental survival. I miss being able to smile without being sarcastic.
3
It's odd that he continues to tells us on twitter he's the president, and we're not. Who's getting the therapy here?
Is he in fact in total disbelief he could possibly be president? Is all the time wasted on twitter actually about he knows he's far too unsuited for this job---and twitter bullying makes him feel better about that?
Or the fact he's doing nothing about improving the security & integrity of our election systems? And doesn't want to. And is meeting with Hacker Putin soon?
What's under attack are facts about his many shortcomings & incompetence. The strongly unfolding ties to Russia with so many of his closest staff.
P.S. Reminding the entire world that he's long associated with the fakery of studio wrestling was yet one more enormous error in judgment.
And it wasn't the press who said he knew zero about healthcare--it was the Republicans leaving his meeting on it who said it!
Is he in fact in total disbelief he could possibly be president? Is all the time wasted on twitter actually about he knows he's far too unsuited for this job---and twitter bullying makes him feel better about that?
Or the fact he's doing nothing about improving the security & integrity of our election systems? And doesn't want to. And is meeting with Hacker Putin soon?
What's under attack are facts about his many shortcomings & incompetence. The strongly unfolding ties to Russia with so many of his closest staff.
P.S. Reminding the entire world that he's long associated with the fakery of studio wrestling was yet one more enormous error in judgment.
And it wasn't the press who said he knew zero about healthcare--it was the Republicans leaving his meeting on it who said it!
7
The one advising Trump to "control" as much communication as possible has to be Bannon and, of course, the official buddy, unofficial advisor, Murdoch, who appears on track to replace Al Jazeera, as close to an independent news source the Arab world has ever had, with a new Saudi sponsored propaganda organ. Anybody wondering why Trump is is cozying up with the Saudis? Soon we'll be referring to our new royal family as "ibn Trump." Bannon's lessons are simply vulgar Machiavellianism--he fancies himself the intellectual, which he thinks allows him to cherry pick the world of scholarship for his authoritarian ends.
2
I just want to way as a 61 year old man to Donald Trump, act like a President of the free world and not like a Moron.
I grew up with Presidents being respected, looked up to and people that would set an example for the youth of our nation and comfort them in a time of sorrow, but this is ignorant continued attack on the free press and media smacks of something we'd see in a third world country, but not the United States.
You want to ask why nuts would go into a night club and start shooting up people who at gay or a ball field and hunt politicians, look no further than the idiot in the oval office.
Trump is turning into a national disgrace, and what it worse is the sycophants like Tom Bossert, sitting there on national television with a straight face defending the indefensible.
It was really bizarre to hear Bossert go into the almost brainwashed response of the Trump showing himself to being able to communicate like no other, etc. etc. and the other memorized nonsense and gibberish he was parroting, really bizarre.
Tom Bossert, the advisor on Homeland Security should be fired for being an idiot, not seeing the further ramifications of this irresponsible act.
I grew up with Presidents being respected, looked up to and people that would set an example for the youth of our nation and comfort them in a time of sorrow, but this is ignorant continued attack on the free press and media smacks of something we'd see in a third world country, but not the United States.
You want to ask why nuts would go into a night club and start shooting up people who at gay or a ball field and hunt politicians, look no further than the idiot in the oval office.
Trump is turning into a national disgrace, and what it worse is the sycophants like Tom Bossert, sitting there on national television with a straight face defending the indefensible.
It was really bizarre to hear Bossert go into the almost brainwashed response of the Trump showing himself to being able to communicate like no other, etc. etc. and the other memorized nonsense and gibberish he was parroting, really bizarre.
Tom Bossert, the advisor on Homeland Security should be fired for being an idiot, not seeing the further ramifications of this irresponsible act.
9
I have been a supporter of Trump (or at least most of his policies) early and often, but this latest CNN tweet is especially concerning.
Does this video condone violence against reporters? No. But all politicians need to choose their communications carefully, because fringe supporters may be inspired to do harm.
Beyond the violence aspect, however, this tweet is simply bizarre.
1. Why is he continuing to focus on the media, especially when not in direct response to anything? Yes, the mainstream media has become the self-righteous public relations arm of the Democratic Party. But Republicans already know this, so we’ve reached the point of diminishing returns in making this point.
2. Does a clip of him doing fake wrestling enhance his presidential image?
3. Does he not have something better to do? Serious policy work would be nice. But, heck, maybe just get more sleep, golf, or take a nice walk with Melania and Barron.
The answer to these and other questions could be that he is ill. I have no medical background, but did spend two years caring for an uncle who slipped into dementia. I am starting to see parallels.
If this keeps up, it will be time for the VP and AG to call a cabinet meeting.
Does this video condone violence against reporters? No. But all politicians need to choose their communications carefully, because fringe supporters may be inspired to do harm.
Beyond the violence aspect, however, this tweet is simply bizarre.
1. Why is he continuing to focus on the media, especially when not in direct response to anything? Yes, the mainstream media has become the self-righteous public relations arm of the Democratic Party. But Republicans already know this, so we’ve reached the point of diminishing returns in making this point.
2. Does a clip of him doing fake wrestling enhance his presidential image?
3. Does he not have something better to do? Serious policy work would be nice. But, heck, maybe just get more sleep, golf, or take a nice walk with Melania and Barron.
The answer to these and other questions could be that he is ill. I have no medical background, but did spend two years caring for an uncle who slipped into dementia. I am starting to see parallels.
If this keeps up, it will be time for the VP and AG to call a cabinet meeting.
5
The time is now. Pence would be a more effective leader. I don't support Pence, but Trump's apparent mental disorder embarrasses the USA. Sanity would be a great relief.
Stand still for a compliment that may sound like a criticism: I don't think the NYT (or WaPo, etc etc) needs to be crying in its beer over the bullying it is receiving. As annoyed as some of us get from time to time with the Times' arrogance and "clubbiness", I would put solid money on them in any fight with the current occupant of the White House.
I get far more worried (about the media and the country both) when the Times and WaPo cozy up with an administration and its views of reality. I don't think it is especially healthy for the media to be on good (read obsequious) terms with the White House. I am thinking, for example, of the early 1960's and the coverage of the war in Viet Nam-- when the media had such a need to be "patriotic" that it closed its eyes to reality, overlooking JFK's glaring deficiencies and LBJ's prevarications.
So I would again say as a criticism-- and mean as a compliment-- that you don't have to reach out to your readership like this. It's demeaning. First of all, most of the readership is behind you and secondly-- even if they weren't-- you need to stand on the courage of your convictions. And it's just the Donald, for crying out loud!
I get far more worried (about the media and the country both) when the Times and WaPo cozy up with an administration and its views of reality. I don't think it is especially healthy for the media to be on good (read obsequious) terms with the White House. I am thinking, for example, of the early 1960's and the coverage of the war in Viet Nam-- when the media had such a need to be "patriotic" that it closed its eyes to reality, overlooking JFK's glaring deficiencies and LBJ's prevarications.
So I would again say as a criticism-- and mean as a compliment-- that you don't have to reach out to your readership like this. It's demeaning. First of all, most of the readership is behind you and secondly-- even if they weren't-- you need to stand on the courage of your convictions. And it's just the Donald, for crying out loud!
5
Freedom of speech is just fine for President Trump just as long as it is from a press outlet that Praises him. Trump's mantra and that of his supporters is that freedom is for the select few. And thusly Trump is trying his darkest to define what is Truth. And of course for a man so crippled by narcissism, truth is defined BY HIM as praise and adulation. Fox News and their ilk are just fine printing or saying whatever they want but not the "Fake News"of other outlets.
And as long as we the people continue to live in our self-soothing bubbles, Trump is able to spout this nonsense and get away with it.
The MSM must be aware though that Trump supporters are not the majority of American citizens. In fact if the Trump administration continues to be unable to pass major legislation or in fact passes a tax cut cloaked as a health bill, the percentage of Americans allowing Trump to define 'the truth' will wither.
The freedom of the press is being nightly tested. Rise to the challenge and continue to report with even higher and more unassailable standards. Confine opinion to its proper place and investigate for all its worth.
It is no wonder that Trump relies upon Twitter to be able to 'publish' his nonsense unfiltered - it is the only place left to him. To our chagrin it is a popular
and effective tool to reach his masses.But even Trump knows the power and effectiveness of the NYT or WAPO because he watches, listens or reads and that is what infuriates him so every morning.
And as long as we the people continue to live in our self-soothing bubbles, Trump is able to spout this nonsense and get away with it.
The MSM must be aware though that Trump supporters are not the majority of American citizens. In fact if the Trump administration continues to be unable to pass major legislation or in fact passes a tax cut cloaked as a health bill, the percentage of Americans allowing Trump to define 'the truth' will wither.
The freedom of the press is being nightly tested. Rise to the challenge and continue to report with even higher and more unassailable standards. Confine opinion to its proper place and investigate for all its worth.
It is no wonder that Trump relies upon Twitter to be able to 'publish' his nonsense unfiltered - it is the only place left to him. To our chagrin it is a popular
and effective tool to reach his masses.But even Trump knows the power and effectiveness of the NYT or WAPO because he watches, listens or reads and that is what infuriates him so every morning.
4
The news media is the perfect foil for Donald Trump's juvenile adolescent behavior. He does something really outrageous like his attack on Mika or his video of the CNN body slam and the media is all over it. The truth is that Trump is like a bad boy attention seeking adolescent who is always acting up in class. The news media needs to stop focusing on each outrageous tweet and antic of Trump and adopt the attitude of Ronald Reagan who famously said, "There you go again." Imagine if the news media downplayed every little thing that Trump said and just said, "Well there he goes again" or "Trump employed another one of his attention getting antics" and just moved on to policies and the President's political positions and actions. We know Trump is an attention getting bad boy. Now let's examine what he's proposing to do while in office and report on that.
4
The Republicans are masters of making up sound bites that demonize their opponents while furthering party centric agendas, America be damned. That their supporters are willing tools, taking up and passing along these strategic talking points, shows how far down the rabbit hole we've fallen.
3
While these incidents are outrageous and enraging, they should be covered. DJT took an oath of office in which he agreed to uphold the Constitution of the US and the Bill or Rights. He is NOT doing that! His attacks on the press indicates that he does not uphold the Constitution and should be accountable as unfit to be president and in violation of his oath of office. Where is the impeachment investigation??? Oh, right, Republicans...
5
How can you/we get his base to see what he's really doing to America? That's how things will change.
3
Thankfully, the press doesn't seem to be showing any intention to give up its freedom. It may be disliked in some quarters, but that can be read as a sign of its resilient power. You accomplish a great deal simply by not cowering in the face of bullies.
4
The press is as free and healthy and strong as it ever has been. Donald Trump is a bubble that will eventually burst. He will become a footnote while the American press will endure.
2
Why shouldn't we. Look what Germany is doing by fining anyone (especially social media, broadcasting and News Papers) but also individuals that say anything negative about its refugees. The press in the U.S. is not independent. It is owned by liberals that want to force their agenda upon us. One way or another. Trump hopefully is putting a stop to this nonsense.
1
Obviously you have no correct information about what was implemented in Germany. The new law is about social media that now must follow up on the existing rule to delete illegal content or content with hate speech (which also has a clear definition in Germany). Now the put a fine on these media if they do not follow these rules. The content this law is about covers radical content from ALL sources - from Jihadist to right or left wing calls for violence. One may say whatever they want in Germany but call for violence, threat people or institutions with such or spread Nazi ideologies (specifically this law has been put in place by the allies - mainly the USA - in Germany after WWII, and it still is in place as it should be). So why would you defend hate speech? Only if you want to use it.
The shock in these comments are the people equating progressives with intolerance as an entire arm of the government attempts to undermine freedom of the press. There is only one real battle here, and I promise you, sheeple, you are going to lose. Read some history.
1
While the NYTimes, WaPo, CNN, and the rest of the "mainstream media," are not free of bias and do make mistakes in their reporting, I challenge all of their critics to compare their transgressions with the putative "news" spewed every day by FoxNews, Breitbart, Limbaugh, Hannity, et al. And who can claim that the Wall Street Journal has no bias?
To wit: Any news outlet that feels that it must justify itself as "fair and "balanced" (i.e. Fox) is obviously NOT that.
The problem with this whole debate is that it's based on false equivalences. FoxNews is the most-watched news network; yet it rails against the "mainstream media." Huh? They're part of the mainstream!
Worse: Fox's bias and distortion of facts pervades everything they report. Their headlines obscure the true content of the story. They put stories based on conjecture and innuendo as their top stories, and bury the actual news down the page. Etc..
The "mainstream media" made some serious mistakes in their coverage of the election, and do correctly need to do some soul-searching. However, the outrage should be directed at Fox, Hannity, Limbaugh, et al, because THEY'RE the ones spreading lies and promoting biased divisiveness! That's how they won the election; and they continue to wield the cudgel to retain power.
The only way to regain any semblance of truth in our political discourse is for the NYTimes, CNN, et al, to unapologetically report the truth; and to call out Trump and FauxNews when they spew lies.
To wit: Any news outlet that feels that it must justify itself as "fair and "balanced" (i.e. Fox) is obviously NOT that.
The problem with this whole debate is that it's based on false equivalences. FoxNews is the most-watched news network; yet it rails against the "mainstream media." Huh? They're part of the mainstream!
Worse: Fox's bias and distortion of facts pervades everything they report. Their headlines obscure the true content of the story. They put stories based on conjecture and innuendo as their top stories, and bury the actual news down the page. Etc..
The "mainstream media" made some serious mistakes in their coverage of the election, and do correctly need to do some soul-searching. However, the outrage should be directed at Fox, Hannity, Limbaugh, et al, because THEY'RE the ones spreading lies and promoting biased divisiveness! That's how they won the election; and they continue to wield the cudgel to retain power.
The only way to regain any semblance of truth in our political discourse is for the NYTimes, CNN, et al, to unapologetically report the truth; and to call out Trump and FauxNews when they spew lies.
2
Uncontrollable President can be only controlled by himself. Freedom of speech by the free press is instrumental in realizing president's self-control.
If Trump was really sincere in his campaign against fake news he'd include Fox News in his tweets. Does he really think Fox is "fair and balanced" (a claim they've even dropped) but none of the other networks are? Fox has become what state media is in countries like Russia, China and Turkey. Trump's complaints are fake.
4
Here's an idea straight from child psychology 101.
Don't reward the child having a tantrum by giving him lavish attention; just ignore him (i.e. don't report his daily vile tweets).
My morning NYT read will become more pleasant. And the "insulter in chief" will not bask in the "adulation" produced by his daily insults.
In the end, his tweets are not "serious news". Who knows, if he is no longer rewarded by copious coverage from the MSM, he might stop. :-)
Don't reward the child having a tantrum by giving him lavish attention; just ignore him (i.e. don't report his daily vile tweets).
My morning NYT read will become more pleasant. And the "insulter in chief" will not bask in the "adulation" produced by his daily insults.
In the end, his tweets are not "serious news". Who knows, if he is no longer rewarded by copious coverage from the MSM, he might stop. :-)
1
Why do we confuse freedom of the press with social media. Social Media is a game a rouse to society. It's there for people to post how wonderful their lives are and how well they are doing, all the while hiding behind a veil of secrecy. There is little or no truth to social media, yet the journalists of today take it as a serious form of expression. The credibility of true news media is being attacked by the left as well as the right. It's time for them to step up and do a fair and impartial job, not just editorialize on the front pages. Are Trump's tweets stupid of course, but is paying them heed just as stupid. He has personally saved CNN, and MSNBC from extinction. So I guess he's a true job creator. PS. It doesn't bother the press that one of the largest retailers controls a major newspaper ? Hmmm interesting.
Trump has been consistent throughout his campaign that he is anti-press (e.g. NY Times), pro adulation (e.g. Sean Hannity)
He has made no secret he does not believe in a free press and has egged on if not called directly for violence against members of the press
It is disgusting, and frankly un-American for a person of his position to espouse these beliefs. This is not a private citizen exercising free speech, but the President of our nation, and the leader of the free world saying any criticism is fake news and attacking the press.
But the question is not so much how or why he has these views.
The question is how so many Americans buy into this and voted for him?
It is so sad to think the core of our democracy is being derided in this way and a majority of white voters selected Trump knowing his views on this
He has made no secret he does not believe in a free press and has egged on if not called directly for violence against members of the press
It is disgusting, and frankly un-American for a person of his position to espouse these beliefs. This is not a private citizen exercising free speech, but the President of our nation, and the leader of the free world saying any criticism is fake news and attacking the press.
But the question is not so much how or why he has these views.
The question is how so many Americans buy into this and voted for him?
It is so sad to think the core of our democracy is being derided in this way and a majority of white voters selected Trump knowing his views on this
3
It horrified me to see a video of a president flooring a person. Won't watch it again. We need a human in the White House.
1
There's no doubt in my mind that this administration is not only a major threat to our values as a country, but a threat to democracy itself. It is deeply disturbing that Congressional Republicans continue to rally around him. DT needs to go. He is putting our country at risk on many fronts.
1
Walter Cronkite would be fired by today's journalistic standards. Mr. Cronkite simply delivered the news straight.
If Cronkite worked for any major media house today he'd be required to slant, twist, and spin the news in accordance to the Left agenda.
If Cronkite worked for any major media house today he'd be required to slant, twist, and spin the news in accordance to the Left agenda.
Resist. We all need to resist, especially the free press.
1
"Added context: The N.R.A. chief Wayne LaPierre recently called 'academic elites, political elites and media elites' America’s 'greatest domestic threats.'"
As someone whose IQ is in substantially positive territory, I've never considered myself to be a threat. Anti-intellectualism has always been rampant in this country (as has racism and classism), but perhaps I've had my own head in the sand too long. I suppose I'd best prepare an "Exit Strategy" after all.
As someone whose IQ is in substantially positive territory, I've never considered myself to be a threat. Anti-intellectualism has always been rampant in this country (as has racism and classism), but perhaps I've had my own head in the sand too long. I suppose I'd best prepare an "Exit Strategy" after all.
1
If you are dragging in July 4, 1776 than your article is historically inaccurate. Until quite recently the press was considered scurrilous - a calling not highly regarded by the public. Politicians purchased newspapers as vehicle to attack their opponents. We all know about yellow journalism and the Spanis American War.
It was only in the 20th century that schools of journalism were found in the hopes of making journalism a profession. Aside from the press claiming privileges that don't in fact exist at law the election of Trump has proven a real challenge. Clearly the press coverage of Trump does not rise to the highest levels.
Trump is not the first president to attack the press: John Adams imprisoned a journalist and Abraham Lincoln issued an executive order ordering the arrest of any journalist printing, after public notice has been given of the falsehood of said publication, print and publish the same with intent to give aid and comfort to the enemy
It was only in the 20th century that schools of journalism were found in the hopes of making journalism a profession. Aside from the press claiming privileges that don't in fact exist at law the election of Trump has proven a real challenge. Clearly the press coverage of Trump does not rise to the highest levels.
Trump is not the first president to attack the press: John Adams imprisoned a journalist and Abraham Lincoln issued an executive order ordering the arrest of any journalist printing, after public notice has been given of the falsehood of said publication, print and publish the same with intent to give aid and comfort to the enemy
I urge my fellow Americans to google "what makes a dictatorship?" As his followers cheer him as if he invented the notion of a war on the media, one is left to ponder how this could have happened to the United States of America. Trump is systematically marching toward some sort of faux declaration of martial law and then the Constitution will be even further denigrated. In the meantime, Ryan and McConnell may want to reestablish the independence of the Legislative branch and ditto to Roberts and co. on the Judicial. The rollover of Conservatives in the face of what is a very clear threat is disgusting.
The 'Press" took a hit decades ago when FOX News came to town and media decided to argue with it and debate rather than to call it what it was: a politically slanted propaganda machine.
In other words, ALL you 'Press' people let the dog into the house, and did not beat it to death (sorry) when you should have. It was rabid then, and now it has spread its disease.
And The Press is not immune either, so...
In other words, ALL you 'Press' people let the dog into the house, and did not beat it to death (sorry) when you should have. It was rabid then, and now it has spread its disease.
And The Press is not immune either, so...
This has got to be one of the saddest birthdays America will ever have.
1
"Remember the Maine!", the so called "free press" has always slanted the news. Today, once proud outlets such as The NYT and CNN have become as polarized as the rest of the country. We can not depend on the truth being printed as even so called news stories are slanted by the opinion of the writer/reporter. The press is not under siege, perhaps in your minds, but criticizing it has been done by every administration, The Don, just does it differently. Maybe you guys should go back to school and learn the difference between editorials and news reporting.
2
If there were a hint of objectivity in the press these days, this article would be relevant, but, sadly there isn't and it's not. The NYT didn't invent fake news, but did perfect it in the form of narratives and spin. We should all shed a tear for the loss of a truly independent press, one that held political leaders in the right and left to task, but that institution died long ago. The NYT today is an agenda-driven propaganda machine. Slicker for sure, but no better than the Breitbarts of the world.
RIP
RIP
2
"It is a paradox that every dictator has climbed to power on the ladder of free speech. Immediately on attaining power each dictator has suppressed all free speech except his own" - Herbert Hoover
"One of the problems with defending free speech is you often have to defend people that you find to be outrageous and unpleasant and disgusting" - Salman Rushdie
"One of the problems with defending free speech is you often have to defend people that you find to be outrageous and unpleasant and disgusting" - Salman Rushdie
2
I trust reporters and the press because i know which publications to trust. I know the reporters who take the time to check their facts. I know the publications that have high standards and expect professional responsibility. I also know the ones who do not, but I approach all that I read with a little skepticism. I can tell the difference between fact and lies. I know which newspapers and magazines to trust.
I choose what I read. I look at the facts and evidence presented. I decide what has merit and what seems plausible. I discuss it with other people. No article demands that I believe blindly in what was written.
It is tempting to read or watch news and get exactly what happened all sewed up neatly. But since when is life anything like that? It is messy and sometimes things aren't what they seem.
A free press is guaranteed by the Constitution. But with it comes responsibility on the part of our leaders and citizens. Leaders need to accept the press and let it be. The rest of us need to use our brains and think for ourselves.
We definitely don't need interference from a man who is more concerned about his own fragile feelings than our citizenry.
I choose what I read. I look at the facts and evidence presented. I decide what has merit and what seems plausible. I discuss it with other people. No article demands that I believe blindly in what was written.
It is tempting to read or watch news and get exactly what happened all sewed up neatly. But since when is life anything like that? It is messy and sometimes things aren't what they seem.
A free press is guaranteed by the Constitution. But with it comes responsibility on the part of our leaders and citizens. Leaders need to accept the press and let it be. The rest of us need to use our brains and think for ourselves.
We definitely don't need interference from a man who is more concerned about his own fragile feelings than our citizenry.
3
The dignity of The Office is beyond Donald's comprehension.
8
I read this article just after watching episodes of the current season of House of Cards. Thus far Charlie Rose and Ann Curry have appeared as themselves, as have Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski (not mentioned in the article, and probably not considered journalists in this or any context). There have also been appearances by CNN and FOX journalists in prior seasons.
It seems that journalists and their networks have no problem making appearances on fictional programs in the guise of bringing a sense of "realism" to the show, although it smacks of a media version of product placement. When journalists appear as themselves on these shows, it blurs the line between journalist and entertainer. When you flip on CNN, are you watching a journalist or someone playing one on TV?
It seems that journalists and their networks have no problem making appearances on fictional programs in the guise of bringing a sense of "realism" to the show, although it smacks of a media version of product placement. When journalists appear as themselves on these shows, it blurs the line between journalist and entertainer. When you flip on CNN, are you watching a journalist or someone playing one on TV?
3
Does that say sentiment apply to the NYT, Washington Post and other Trump print adversaries? Maybe watching too much TV really is bad for you. Look what it's done to the president.
1
As the Republicans have neither the courage or the will to indict this president, perhaps the world should ride in tp rescue America? Trump is planning to visit Europe next week?
He could then be indicted on the grounds of a crime against humanity. Stephen Hawking has just warned that we are three years from an irreversible tipping point with global warming. By removing the US from the Climate Accord Trump is putting the entire planet in danger. It is a crime against humanity, and he should be indicted now.
He could then be indicted on the grounds of a crime against humanity. Stephen Hawking has just warned that we are three years from an irreversible tipping point with global warming. By removing the US from the Climate Accord Trump is putting the entire planet in danger. It is a crime against humanity, and he should be indicted now.
8
Yes, please to the world helping us! Most of us Americans are horrified, embarrassed and disgusted by our so-called POTUS. He does not represent us. The more help we can get, the better.
1
Those who rail against the "mainstream" media and its liberal bias are ignoring the most influential media empire of all: Fox News.
Over the past two decades, Fox News has built up the highest ratings of any new organization, and had an outsize influence on the politics in America. If that's not mainstream, I don't know what is.
Those who think the "liberal media" is out to "get" President Trump should instead ask themselves why Fox News seems so eager to defend him.
Over the past two decades, Fox News has built up the highest ratings of any new organization, and had an outsize influence on the politics in America. If that's not mainstream, I don't know what is.
Those who think the "liberal media" is out to "get" President Trump should instead ask themselves why Fox News seems so eager to defend him.
15
Please watch John Oliver's "Last Week Tonight" episode about the Sinclair Broadcast Group that's insidiously overtaking local news.
We are all still adjusting to news organizations abandoning objectivity and embracing advocacy. The Times, for example, selected Hillary as our next president three years ago and devoted its news coverage to pushing her election. When that didn't happen, the Times went on an extended temper tantrum arguing that voters were fools not to select Hillary. For many long time readers, it's been embarrassing to watch the Times abandon every shred of journalistic integrity. It took a century for the Times to emerge as the most respected new organization and just a few years to eviscerate it. My hope is that the Times can calm down, reflect, and begin covering the world without myopically focusing on its rage with Donald Trump.
8
My hope is that blinded trump supporters will calm down, realize the Times is still very much a respected newspaper, realize 'fake news' theme is a tactic to silence the people and show them door b when everything important is behind door a. If you read the Times you will realize it covers the world very well and is not myopically focusing on trump.
And to think that the Times has been engaging in what this critic says while President Trump is acting as Tweeter in Chief and directing his minions to dismantle a modern government.
1
Complete balony! I read the NYT every day. You don't know what you're talking.
1
The free press does not mean freedom from ridicule and criticism - even if unfair or wrong. And it certainly does not mean the press has a right to have unfettered access to anyone and everything, nor an entitlement to have every questioned answered.
It means only one thing - the right to publish, and subject to our laws related to libel and slander (malicious untruths), no one, including Trump, is preventing the press from publishing whatever it wants.
It means only one thing - the right to publish, and subject to our laws related to libel and slander (malicious untruths), no one, including Trump, is preventing the press from publishing whatever it wants.
7
There still remain a few print media outlets that get reporting and investigative reporting right. Among them are the New York Times and the Washington Post. I read the Guardian from England daily to get a different perspective on the news.
Funny how Reagan and George W. Bush come out in support of a free press in this article. Their presidencies set the stage for the militarism that goes mostly unaddressed and unreported by the mainstream media today.
Donald Trump's presidency is a frontal attack on the press that could not have been better described by George Orwell in 1984 (1949). His attacks are common among governments of the far right. How could the press have missed his ascendency to power? I wrote a piece for CounterPunch last summer that noted Trump's support in rural areas of upstate New York that gave credence to his November 8, 2016 win.
Funny how Reagan and George W. Bush come out in support of a free press in this article. Their presidencies set the stage for the militarism that goes mostly unaddressed and unreported by the mainstream media today.
Donald Trump's presidency is a frontal attack on the press that could not have been better described by George Orwell in 1984 (1949). His attacks are common among governments of the far right. How could the press have missed his ascendency to power? I wrote a piece for CounterPunch last summer that noted Trump's support in rural areas of upstate New York that gave credence to his November 8, 2016 win.
11
You should read Independent and BBC also ,very comprehensive.
2
''There still remain a few print media outlets that get reporting and investigative reporting right. Among them are the New York Times and the Washington Post. I read the Guardian from England daily ..''
If you had written this 5 years ago I would have agreed, Now I think the opposite and I read all 3. Only Haaretz, (criticized by the NYT for honesty) my other daily paper, still gets my thumbs up because your 3 examples have completely sold out on any attempt at being objective, which while VERY regrettable is nothing compared to the fact that these papers are actually now in my opinion hostile to true journalism (truth revealing).
Everything is about Russia, a corrupt decision to save the Clinton legacy (despite it's total failure's, especially Hillary's criminal foreign policy of nation destruction (Libya), regime change and support for 'rebels' in Syria who turned out to be ISIS (Al Nusrah). The Democrats went from a party that celebrated its righteous fight against fascist McCarthyism to being nothing but cartoon McCarthyists with even less truth than nasty Joe.
They blame EVERYONE but the corrupt leadership, the DNC, for failed losing most expensive candidate's ever; (Ossof/Hillary) rather than spend 1/10th of that on winning Sander's people who represent the real future of Trump opposition (youth). All the NYT does now is push for wars, smear the Right and Left and pushes us left Democrats OUT! The NYT are now merely the DNC's mouthpiece just as FOX is the RNC's.
If you had written this 5 years ago I would have agreed, Now I think the opposite and I read all 3. Only Haaretz, (criticized by the NYT for honesty) my other daily paper, still gets my thumbs up because your 3 examples have completely sold out on any attempt at being objective, which while VERY regrettable is nothing compared to the fact that these papers are actually now in my opinion hostile to true journalism (truth revealing).
Everything is about Russia, a corrupt decision to save the Clinton legacy (despite it's total failure's, especially Hillary's criminal foreign policy of nation destruction (Libya), regime change and support for 'rebels' in Syria who turned out to be ISIS (Al Nusrah). The Democrats went from a party that celebrated its righteous fight against fascist McCarthyism to being nothing but cartoon McCarthyists with even less truth than nasty Joe.
They blame EVERYONE but the corrupt leadership, the DNC, for failed losing most expensive candidate's ever; (Ossof/Hillary) rather than spend 1/10th of that on winning Sander's people who represent the real future of Trump opposition (youth). All the NYT does now is push for wars, smear the Right and Left and pushes us left Democrats OUT! The NYT are now merely the DNC's mouthpiece just as FOX is the RNC's.
2
It's ironically appropriate that Trump would doctor his scripted professional wrestling _performance_. [Rather, a staff toady probably did the real editing, another deception.]
During the campaign, Trump blew smoke and a large part of the electorate bought his act. Trump continues to blow smoke -- his incompetence and failure to deliver any action of real substance are obvious. His collusion with our foreign enemies eventually will be revealed.
When we celebrate the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence, we celebrate our system of laws. We must stand fast and use those laws to reestablish rightful order through the courts and in the voting booth. It's up to us.
Happy Fourth!
During the campaign, Trump blew smoke and a large part of the electorate bought his act. Trump continues to blow smoke -- his incompetence and failure to deliver any action of real substance are obvious. His collusion with our foreign enemies eventually will be revealed.
When we celebrate the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence, we celebrate our system of laws. We must stand fast and use those laws to reestablish rightful order through the courts and in the voting booth. It's up to us.
Happy Fourth!
14
It seems an entity know for anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim sentiments created the video and posted it on Reddit. Apparently, that's where our President found it.
Seeing the video our President posted on Twitter yesterday shocked me. It seems he would suppress, not only the media, but anyone who doesn't agree with him. Our country has been violated by those we have elected to guide and protect us, and consequently our trust in our government is eroding. Half of us are brainwashed, the other half terrorized.
That may sound dramatic, but here's Homeland Security's definition of terrorism as posted on their website: "Violent extremist threats come from a range of groups and individuals, including domestic terrorists and homegrown violent extremists in the United States, as well as international terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIL. Lone offenders or small groups may be radicalized to commit violence at home or attempt to travel overseas to become foreign fighters. The use of the Internet and social media to recruit and radicalize individuals to violence means that conventional approaches are unlikely to identify and disrupt all terrorist plots."
The President has been using social media like a terrorist, potentially inciting people to violence.
On the 4th of July, I plan to march in my small town's parade, carrying a sign that says: Protect the First Amendment. The President's actions may have made me a target. But that won't stop me from marching.
That may sound dramatic, but here's Homeland Security's definition of terrorism as posted on their website: "Violent extremist threats come from a range of groups and individuals, including domestic terrorists and homegrown violent extremists in the United States, as well as international terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIL. Lone offenders or small groups may be radicalized to commit violence at home or attempt to travel overseas to become foreign fighters. The use of the Internet and social media to recruit and radicalize individuals to violence means that conventional approaches are unlikely to identify and disrupt all terrorist plots."
The President has been using social media like a terrorist, potentially inciting people to violence.
On the 4th of July, I plan to march in my small town's parade, carrying a sign that says: Protect the First Amendment. The President's actions may have made me a target. But that won't stop me from marching.
25
It is unthinkable that we as a nation are now in a position of having to defend the Free Press and the First Amendment against our president. Horrific that we are forced to protect our rights against the Oval Office, an enabling administration, and a significant portion of Congress who all pledged allegiance to us, the Constitution, our country, and our basic principles. Sworn promises devolved into a malevolently power-drunk administration seeking not to give to the country, but to take away. Even worse that some ordinary citizens defend this.
We are living out "The Portrait of Dorian Gray." Each day a man so appealing to some lifts the curtain across his soul to reveal an ever uglier side. Each day, those who support him do the same.
Right now, a Free Press is the only thing I recognize about America. It must stand strong, hold the line, and survive the onslaught until we can stand up for it and our rights as Americans at the voting booth.
We are living out "The Portrait of Dorian Gray." Each day a man so appealing to some lifts the curtain across his soul to reveal an ever uglier side. Each day, those who support him do the same.
Right now, a Free Press is the only thing I recognize about America. It must stand strong, hold the line, and survive the onslaught until we can stand up for it and our rights as Americans at the voting booth.
40
Doesn't Mr. Rutenberg understand that the press sank to a disgraceful low in the polls well before Mr. Trump even announced for President? Does he not see that press bias in news stories - let alone commentary - has meant forfeiting the respect of the American people? It's all too clear that the media long ago became an arm of the Democratic Party - and leftward from there. Incredibly, respected journalists have said that in the age of Trump journalism must abandon traditional standards of objectivity for the good of the country. If you believe that you forfeit your right to invoke 1st amendment protections.
I really doubt the Founders would be sympathetic to today's American media when a Jim Rutenberg can focus on CNN's apology rather than the magnitude of the underlying journalistic offense. A sad July 4th indeed.
I really doubt the Founders would be sympathetic to today's American media when a Jim Rutenberg can focus on CNN's apology rather than the magnitude of the underlying journalistic offense. A sad July 4th indeed.
9
"Incredibly, respected journalists have said that in the age of Trump journalism must abandon traditional standards of objectivity for the good of the country."
Source, please?
Source, please?
"Incredibly, respected journalists have said that in the age of Trump journalism must abandon traditional standards of objectivity for the good of the country. "Incredibly, respected journalists have said that in the age of Trump journalism must abandon traditional standards of objectivity for the good of the country."
Now that's a really great lie. Trump must be jealous.
Now that's a really great lie. Trump must be jealous.
Harry, you're completely correct!
This is what happens when free media is silenced - see the link below. Turkish ELITE citizens are demanding justice from the mafia government of Erdogan by walking from Ankara to Istanbul, since their voice in media is silenced.
https://youtu.be/p8ulbe-yvzw
Also let's not forget that, when media does not do its job, that creates the grounds for alternative media, many of which may not have anything to do with real journalism. So, media, please do your job so that we do not find ourselves among the ranks of authoritarian regimes.
https://youtu.be/p8ulbe-yvzw
Also let's not forget that, when media does not do its job, that creates the grounds for alternative media, many of which may not have anything to do with real journalism. So, media, please do your job so that we do not find ourselves among the ranks of authoritarian regimes.
7
Many rightfully bemoan Trump's recent tweet(s) as besmirching the integrity of the office, but my main gripe is - does not the President of the United States have more important things to spend time on?
9
It's interesting to imagine reactions of right-wing patriots if Clinton were president and did any of this stuff. In fact, I recall one of Trump's objections to her candidacy was the potential for ongoing scandals and investigations.
15
Stay strong journalists and the press, and don't back off the facts or the story during these dark times. We must all fight for press freedom. Happy independence day!
19
At this point, the real question is when will Trump supporters stop believing Trump. Right now he defines what is "true." What will cause them to stop believing his pronouncements?
With Trump controlling the "news" for his supporters, our Democracy is being undermined. These are scary times. Unfortunately, well-researched and sourced journalism is necessary but not sufficient. We need a different populist voice that attracts a broad base while leveraging facts. Sounds like a naive dream, but right now I am seeing a nightmare.
With Trump controlling the "news" for his supporters, our Democracy is being undermined. These are scary times. Unfortunately, well-researched and sourced journalism is necessary but not sufficient. We need a different populist voice that attracts a broad base while leveraging facts. Sounds like a naive dream, but right now I am seeing a nightmare.
5
And there's the rub. It doesn't matter what Trump does or doesn't do. His supporters blame the liberal biased media, Obama, Clinton, the Democrats, the Progressives, everyone else. And they whine that their man is being martyred. I actually think people should pass a basic Civics test (and make it a pop quiz) before they are given a voter registration card. If you want to limit voters, start there.
1
For me, the main stream media (aka, the news networks) have forgotten their primary purpose; to report the news. And for me the news equals facts. But facts don't sell millions of dollars worth of broadcast air time; opinion does. So much of the so called news these days is nothing more than the writer's opinion and to me that is NOT news. If I wanted opinions I'd seek out my news from a source like the National Enquirer; not the Post or the Times. I expect a higher caliber of fact and accuracy from news outlets such as these and sadly it just isn't there any more. So please folks, if any of you news reporting types are reading this please remind yourself of the immortal words of Joe Friday... "Just the Facts."
14
Readers of the news are not as old as I am and I still remember how the newspapers constantly blasted FDR for whatever he did. Commenters here are asserting that the media are run by Democrats. Well, in the thirties of the last century, everything was run by Republicans! That, of course, is why we had that terrible depression, which I also remember. And it feels like it is happening again, the long lines at food pantries, jobless men, homeless people in camps. All should brush up on the history of this country to enlighten themselves, and also discuss with each other, ** what is the common good.**
1
HOw can you see the facts when you're blinded by Trump's lies?
2
So many negative responses to this column in this comment thread shows me that his propaganda campaign against you has been more effective than I could have imagined.
I can't listen to these critics of the NYT, WP and CNN, who offer two-bit opinion blogs and partisan hack sites (Fox, Breitbart, Drudge) as their reliable news sources simply because they reflect their outrage. They are like bots aping the outrage of the president by lashing out against research, critical thinking and facts and repeating the phrase "fake news" over and over again. By living in an information bubble and contributing to Trump's echo chamber they are complicit in undermining our democracy and dividing America--the goal of the Russian disinformation campaign. So congratulations on that.
This Fourth of July I'm sending friends and families subscriptions to professional news organizations such as CNN, NYT and WP (Not perfect, not perfectly objective or independent, but willing to courageously speak truth to power, dig for the facts and follow sound principles of journalism). These days we either stand up for a free press (and pay for it) or we don't.
I can't listen to these critics of the NYT, WP and CNN, who offer two-bit opinion blogs and partisan hack sites (Fox, Breitbart, Drudge) as their reliable news sources simply because they reflect their outrage. They are like bots aping the outrage of the president by lashing out against research, critical thinking and facts and repeating the phrase "fake news" over and over again. By living in an information bubble and contributing to Trump's echo chamber they are complicit in undermining our democracy and dividing America--the goal of the Russian disinformation campaign. So congratulations on that.
This Fourth of July I'm sending friends and families subscriptions to professional news organizations such as CNN, NYT and WP (Not perfect, not perfectly objective or independent, but willing to courageously speak truth to power, dig for the facts and follow sound principles of journalism). These days we either stand up for a free press (and pay for it) or we don't.
114
And willing to acknowledge when in error unlike the current administration.
1
Good point: the news media does tend to suddenly and sharply draw a line into two camps: each side is living in its own echo chamber, each side is outraged, each side etc., etc. There is not two side to demarcate here; there is a small percentage of loyal Trump followers it seems (33 million twitter followers does not equal 33 million loyal supporters as many are people in the press around the world, activists against Trump keeping up, the curious and the thrill seekers, etc). Then there is the 'other side', which you and I are on it seems: a vast collection of diverse people with various backgrounds, religions, ideas, looking to draw out own conclusions and questions the truth and those in power, to seek to educate ourselves and understand, but without having to rally around the rage of the of Great Leader. The various voices who are searching for reason and understanding are the multitude in this case, and we must not falter though we won't come together by rage foment. The left and center have different ideas but similar principles, the far right has the same ideas but no principles, only the emotion of sweeping rage.
1
and The Guardian
and NPR & PBS
if you're able ...
thanks for spreading truth
and NPR & PBS
if you're able ...
thanks for spreading truth
A large segment of the population does not trust the press. It does not matter if the distrust is deserved or not, the perception or the reality needs to be addressed. But what do we have here? A piece seeking sympathy for the press. Certainly, it is press like this that adds to the distrust.
12
Your perception of this article needs to be questioned. This is not a sympathy piece. The fact that people who believe an article like this adds to the distrust is concerning.
7
The piece we are commenting on is not straight news. It is analysis and opinion and doesn't pretend otherwise. Perhaps some readers are unable to distinguish these different types of articles. If this piece undermines someone's trust in the media, it's not the fault of the piece. It's a reaction to an opinion the reader doesn't agree with.
7
Lizzy:
Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to my post.
Do you believe the biggest problem the press is having is that some, including the president, are exercising their First Amendment right to speak out against the press? Odd that one can claim the First Amendment is under attack, but yet, appears to want to prescribe parameters as to how some should exercise their First Amendment.
Rather than taking on critics, those in the press should be trying to repair the distrust, real or perceived.
Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to my post.
Do you believe the biggest problem the press is having is that some, including the president, are exercising their First Amendment right to speak out against the press? Odd that one can claim the First Amendment is under attack, but yet, appears to want to prescribe parameters as to how some should exercise their First Amendment.
Rather than taking on critics, those in the press should be trying to repair the distrust, real or perceived.
The media is not perfect, and the 24 hour news cycle has definitely expanded and amplified its imperfections. It's important to be a savvy media consumer and recognize and guard against certain tactics unscrupulous media may employ.
Still, Trump's unrelenting attacks on the press ought to send shivers of horror through anyone who loves freedom. If they don't, then a) the person does not truly love freedom, or b) the person does not know history, or c) both.
Still, Trump's unrelenting attacks on the press ought to send shivers of horror through anyone who loves freedom. If they don't, then a) the person does not truly love freedom, or b) the person does not know history, or c) both.
52
Thank you for this article emphasizing the importance of freedom of the press. My favorite amendments are the 1st, 4th, 5th and 14th. These rights are worth fighting for to preserve them for all of us.
12
My favorite amendment this year is the 25th.
The great American Philosopher, Stephen Colbert, has succinctly described what is the cause of this attack on a free press.
"Reality has a well-known liberal bias." (2996)
Actually others said this before Colbert, e.g. Rob Corddry (2004),
"Reality has a well-known liberal bias." (2996)
Actually others said this before Colbert, e.g. Rob Corddry (2004),
17
"Reality has a well-known liberal bias."
Yes, according to liberals.
Yes, according to liberals.
1
Would that it were true (or as Colbert would say, "truthy"). But the assumption that what we read in the mainstream or progressive media is all true, objective, unslanted, just because of patent lies from this administration and conservative media, is dangerous. We need to take everything we read with a strong, hot of skepticism.
1
Were this not also true to the right they would not rail against the institution of a free press generally not only in our country but across the globe. Facts are always inconvenient to extremists, liars, dictators and cheats.
Maybe the media, both mainstream and others, should just stop covering the president's tweets, etc. Focus on the policies being made by our congress. My guess is Trump would be blown out of the water without the attention he so sorely craves. This might also get Americans to think about who actually represents their interests in government.
40
I disagree. Covering the twit tweets of trump (small initial) are important to show everyone the man child and boor that he is. Show him enough as the infantile simpleton, and hopefully people will start to understand why immature tweeting is taboo. I'd suggest covering trump's intelligent tweets, but there are none!
1
Please stop making George W Bush into a hero! Under cover of the gross abuse of power of Trump, Bush is crawling back and issuing noble sounding statements- but have we forgotten? The president who lied us into a war and sanctioned torture? Who tried to curtail our freedoms under the Patriot Act? Who let himself be used as a puppet for the authoritarian aims of his Vice President? The current excesses do not minimize the past ones. We have many other relatively honorable recent presidents to point to, who reasonably stayed within the bounds of power and the Constitution.
63
And George W. Bush could not have "lied us into a war" without the cheering and lack of fact-checking from a compliant press. This goes as well for Syria, Libya and the ongoing repetition of hollow and misleading narratives.
Who we really have to thank of a mistrusted and embedded press is George Bush Sr. who made it a primary goal to control information and avoid the results of the reporting on Vietnam.
Who we really have to thank of a mistrusted and embedded press is George Bush Sr. who made it a primary goal to control information and avoid the results of the reporting on Vietnam.
6
The "independent press" the NYT has put on the pedestal any intelligent person with the minimum of critical thought can conclude has become nothing but is a mouthpiece for the military industrial complex. Not a single article or editor's note with a strong antiwar opinion. Not a single article or editor's opinion exposing our misguided foreign policy towards Syria & the possible implications of another military intervention. It seems anything to do with war or with the military they either don't report it, or if they do it's always on the side of our military.
2
President Bush is looking better by the day. I didn't vote for him but I'd trade him for Trump in a heartbeat.
1
When thinking about the press, what is free for all is a free for all. If you hunt and pay, will you be free when so few have the time to hunt and pay for the integrity and value of our idealized notion of a free press. How do we get to a better future?
3
Excellent.
There is a very real issue here, and it is not our President's actions. We are now all (supporters or detractors) aware that DJT needs (DEMANDS) to be the center of attention. One day (hopefully soon), he will no longer be so. What then?
Anticipate chaos to ensue.
There is a very real issue here, and it is not our President's actions. We are now all (supporters or detractors) aware that DJT needs (DEMANDS) to be the center of attention. One day (hopefully soon), he will no longer be so. What then?
Anticipate chaos to ensue.
8
A man who does not respect women or contracts or the scientific method will probably not respect much of anything including freedom of the press. A monster was elected, now a monster must be removed from office. It's that simple.
243
It's not that simple when the rest of his personal swamp is working against the country to enrich itself.
As a journalist by training, I have always thought our profession does a terrible job explaining what we do (as many of these poorly informed comments show), and because of that, we have allowed the propagandists to define us.
I have strongly held opinions but journalistic professionalism dictates that I set those aside to do my job, which is to pursue the truth no matter where it leads. The professionals I have known, many also with strong views, have never used their job to press agendas.
I have strongly held opinions but journalistic professionalism dictates that I set those aside to do my job, which is to pursue the truth no matter where it leads. The professionals I have known, many also with strong views, have never used their job to press agendas.
30
we are not angels. We are human and biases show through, which is why an independent press is so important, allowing all sides to be heard. Print media long had a lively back and forth for all types of news but not so with radio and television. The FCC enabled the gradual rise of a uniformly liberal media that only received pushback during Reagan's administration. Those strongly held views journalists have seep through. They're not all objective. i just had lunch with a mid-sized editor who admitted how he 'balances' his paper with stories showing a different perspective (meaning progressive) but he's the one choosing what is 'balanced' and as a progressive, his 'balance' would be the oppositions bias.
this is our "fall of the Roman Empire" and just like climate change (which isn't real either) there is no stopping it
11
How would he know about the press? He doesn't read.
112
While it's hard to decide which of the Trump administration's actions damaging our future is the most egregious (decimation of education, environment, healthcare, the State department, etc), certainly its program to undermine the press and the public' confidence in it, is the most dangerous and frightening. On this 4th of July in the midst of daily attacks on our government and its traditions by those elected to run it, I look most to the 4th estate to keep reminding the country this is not normal.
126
What President Trump is trying to do is create a divisive and artificial rift to distract his supporters with meaningless nonsense while he takes away their benefits. In other words, he's trying to change the narrative from an economic/idea battle to a culture battle, so that his base attaches to him not because he does the right thing for them, but because it perceives the media is against them.
I ask the NYT to not contribute to this climate of polarization:
> be careful, journalists but do not embrace fear - the 1st ammendment is real - fear inflates Mr, Trump's balloon - deflate it by using satire
> stop referring to right wing media as the other side - everybody or almost everybody is on the side of truth
> be extra mindful to continue to report on rural and impoverished communities that went for Trump
> report factually on what is happening behind all the circus
> do not emphasize Mr. Trump's tweets
> hire people as columnists and journalists that diversify your workforce, hire columnists from the Appalachia, etc
We need you to be brave and do your best!
I ask the NYT to not contribute to this climate of polarization:
> be careful, journalists but do not embrace fear - the 1st ammendment is real - fear inflates Mr, Trump's balloon - deflate it by using satire
> stop referring to right wing media as the other side - everybody or almost everybody is on the side of truth
> be extra mindful to continue to report on rural and impoverished communities that went for Trump
> report factually on what is happening behind all the circus
> do not emphasize Mr. Trump's tweets
> hire people as columnists and journalists that diversify your workforce, hire columnists from the Appalachia, etc
We need you to be brave and do your best!
160
Great comment! Thank you for reminding us of the bigger picture...
4
Is the right-wing media on the side of truth when they support those who deny the role of humans in global warming when the vast, and I mean vast, majority of the world's scientists agree that we are influencing climate change and need to take drastic steps to counter it now? Is it truthful to support those who continue to claim that there is rampant voter fraud when all of the states and election officials, including many Republicans, say that it is negligible? Right-wing media, not all of it, but many of the most consumed sources, tend to minimize coverage of many of these false claims and give added voice to those who support the claims.
1
Trump doesn't know what he is doing, and this is what people that are clueless and in over their heads do, change the subject continually to get the focus away from their incompetence.
2
I'm no Trump fan. Yet, I share his concern about the press. In my main area of expertise,(commercial aviation), too often the media can't even accurately report the facts. Also, the media tends to report in such a way as to obviously sensationalize. I really don't want to side with Trump on anything, but ironically, the facts have led me to appreciate his point of view. Facts are facts. Too often the press doesn't deal in facts. Thanks
27
"the media" has always had trouble fitting reality into a "good story". it has gotten worse as real life has gotten more complex while the ability and willingness of most readers to comprehend complex stories has declined, and as media ownership has become more concentrated focussed on profits. as newspapers especially have lost readers to fluff and "happy news" on tv, especially cable TV, and the bedrock income of the classifieds has disappeared, newspapers and tv news have invested more and more in telling stories that dummies can digest in a paragraph or two - and more and more in fashion, sports, cooking, dining, celebrate lifestyles and tragedies, travel, and other such fluff while closing overseas news offices. none of that has the slightest relation to Trump being treated "unfairly". if the news organizations had done their job properly, presented actual, important things about the 50 or more years this Dennis the Menace has been terrorizing people who worked for him, his lack of business acumen as well as his extreme ignorance, egomania, illiteracy, ignorance, mean spirit, duplicity, thin-skin, arrogance, dishonesty, hippocracy, foolishness, amorality, and long term relationship with figures like the NJ and NYC mob ( not Christy, but the real guys), Howard Stern, and most of all, the supremely despicable and evil Roy Cohn BEFORE the election, it is much more improbable that he would be president today. it was almost All public record information.
2
that is a problem that only got worse since the acceleration of media tempo and the appearance of free media alternatives on the Internet. They have to move faster and prices go down.
Also, with the development of clickbaits, opinions get more attention than news.
My point : the faster the rythm of publication, the less precise the content will be.
Also, with the development of clickbaits, opinions get more attention than news.
My point : the faster the rythm of publication, the less precise the content will be.
1
Trump loved the press when it gave him a free rider throughout the primary, allowing him to virtually lie and insult his way to the nomination, and to the Whitehouse, now he doesn't like them when they are calling out his lies.
You don't have to rely on one news outlet, but read and use your own eyes.....this guy is not only in way over his head, he lies virtually every time he opens his mouth and is clueless on the most basic policy issues or initiatives.
Just by your statements are enabling him, and given his nonsense some credence, Trump has been the Father and Purveyor of false news since day one, starting with the birther issue.
Stop the nonsense.
You don't have to rely on one news outlet, but read and use your own eyes.....this guy is not only in way over his head, he lies virtually every time he opens his mouth and is clueless on the most basic policy issues or initiatives.
Just by your statements are enabling him, and given his nonsense some credence, Trump has been the Father and Purveyor of false news since day one, starting with the birther issue.
Stop the nonsense.
1
Free speech doesn't mean you have to talk to the free press. Every day I read the NYT and the WSJ. Then I spend a bit of time trying to figure out where the truth lies. That's press freedom, and truth is a casualty. Having a free press does not conflict with the rights of citizens and officials to criticize that press.
19
I don't experience the Times, Post, et al as making a casualty of truth. Certainly the average person criticizing them doesn't read them at all. But I certainly differentiate between them and talk shows on Fox, MSNBC, etc. They are not news at all, just opinion.
45
There is a huge difference between constructive criticism and inciting violence because you don't agree with what was written about you. Unfortunately, this country elected a man who doesn't know the difference and he has a cadre of enablers, both in the White House and the Congress. I am beginning to not worry so much about the Russian interference but more about the NON-interference by our own political representatives. Ivanka didn't know the meaning of being complicit but surely, our elected politicians know what that means.
3
Also read the editorial policy of, say, the NY Times. But then this would mean people would have to read and not just listen to echoes of their opinions.
1
The worst transgression of all is defiance of the explicit first amendment denial to Congress of any authority whatsoever to respect to faith based beliefs in legislation. The compulsion to defy this limitation motivates all of the very worst of US politicians.
8
How could it be?... Trump has been in the world of unreality for so long (wresting, reality tv) that he actually believes it's reality. There was never a suggestion he knew much of or cared about the Constitution or Bill of Rights. What's even more galling though is that his supporters think they are patriotic with all this America first mumbo jumbo. How could it be?... Greed and lunacy.
178
Knowledge, real knowledge, is power. A free and vigorous press, supported by the public in whatever form it takes, along with unimpeded research communities in all fields, are simply two of the most vital requirements of an open and well-functioning society. Those who understand this need to be vigilant and do everything in their power to actively support these two foundations of human inquiry and communication. Those who don't understand this need to be repeatedly shown the light, even if daily or hourly, until it sinks in because if it doesn't, we are lost.
69
You have it exactly backwards: it's Trump who is under daily attack by the "free press."
He was elected by the American people, and it threatens democracy for the press to try to overthrow him.
He was elected by the American people, and it threatens democracy for the press to try to overthrow him.
19
Technically, he was elected by the Electoral College. A majority of the American people in our republic (don't call it a democracy) never wanted him to be president.
107
He was elected by some of the people. In this country, minorities have rights. Also in this country, a free press is used to shine a light on anything and everything so that the people see what is going on and can make up their own minds about how well their representatives and public servants are doing.
The press does not have the power to overthrow any person or government, the people do, and they would choose to do that only in extreme circumstances after being well informed by the press so that they can decide if it was needed. People who don't get that are a threat to democracy.
The press does not have the power to overthrow any person or government, the people do, and they would choose to do that only in extreme circumstances after being well informed by the press so that they can decide if it was needed. People who don't get that are a threat to democracy.
32
He is being asked inconvenient questions that make him uncomfortable, questions to which we deserve answers. How is that being attacked?
108
I weight in by pointing out the obvious - by all DJT's tweeting, he drives nearly the entire media to talk about that rather than everything of REAL importance. destruction of the EPA. destruction of Consumer Protections. destruction of Education if it can be worse. increased involvement with troops in Afghanistan.
all while repeating "fake news". "lies".
democracy relies on media to bring issues, "Real Issues" to the public. destroy that channel and the trust in it and Democracy is one more step to being destroyed.
and the experiment in Democracy, however imperfect, will be remembered as the experiment that lasted about 250 years.
RIP
media... you are being manipulated. are you really so stupid that you can't see that.
all while repeating "fake news". "lies".
democracy relies on media to bring issues, "Real Issues" to the public. destroy that channel and the trust in it and Democracy is one more step to being destroyed.
and the experiment in Democracy, however imperfect, will be remembered as the experiment that lasted about 250 years.
RIP
media... you are being manipulated. are you really so stupid that you can't see that.
43
The press and consumers of news and opinion can walk and chew bubble gum at the same time. To not highlight any of it would be irresponsible, but don't think that we are not paying attention to it all.
5
First of all, Amazon IS evading corporate taxes, and engaging in monopolistic behavior. Second, CNN is an arm of a specific political party and is fair game for all that passes for "discourse" in the debased landscape created by the left. There is plenty of speech, and if CNN dropped off the planet today - a fate richly deserved and fervently hoped for - not one eyelash would blink nor would even one "news" story go unreported. Good riddance.
12
Same to you. Unless you provide extensive evidence to back up your assertions, they are meaningless.
22
Debased landscape created by the left? When did the spiral start? What news organization started out by using less actual hard news (which costs more to produce) and the associated news staff and more opinion makers?
3
"First of all, Amazon IS evading corporate taxes, and engaging in monopolistic behavior. Second, CNN is an arm of a specific political party "
Arlene, would you like to provide even the tiniest shred of evidence or perhaps a reliable reference for these bald assertions? Or are they "alternate facts"?
BTW what do you think of the Times lengthy list of Trump's lies? Perhaps you would like that to fall off the planet also.
Arlene, would you like to provide even the tiniest shred of evidence or perhaps a reliable reference for these bald assertions? Or are they "alternate facts"?
BTW what do you think of the Times lengthy list of Trump's lies? Perhaps you would like that to fall off the planet also.
6
A video or photo of someone wrestling and pounding Trump would have prompted a Secret Service inquiry. It was a travesty of justice to hear Homeland Security defending the video. These are the people who deport immigrants for driving infractions - The media needs to forget Trump's Tweeting garbage and focus on real stories - Syria, Quatar, healthcare, tax "reform". Christie T the beach while taxpayers are denied access. Boycott "news " briefings. Ignore Trump's Bizarre Behaviour. Clearly his wife and family have no influence on him.
99
I cannot understand how the Times can report breathlessly for days about this juvenile enactment of aggression against a news company, and run let-freedom-ring op eds about Trump's attacks on the press, without the slightest hint of understanding that it is the press, and the Times in particular, which has elevated this man to the Presidency. Trump got and gets billions of dollars worth of free publicity. The more the Times freaks out about a dim tweet, the more Trump's followers eat up the pearl clutching horror. The Times (and other outlets) should have a tiny column detailing these stupid tweets and youtube videos in listicle format and run constant articles on law and policy actions. The Times is acting like a gossip rag on the whole MSNBC brangle.
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The morally twisted, politically biased media deserve what they are now getting, and it is fine to behold.
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Trump is scared. And he should be. His defense is to look as if he is on offense. Some people are persuaded by that. But there is fear there. He's trying too hard. Sad (as he would say).
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Mainstream newspaper sales are way up (as well as online subscriptions), and oddly enough gun sales are way down. Who knew Trump could be so great for the nation?
Articles like this, and Trumps constant sophomoric Twitter rants will keep the informed purchasing papers, and lull the uninformed into believing they are already sufficiently "armed." It's a win/win. Go Trump!
Articles like this, and Trumps constant sophomoric Twitter rants will keep the informed purchasing papers, and lull the uninformed into believing they are already sufficiently "armed." It's a win/win. Go Trump!
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Luckily, you are in the minority. And better yet, in a state that is defying Trump.
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An amazingly tone deaf article. The examples cited are completely tilted towards the writers perspectve and exclude the far more numerous assaults on freedom of the press being pushed by Antifa and other progressives. "James Madison was most concerned about a misinformed public’s acting on misplaced passions.." no kidding. Berkeley and Middlebury encapsulate the problem facing progressives, of equating freedom of speech with a strong antipathy towards allowing anyone who disagrees to actually practice it and when practiced, to misquote, slant, and selectively publish or comment upon what was said to satisfy their progressive audience. The NYT and editors who allow such one-sided commentary masquerading often as 'news' undercut their own legitimacy.
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An amazingly tone deaf comment from someone who does not appreciate the difference between the role played in American society by the President of the United States and ordinary citizens.
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Commentary is not news - most understand that. It is opinion, something all of us form after being informed by actual news reporting, something the NYT does well - in my opinion, of course.
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Well phrased nonsense. College students are not stand ins for progressives.
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I have seen the footage and read the commentary and heard the outrage and, despite loathing Trump, I simply can't get excited about this story. It's crude, buffoonish stuff based on a crude buffoonish entertainment. Little more. With Trump you have to ignore him when he's behaving like a child. As with everything this man does, ask yourself 'what's he really up to?' It's his deeds as POTUS that should worry us and which need scrutiny.
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Exactly, we are very concerned about 'what exactly is he up to..." And it is questions along this vein from the press that are inconvenient, unanswered, and considered 'attacks'.
The president is expected to provide actual leadership and embody authority, the real thing, for the entire country, not just his "base." This man is "behaving like a child" every time he opens his mouth, a malicious one. He revels in contempt for authority. He attacks anyone he thinks is getting in his way. He spends his time scheming to hurt his "enemies" -- both by his "buffoonish" stunts that promote hatred toward and dehumanization of opponent, and by the vicious policies the Republicans are pursuing, on health care, taxes, the environment, and everything else. None of what Trump does bears dismissing.
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This 'child' has access to the nuclear codes. But, you want the NYT & the rest of the media to only report on stories you approve of. So that it's conceivable that some morning you will wake up to, 'he' has launched all our missiles at North Korea & is chortling & gleefully announcing the death of the world as we know it, on Twitter. That is if he even bothers to announce it, & we have to find out on the BBC instead. As a 'child' 'he' thinks he can do anything. So he will. Hopefully he signals his hand on Twitter, so that maybe someone can stop him. Not 'his' regime, they are all so loyal they would hand carry a nuke to anywhere he says & set it off. Not congress, they just would prefer to not think about it. Not 'his' serfs, oops, his base who are white & take out the trash, they will just stand around outside looking up (thinking they will see them flying over their house so they can chortle), when if they see one it will be incoming from any other nuclear country. Everyone might hate North Korea, but, sending all our nukes that way leaves us defenseless against All nuclear countries. They don't trust or like our regime at all. So, one nuke sent off will get reprisals from all nuclear countries. We will have broken the unwritten rule of have but don't use. Ever. Governments that fear others do what people who fear others do: their best to destroy them, when they are looking another way.
Here! Hear!! A wonderful article - especially the quotes from former Republican presidents!!
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Freedom of the press doesn't mean that the press has the right to require daily televised press briefings with Q&A by the White House. No doubt those briefings are good to watch, with "Spicy" fielding the hits and errors. But the Constitution doesn't say the press gets handed its journalism without even trying. You guys often have to dig and interview a lot of people in a lot of places -- some "off the record" -- to get your story. As for Trumpie and his fake video knock-down of CNN, he handed the press its headlines without even being asked to do so. His antics energize his supporters, but many of those in the not-so-loyal opposition want to see him ramp up his nuttiness until even congressional Republicans are ready to pull the plug and declare him functionally incompetent.
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Trump continues to attack "the media" in an attempt to sway public opinion in his favor. However, Obama went after specific journalists and resisted FOIA requests at an alarming rate. Seems to be a bipartisan issue, only different tactics.
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Nonsense; lies and false equivalency. No sane person ever accused Barack Obama of attempting to suppress any part of the American press, including the foul and fake Fox "news". Trump is a danger to the American constitution and the American political way of life. His words and behavior are defensible only by goons and fellow-travelers.
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Remind me, Casey, what specific journalists did Obama go after?
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The Obama Justice Department continued to pursue a supeona against NYTimes journalist, James Risen, and decided only to drop the case when he threatened to go to jail rather than testify.
Here's an additional source outside this very newspaper's articles on the topic.
https://freedom.press/news/how-obama-administration-laid-groundwork-trum...
I despise false equivalency as much as the next person, and Trump will most likely do much more damage to the free press in the next 4 years than many administrations have done in the past. However, I'm not going to overlook the harm done by the Obama adminstration simply because I voted for him.
Here's an additional source outside this very newspaper's articles on the topic.
https://freedom.press/news/how-obama-administration-laid-groundwork-trum...
I despise false equivalency as much as the next person, and Trump will most likely do much more damage to the free press in the next 4 years than many administrations have done in the past. However, I'm not going to overlook the harm done by the Obama adminstration simply because I voted for him.
Wonderful. You're in the battle of your careers, your lives, our Country's future. Do not waver.
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Fight back; Boycott Twitter!
Every tweet we send supports Twitter, inc.
Since advertisers must pay to appear on Twitter, any significant reduction in the number of tweets sent each day will lessen the value of ads and hence the revenue supporting its operation.
President Trump’s free access to the millions of voters who are currently the targets of his daily rants must end.
Fight back; Boycott Twitter!
Every tweet we send supports Twitter, inc.
Since advertisers must pay to appear on Twitter, any significant reduction in the number of tweets sent each day will lessen the value of ads and hence the revenue supporting its operation.
President Trump’s free access to the millions of voters who are currently the targets of his daily rants must end.
Fight back; Boycott Twitter!
My question is where did Mr. Trump get the tech savvy to superimpose the CNN logo into the WWF video clip? This wasn't merely his usual idle-and inappropriate- musing. Someone had to have prepared this for him to post it. Who?
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I believe it was posted earlier on Reddit and appropriated by Trump.
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I would guess Steve Bannon of Breitbart.
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His son Baron, of course; today's kids are tech savvy.
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