i feel better knowing all these right-wing columnists are being paid.

[colonel odis]

because if the crap they spew were what they really believed in their hearts .... well, i'd be even more afraid for our country.

so in an odd way, i'm comforted by the fact that armstrong williams and maggie gallagher are merely g--d--- whores taking money from the administration. as opposed to raving, right-wing lunatics.

[LisaM]

1. I wonder how many more there are?

And how much taxpayer money they stole?

It would be funny in a strange way if this was the scandal that actually took hold.

[WMliberal]

2. i don't.

It's our money being used.

[LisaM]

3. Note I didn't say: "humorous"

Funny doesn't have to mean that you laugh. It can mean odd or weird.

[pnb]

4. Who says they don't believe it?

Just because they are getting paid also doesn't mean they wouldn't say whatever they say anyway. If there is something I would say for free anyway, I CERTAINLY wouldn't turn down money to say it, nor stop saying it for money.

[TXlib]

5. One problem with accepting money to promote beliefs you hold anyway

People will question your motives for doing so, and that will undermine your credibility.

[electropop]

6. especially when you hold wacko right-wing nutcase beliefs

It's hard enough to make people belive that you believe, that... oh crap. Now I sound like Rummie.

[TXlib]

9. I think it would undermine your credibility regardless.

But your credibility is already pretty low if you hold whacko nutcase beliefs.

[pnb]

7. Well obviously. :-)

I just don't think that should necessarily be the case is all.

[DearAbby]

8. Everyone should write their Senators and Reps

Ask who else is getting a slice of the Payola Pie. Ask them to ask the New AG if he plans to investigate. The entire media is bought and paid for. None can be trusted. Now employees of the SSA are being pressured to push the Privatization of Social Security...What else? :argh:

[TXlib]

10. It depends on what your ultimate goal is

If I really wanted to get the message out, I wouldn't accept money for it, because I'd know it would undermine my credibility.

If I just wanted to get paid and be a shill, then i don't really care whether i am credible, except insofar as it affects my ability to continue to get paid to shill.

[tsuki]

11. Are you in journalism?

[NewYorkerfromMass]

12. It certainly is a great propoganda tool for our side

for it casts doubt on the legitimacy of both their message and their honesty.