Linkmeister

What hath Colin's son wrought?

Krugman writes in today's NYT:

It's long past time for this administration to be held accountable. Over the last two years we've become accustomed to the pattern. Each time the administration comes up with another whopper, partisan supporters — a group that includes a large segment of the news media — obediently insist that black is white and up is down.

[snip]

The public was told that Saddam posed an imminent threat. If that claim was fraudulent, the selling of the war is arguably the worst scandal in American political history — worse than Watergate, worse than Iran-contra.

[snip]

But here's the thought that should make those commentators really uncomfortable. Suppose that this administration did con us into war. And suppose that it is not held accountable for its deceptions, so Mr. Bush can fight what Mr. Hastings calls a "khaki election" next year. In that case, our political system has become utterly, and perhaps irrevocably, corrupted.

And that is why the FCC decision to relax its ownership rules today is so wrong.

...more stations gives the networks more power over their affiliates in negotiations over fees and what programs to show. It also enables the biggest companies to consolidate the advantages of size over their smaller competitors.

And the 500-channel argument? Only 80%-85% of the nation has cable available to it, and where it is available, how many people have to choose between a $40 per month cable bill and other more necessary monthly items like prescriptions or meals or car insurance?

The Senate Commerce Committee is holding hearings Wednesday to discuss the new rules; if your Senator is on the committee, let him or her know your feelings about this.

Posted by Linkmeister at June 2, 2003 10:11 PM