Thom Hartmann: #OWS Arrests Cost US Dearly in Press Freedom - #47

[thomhartmann]

Not only did we hear the President's take on the State of the Union - but we also heard the Republican's take on it when Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels gave the official Republican response. We also heard from Mr. 9-9-9 himself - Herman Cain - who had the official Tea Party response. And yes, Cain did look at the right camera. However, less unexpected was the response from the Occupy movement from Washington, DC. In their response - the movement said ..."Financially, the state of the 99% is not strong. That is an understatement. Never in our lifetimes have so many hard-working Americans faced so many difficulties, so many uncertainties, so many indignities" It has been a very tumultuous year for the Occupy movement, and even more so for the reporters and journalists who have covered the movement and it's principles. Throughout 2011 - reporters covering the movement were beaten - arrested and ultimately prevented from reporting on police action against Occupy protestors. We all remember Mayor Michale Bloomberg's midnight raid on Zuccotti Park in which more than 200 peaceful protestors - including dozens of journalists - were arrested by police in riot gear. And as a result - our nation's press freedom have suffered a setback. We like to think of ourselves as the most free nation in the world when it comes to the press. But - in reality - we're not even close. Joining us to discuss more about the treatment of journalists in the United States today is Delphine Halgand - the DC bureau chief for Reporters Without Borders

The Big Picture with Thom Hartmann on RT TV & FSTV "live" 9pm and 11pm check www.thomhartmann.com/tv for local listings

[sabrina 1]

1. Bloomberg and the scandal ridden NYPD should be held accountable for their violations

of the 1st Amendment. It's shameful that even the press now has to worry about arrested simply for doing their jobs. Otoh, in many they should have expected it would come to this when they refuse to cover important stories and simply go along with those who are in power.

Even now, after all of this, where on the MSM has there been even a discussion of all of this?

[Mosaic]

2. Why do we even call them the msm?

They don't tell us important matters. They hide the truth. They are not mainstream to me. I don't watch them much anymore and I feel much better. Try it.

[sabrina 1]

3. I agree, I can't think of the last time I have watched CNN or any of what is referred to as the MSM

To get news you have to go to many sources, and when you compare what is called 'news' on the MSM to other legitimate news sources, it becomes understandable why many Americans have no idea about what their government is doing.