On the other hand, the Rule I propose stipulates that if you are unsatisfied with x, y, or z opinion/judgement, you have every right to say so, and, if you choose, to say why.

But should there really be a strict "fact/logic" limitation on one's right to opine?

Of course, in America, everyone has a right to free speech (sans facts and logic). And I don't know how or where you intend to enforce your Rule, but as far as I'm concerned, it's disingenuous to compare someone's fact and logic-based criticism of King's "interview" to someone's fact-free complaint of "judicial activism". In an educated society, not all arguments are considered equal just because they have a point of view (this relates to Glenn's constant criticism about journalistic focus on "balance" over "truth"). So, if we're going to create some sort of "Rule" to govern opining, I think it should involve a requirement that everyone present logic and facts when opining. After all, unenforceable rules can have whatever we want in them, yes?

Recall the severe take-down Chris Matthews went through over his bashing of Hillary Clinton throughout the campaign and especially in the lead-up to New Hampshire. It would be hard to realize that was the same person who, in last night's analysis of the Las Vegas debate, pronounced Clinton as the obvious nominee who had embarked on a general election strategy since the primaries are no longer important.

It looks to me like Matthews was forced to look at the hard evidence of his mistreatment of Clinton. Sadly, his response was to go just as far away from reality in the other direction. I hold little hope that he will find his way to reality in his journey, but the very fact that he undertook a significant course correction is further evidence that the press is beginning to realize that at least a few of us are paying attention. That is a very healthy development, but we have a very long way still to go.

King is just another preening spokes-model puppet who is sent out to entertain the masses and maintain the status quo. He is one of many spokes-model puppets performing in the Corporate-owned Puppet Theater that passes for news in this country that has convinced himself that he indeed is a real journalist. It's all smoke & mirrors my friends...

Tweety's heart toward Hillary may have grown three sizes during the Dems' debate, but it probably has more to do with criticism of his performances from his management, not the blogosphere. That, and his fear and jealousy that KO has taken the spot he feels righttfully belongs to him.

I say it proves that when someone's watching the store, shoplifting goes down and everyone's performance goes up. The reverse has been proven too often in the age of Bush.

I respectfully chuckled at your comment.

I laughed because I know a Medal of Honor (respectfully, and it's harder to live with a medal such as the M.O.H., than to not to have one, sometimes) recipient. Baca deserves the medal.

John Baca (MOH-Nixon) is a calm, good hearted soul.

Mr. Baca 'jest' he lost a portion of his pink 'dupe'...

I say, give Glenn a pair of warm, matching, smelly socks?

Do you suppose he has that picture on his press pass?

I am reminded of a skit from Conan Obrien where Max Weinberg was on top, caressing and gently thrusting at ... Max Weinberg on the bottom in soft focus. Seems terribly appropos.

Using his own words against a "journalist", perfect. Using his picture, priceless.

What struck me after I read Glenn's initial post on King's interview with McCain is that he wrote what so many of us feel when watching the uncritical drivel that's broadcast as "journalism" over the airwaves by network and cable news programs. But of course "journalists" like King aren't really concerned with what us little people think about their work - they're actually performing for the rest of the Village.

I think what ruffled King's feathers was that he was called out by a non-Villager albeit someone who has some influence in the arena where public opinion is shaped. Villagers like King can't stand the contrast between their self-important roles where they preen for the rest of the Village and the role of someone like Glenn who does a seriously great job of informing the public. When someone like Glenn pierces their bubble world, the Villagers react with the kind of petulant, ego-driven behavior that King did (much like the pols they love to rub elbows with). Thanks, Glenn, you're doing an outstanding job!!!

Wait, I must have missed this. Who is using this term? Please don't tell me that they're actually referring to themselves this way!?!?

If that's the case I must correct my movie reference to say that the angry non-villagers with pitchforks (and torches) are mad as hell, yadda, yadda, yadda.

carolynC:

"What a torrent of self-righteous indignation! Truly interesting. I watch these seemingly inter-changeable manikin/stenographers on the TV and marvel at their bland affect, the total lack of endearing, personal idiosyncracy, any faint glimmer of personality.

"How amazing. Underneath all that phony geniality and transparently false bonhommie, is a quivering mass of roiling emotion. Make a valid criticism and they erupt with invective."

Whoa!

Why don't you just go for the egotistical jugular? :^)

I especially admire, "Underneath all that phony geniality and transparently false bonhommie, is a quivering mass of roiling emotion. Make a valid criticism and they erupt with invective."

"...quivering mass of roiling emotion" is truly memorable.

Well did, CarolynC, well did.

Are you by any chance a psychotherapist? If not, you should consider it as a vocation in addition to whatever else you do!

You got a keen psychological eye on <>iyou, Girl!

KR

...Typical right wing smear from King:

"Nobody reads you"=right wing smear from King to GG.

"Nobody listens to them"= right wing smear [Fox Noise] towards Air America.

"Nobody watches them"=Right wing BillO smear towards MSNBC.

"Nobody reads Daily Kos or Media Matters"=double whammy from BillO (close to a million people read Daily Kos & Media Matters combined on a daily basis).

Of course, scores of people read, listen & watch all of the aforementioned.

But in Wingnutville & Kingville, saying it's so makes it so.