Free Press....YOU BET>>> Check out this LETTER in a ReD StAtE

[greenbriar]

Free press

I'm writing about the ongoing controversy over the revelation by The New York Times of the Bush administration's secret financial spying. Many -- including columnist Cal Thomas ("New York Times giving aid, comfort to enemies," July 5 Opinion) --have suggested that the release of such information is treason. Such poppycock!

The administration, Thomas and their ilk want to have it both ways. They leak information to the media when it suits their politics (such as the outing of CIA agent Valerie Plame), but whine when a leak does not serve them. We saw no such outrage over the leak by Karl Rove and company regarding Plame.

Remember, people: Even the most despicable dictator or tyrannical regime allows "freedom of the press" when it suits its purposes. If you really want to reside in a country without freedom of the press, try Iran or North Korea, where the media are free to report whatever the government tells them. The media should not simply be a cheerleader for an administration (can anyone say "Fox News"?).

To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson: If I had to choose between newspapers without government or government without newspapers, I would choose newspapers.


http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/editorial/14996487.htm

[Warpy]

1. I've long said that the political pendulum will swing back to the

left starting with the west. I know people in Kansas are rebelling against the total religious wingnuttery that has taken over that states GOP. I know that a progressive has been elected governor of Montana. I know that the belief in tax cuts has run its course and most people now know they'll get pennies in cuts and have to take huge hits in public services for them while billionaires get all the gravy.

The only other thing the GOP had going for it was the "aw shucks" style put on by its little tin Jesus. People aren't buying that any more, either, although they are not ready to accept a New York or New England egghead or yuppie.

Let's just say I'm not a bit surprised by this LTTE. I'm seeing similar ones here in central NM.

[bahrbearian]

2. I like the Thomas Jefferson Quote at the end

To paraphrase Thomas Jefferson: If I had to choose between newspapers without government or government without newspapers, I would choose newspapers.

[greenbriar]

3. me too

might add it to my sig line

[Scribe]

6. Here is the unparaphrased quote:

If forced to choose between government without the press and the press without government, I would surely choose the latter.

[havocmom]

4. LTTE in red state re Liberals v GOP & 'Conservatives'

From newspaper in Montana's pretty conservative leaning city of Billings.

The Republicans' recent political advertisements clearly demonstrate their impotence and complete lack of intelligent and constructive ideas. Apparently, all they can do is make fun of Jon Tester's haircut and claim he is a "liberal," as though that were a bad thing.

At a recent Democratic rally, I confronted a young man holding a placard saying "Tester is too Liberal For Montana." When I asked him what that meant, he said, "I don't know." Of course he didn't. It's a meaningless statement, but at least he was honest!

The GOP's only platform is to try to force their ultra-conservative, far-right social values on everyone else, increase tax cuts for the rich and spend, spend, spend until the country is bankrupt. Oh yes, and banning gay marriage, flag burning and selling public lands are also at the top of their agenda but nothing about universal health care, raising the minimum wage, a sensible immigration policy or any other real concerns of the working and middle class.

The truth of the matter is that Burns and Rehberg are way too "conservative" for Montana. Republicans and the current administration have made a complete mess of things both domestically and internationally. It's way past time for a change.

[seabeyond]

5. the reality is... what this adm does and gets away with opposes

mostly what the republicans stand for. it is hard for the 30% that excuse and justify bush behavior, because exactly what he does is against all that they believe from their govt.

i have been surprised that the republicans have not turned on bushco sooner. but at some point one has to guess that they will say enough. this is just not something we would ever condone from our govt