I’m not arguing that there are no fine liberal voices now. Of course we still have impressive journalists and investigative reporters like Frank Rich and Seymour Hirsch. We have good, balanced reporters like Candy Crowley and Gwen Ifill. And we have sound, sensible Sunday morning talk show hosts like Bill Schieffer (although there will never be another Tim Russert).
What I am saying is that something has gone seriously awry when it comes to “the media” in this country. Something is clearly amiss when that pillar of democracy is impugned over and over again, and not even its own members react. Something has gone decidedly south when watching a politico blow out his birthday candles is more important than maintaining journalistic objectivity; when having people clamor for a picture with you supersedes ego-free reporting.
Whether you’re from a red, blue or purple state, media’s abrogation of its raison d’etre is a red flag blowing in the wind for all of us. Here’s hoping we don’t have to bring that flag to half-mast.
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Elayne Clift writes about politics, current events and social issues from Saxtons River, Vt. For a list of her books and workshops, visit www.elayneclift.com
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