Letters to the Editor

NBC and McCaffrey's coordinated responses to the NYT story Emails obtained between NBC executives and the retired General further underscore NBC's gross indifference to journalistic ethics. Glenn Greenwald [2008-12-01]

• Party like it's 2003

  The disturbing tactics NBC has chosen here are probably the most disheartening aspect of the NYT's disclosures about McCaffrey. Taking a page from the crooked playbook of both Nixon and Rove, we have a supposed NEWS organization attacking its critics' patriotism, covering itself in faux "Americanism," dragging out irrelevant and stale honors of the culprit, avoiding the real issue, and utterly stonewalling any inquiry into the matter.

  This is the exact behavior a nominally free press ought to deplore as a matter of principle, but obviously the network sees itself as an infallible, untouchable, and superior entity, just as far above reproach by the rabble as the political, military, and economic elites it "covers."

  Honestly, Brian Williams might as well go on the air tonight and tell his audience to, as Dick Cheney might, "Go fuck yourselves."

  They not only don't see anything wrong with what they are doing, and see the far greater crime in anyone having the temerity to criticize them for it, but just like a crooked politician or scofflaw CEO, consider having mendacious PR flacks spout ridiculous talking points a standard way of fooling and distracting the rubes watching until the whole thing blows over. And to top it off, they hold their audience in such contempt, or are so stupid themselves, that they don't even bother to have someone educated beyond eighth grade proofread the garbage they put out.

  Tenant, indeed... And in a schoolmarmish lecture about journalism.

  Tina Brown's pipe dreams aside, no one like Glenn would ever qualify for the "talent" they're seeking for "Meet the Press." They're holding out for Sarah Palin. Also.

  -- Cocktailhag
  [Read Cocktailhag's other letters]
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