As she calls for a media reckoning, Parker Molloy speaks truth that will resonate with a lot of us, I suspect

@guyjantic Good commentary. I myself am not a paid subscriber and could not read more than the opening of her statement.

@wdlindsy
What's $250 million (what Bezos purchased the WaPo for) to a man with $200 billion?

Nothing.

It's less than what he makes in interest on his hedge funds. The WaPo and it's 150 years of journalism are worth the pocket change of a kleptokrat.

Think on this. The man payed the equivalent of what you collect in pennies, dimes, quarters, and nickles in a jug on your counter. It was a lark, an impulse purchase. Didn't work out? Eh, fuckit- on to the next institution.

@OvertonDoors You'll have to help me see how your comments respond to Parker Molloy's point. I'm not able to see the connection.

@wdlindsy Why is Al Jolson even on the ballot against Ella Fitzgerald?

@wdlindsy The point I'm trying to impart here is that the principles and history of a press that's lasted for over 150 years are as nothing in comparison to the unchecked power that comes with possession of $200 billion.

The apeasment and equivocation done by the NYT, LA Times and WaPo were done under the ownership of people with authoritarian principles. Bezos' interpretation of the Golden Rule is why the WaPo buckled.

"We are here because of a system-wide failure to hold Trump accountable and mount an effective defense against the onslaught of authoritarian minority rule. The much vaunted 'guardrails' have failed spectacularly."

~ Thomas Zimmer

And not least among those failed guardrails are very plainly the corporate media. If any of us doubted who they are, they've taken the mask off.

#media #MediaFail #Democrats #Republicans #KamalaHarris #DonaldTrump
/2

Why the Stakes in this Election Are So Enormously High

Democracy itself is on the ballot. If Trump wins, the extreme Right will be in a much better position than ever before to abolish it

(thomaszimmer.substack.com)

"A crucial part of Trump’s 'superpower' as a political force has stemmed from the fact that America’s mainstream – political elites, media, key institutions – have simultaneously refused to take him seriously as an authoritarian menace while also buying into MAGA mythology far too much. Somehow, a lot of people in positions of power and influence steadfastly refuse to accept Trump’s most radical, most aggressive announcements as an acute threat."

#media #Republicans #DonaldTrump
/3

Timothy Burke looks at the fatuous pablum "American public writers on partisan division" have fed us for some years now — looking at you, corporate media — and opines:

"It must be nice to be so continuously wrong and yet still be welcome on the editorial pages, the Sunday talk shows, and so on."

#media #MediaFail #Democrats #Republicans #KamalaHarris #DonaldTrump
/4

Trump Essentials (7): The Army of the Republic

Lateral Moves Against The Cycle of Doom

(timothyburke.substack.com)

@wdlindsy

"One day you will wake up and the lie will be declared the truth.

That's when you will know you've lost."
SearingTruth

@wdlindsy

I think this is generally too kind and forgiving - i don't believe most of them have 'twisted themselves into knots trying to appease' anyone. Largely, I think they've been active, willing participants knowing full well what they were doing and how it distorts the reality of what has been happening. Some of that is down to ownership. But even the percentage of actual Trump supporters out 'in the streets' tells us that there are probably also a disproportionate number active in media.

@wdlindsy We need an alternative to corporate media.

@wdlindsy the only problem with this, is that if Don wins, journalism as we know it will cease to exist. There will be no opportunity for a reckoning. It will be too late. Quite literally.

@markwyner Yes, that's right.

@Runyan50 For sure. We the citizens need to build something better, truer, more authentic, more morally centered, not owned and controlled by grubby, self-infatuated billionaires.

@sufferforme Could be. Could be too kind. But what I am paying attention to in her words is "call for a media reckoning."

@SearingTruth Wise words.

@OvertonDoors I agree with Parker Molloy that it's high time for a media reckoning. And I intend to do the little bit I can do to keep seconding her call and that of some astute others for such a reckoning.

@Alarod Why, indeed?