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in his recent book "Excavating Kafka" James Hawes writes about how the German press during WWI lead the public to believe that the army was winning the war right up until the armistice was signed. The German public was understandably stunned and outraged over the surrender, and especially after the terms dictated at Versailles. this, of course, was fuel for the right wing which led to Hitler's ascent to power. the German press was fully culpable in setting off the momentum to the chain of events which led, ultimately, to the Holocaust.
i lived in Venezuela from January 2000 until July 2001 and once got a wave from Hugo Chavez, most probably because I was the only gringo in sight. the man is no angel, for sure, but he was elected fair and square, not once but twice. how he has manipulated his power in the past six years is certainly reprehensible but what he has done is no worse than that of a lot of authoritarian leaders that our government has either supported or condoned. Pinochet comes to mind.
but back to the point: our press has largely stood by or cheered while the Bush Administration has shit on the ideals on which this country was founded. there are many so-called journalists and talking heads, publishers and media owners that deserve nothing more than our utter contempt.
