Letters to the Editor
RUKiddingMe?
Published Letters: 36 Editor's Choice: 2
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A parallel
[Read the article: A beautiful mosaic of anti-blogger hatred]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I spent part of yesterday watching the testimony of Alberto Gonzlaes on CSPAN and am struck by what I see as the similarities between his attitude towards critics and the MSM's. They both seem to boil down to a mashup of "what me worry" and "screw you for caring"
That is, Gonzales seems quite happy to announce that he has made a few mistakes here and there and accepts complete responsibility for them but gets quite angry when those rude elected officials in congress suggest there's something much more rotten going on than a mishandled personnel matter. And heaven forbid they should expect accountability.
In a similar vein the MSM seems quite happy to acknowledge that their coverage of the (missing) case for war and MIA status on many other stories may have had a few problems but that they behaved responsibly and professionally and "by the way who do you loudmouths criticizing us think you are?" And heaven forbid you should expect accountability.
In both cases the ludicrous magnitude of the failings point to much larger systemic problems with their respective institutions and in both cases the refusal to look beyond the particular complaints one at a time is used (intentionally?) as a way of preventing the much more damaging discussion of those (self serving) systemic failures.
At least Gonzales seems to know he's participating in a coverup. Do those wise men in the press?
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a suggestion
[Read the article: What will be done about James Comey's revelations?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I strongly agree with Glenn's position. I also feel that unless the criminality at the core of this administration is addressed objection to any particular policy is useless. This administration has made clear that it is not responsive to the norms of political behavior in America.
I am not clear on current mechanisms to have an independent prosecutor named in the aftermath of the Clinton Administration. Perhaps someone can explain the process.
In the meantime, I have just sent an email to MoveOn.org suggesting that they take on the naming of an independent prosecutor as one of their campaigns. If you agree that this would be a helpful step please email them and we'll see what hapens.
I wouldn't count on Fred Hiatt to suddenly start listening to Glenn Greenwald and the majority of Americans.
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Apple - The New Big Brother?
[Read the article: If you care about your rights, don't buy an iPhone]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Here is an email I just sent Apple after reading the latest post on The Machinist:
I am a long time user of Apple computers back to the first Macintosh in college. I am also a stock holder from 2001 because I believed that a company that made products people wanted would survive and thrive while bland and buggy Windows/PC's were crap.
My faith and investment has been well rewarded by Apple's corporate model and identity as a company that cares about its customers.
I have been excited by the iPhone and think it is an amazing and revolutionary product but I have not bought one because they arelocked into ATT's cell service. I believe that to lock iPhones into a single company restricts the Apple consumer's right to choose his or her provider and violates the philosophy that Apple has previously benefitted from and will only thrive if it continues.
I now hear that people who use a software fix to get around the ATT lockdown are being severaly punished by having their phones rendered inoperable by Apple developed updates. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
Not only should your customers be allowed to choose their cell provider but your choice of ATT as your particular partner is grotesque as they have been one of the most willing participants in illegally sharing its customers information with the government under national security surveillance requests. They are also lobbying congress agressively to obtain retroactive immunity for their actions essentially acknowledging that they broke the law.
Apple became famous for their Big Brother Macintosh advertisement. Watch out. You are in serious danger of becoming exactly that which you mocked.
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A question for you
[Read the article: The nag, the witch and the media]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Joan,
As always, great post. Also, thank you for the continuously high quality across the board at Salon.
Here's a question that I think needs to be addressed and Salon may be the place for it.
I have heard fairly consistent and widespread rumors about Bill Clinton's continuing extramarital activities since leaving the Whitehouse. Some have come from people who worked in the same building as his foundation where they said it was pretty much an open secret.
I don't have any idea how credible these rumors are but I fear that a man who couldn't resist an intern when in the Whitehouse would not refrain as a private citizen.
Shouldn't this issue be explored? I ask because if there's any truth to the rumors, then you know that Republican opposition researchers already have the story. His behavior could then be a major story in the genral elecetion. I think it would be much better to air any dirty laundry now and let Democratic primary voters decide how this affects Hillary's electability before she becomes the coronated nominee.
Bill has now become fairly active in Hillary's camapign; criticizing Barack Obama's experience, raising money, shutting down unflattering stories in GQ...
This country simply cannot afford another Republican president and this single irrelevant but potent issue could make it happen if not addressed early and appropriately.
Please share your thoughts on this.