No Distinction Left Between Whores and Press, Apparently

That a misfortune such as the Schiavo case is what it has taken to expose the depravity, corruption, and cynical manipulation of the public by rightwing Republicans reveals a great deal about the terrible state of news reporting in this country. It is quite telling that a war predicated on completely false--provably and now admittedly false--premises could not command this depth of debate or coverage in the mainstream media. A blatant attempt to destroy the most successful social program in the history of the country, Social Security, cannot command this kind of attention. A national policy of torture and false imprisonment, knowingly fostered and supported at the highest reaches of government cannot command this much attention. But find a case in which pathos outweighs everything, and through which people feel no compunction to screech their prejudices and superstitions and can find willing media people ready to funnel the noise to the public, and by golly, the night becomes day in Pinellas Park, Florida, and the "journalists" outnumber the protestors and the coverage goes 24/7 waiting for one woman to die.

And I'm not optimistic that anything is going to change, either, even if the Repubs are splattered with gore they themselves squeezed out of this sad situation. The press doesn't forget who's in power, no matter how disgusting they are. Americablog reports that the National Press Club is holding a panel discussion on journalism and bloggers, and who is on that panel? None other than disgraced and discredited male prostitute and web porn purveyor Jeff Gannon/James Guckert. As John Aravosis points out, Gannon/Guckert was never a journalist, and is really not much of a blogger, yet he is hoisted before a national audience to speak as to the nature of the beast.

The silver lining is that this may be yet another nail in the coffin of mainstream media as they become even more delusional about the condition of news. And I have to remind myself again and again, that while the First Amendment guarantees the right to a free press, it does nothing to actually guarantee the existence of a free press.