Do you agree with this analysis of today's journalists?

Question

When John Swinton, chief of staff for the New York Times, spoke before a group of newspapermen who were toasting the "independent press" in the nineteenth century, he said, "There is not one of you who dares to write your honest opinions, and if you did, you know beforehand that it would never appear in print. I am paid weekly for keeping my honest opinions out of the paper I am connected with. Others of you are paid similar salaries for similar things, and any of you who would be so foolish as to write honest opinions would be out on the streets looking for another job. If I allowed my honest opinions to appear in one issue of my paper, before twenty-four hours my occupation would be gone. The business of the journalist is to destroy the truth; to lie outright, to pervert; to vilify; to fawn at the feet of mammon, and to sell his country and his race for his daily bread. You know it and I know it, so what folly is this toasting an independent press? We are the tools and vassals of

rich men behind the scenes. We are the jumping jacks-- they pull the strings-- we dance. Our talents, our possibilities and our lives are all the property of other men. We are intellectual prostitutes."

Answer 1

I agree with this analysis of journalists, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Journalists have been married to politics since the printing press was first invented. Many politicians began their political careers from the newspaper business and many left politics to take up careers in the newspapers. Likewise many political advisors have newspaper backgrounds. In the 1920 presidential election both candidates were newspaper men. Warren Harding and James Cox. The giant media company Cox Communication's was begun by James Cox.
With all of this known I certainly don't expect the unvarnished truth from the newsmedia.
One of the links below is about one of the most influential newsmen who has had a huge impact on America's foreign policy, Walter Lippman.

Answer 2

No, I believe he is posturing considering how the stock has tanked since they have been on a constant attack of the current administration.

Just 7% of Washington correspondents voted for Bush in 1992 when clitoon won as compared to 37% of Americans. As a group journalists are more liberal than any congressional district in the country.

Perhaps you should try reading something that has a dissenting position as compared to your world view. I think that might be called tolerant behavior, you know try to see the whole thing instead of just one side. Isn't that what liberals say they do.

Try reading this research paper, it is eye opening, yet it has not received widespread publication, maybe because it says the media outlets are decidely biased.

Answer 3

I agree...the main media is involved in garbled truth. As Chomsky would quite aptly say, the media is an integral part of MANUFACTURING consent...just reflect on the word MANUFACTURING.

Answer 4

NY TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The only thing the times has ever told the truth about is...... well......NOTHING!!!!!!