Initially, I was somewhat indignant. That even the tiniest hint of diversion from White House press briefings on the part of the fawning corporate media would spark such a bizarre sequence of events left me somewhat bewildered, and more annoyed than usual with the American public’s willingness to march lockstep to the slaughter without a whimper of protest.
However, on reflection, I have changed my mind. An independent media is not appropriate for the US at this time.

I have come to realize that not only has NewsWeek still not done enough to prove its loyalty to Washington, but every single media outlet has fallen short of the glory as well.

I call on NewsWeek to expand their statement to include complete and categorical retraction of any mention, in the May 9th as well as any previous issues, of any allegation, report, statement from witnesses, interviewees or any source whatsoever, any text that implies that any individual acting on behalf of, and in the pay of, the United States has at any time participated in or condoned any action that could be interpreted as a violation of either the UN Declaration of Human Rights, the Geneva Convention, the US Constitution, or any other law, statute or treaty to which the US is signatory.

Nor am I singling NewsWeek out. Every single newspaper, radio and TV station and network in the United States should make the same retraction. And with that retraction, a solemn commitment not to repeat the offense.

I call on the Congress to make it a federal crime to publish, in print or on the airwaves, any report that could cast the US and its policies in an unfavorable light.

There is no excuse for this. The US makes available to the press, every single day, a wealth of material that contains all any journalist needs to know about the government’s position on any topic.

No other sources are needed.

The last four years have demonstrated this beyond any doubt, and the fact that this practice has been so seldom diverged from does not lessen the gravity of the offense, but it does make it extremely jarring when it does happen.

Any honest news editor will tell you that advertisers do not like to be associated with stories or editorials that oppose or criticize US policy.

Even the wire services have occasionally been caught snooping around closed military zones interviewing residents of towns where US forces have been operating. And their remarks are seldom flattering to Washington. This must stop.

The Michael Jackson trial is now entering a crucial phase. US news media has a perfect opportunity to turn around a disturbing trend. It is long past the time when the cable networks should have gone to live continuous extended coverage of this important event, while they revamp their news segments to include, for one, more stirring march music.

I have also noticed that none of the three major cable channels have a portrait of President Bush on the anchor set.

This sends the wrong message. The subtle flag graphics worked into the icon bars are simply not enough any more. They look almost like the networks were ashamed.

The anchor desk is the place where White House press releases are read, and the flag should be clearly visible at all times, along with the Presidential Portrait, over the heads of the anchors, to remind us all to be careful what we say.