Circling The Wagons

Following the victory of Ned Lamont in the Democratic primary, Connecticut's elected Democrats circled the wagons around him, showing the world that, to them, the party comes before the people.

These are people who knew Senator Lieberman was the best choice, and said so in their endorsements. But despite the fact that Lieberman is still in the race, these officials, like Senator Chris Dodd, have effectively said it doesn't matter who is best for the state, we need to promote the party.

I have a message for our officials. First, you were elected to serve the state and the country, not just those who belong to the Democratic Party. Second, beware those allies you treasure so much. You may be the next one they turn on.

What has happened to journalism?

The current state of journalism has moved from bad to deplorable. It is an epidemic that has infected every level of journalism.

Reuters has been a respected news organization for decades. They have been considered above reproach; at least until it was found that they doctored news photos. Bloggers uncovered the deception and reported it, but don't get the impression that blogs are necessarily better.

Bloggers are responsible, in large part, for the primary turnout for Senate candidate Ned Lamont. This, however, is nothing to be proud of, as it was accomplished by spreading misinformation about the incumbent, Joseph Lieberman. Ranging from misquotes to outright lies about his record, bloggers spread bad information to influence an election. Did the traditional media catch them? No, they were largely ignored by anyone who could have set the record straight, except for the Lieberman camp.

This is having an effect on up and coming news organizations. I was privy to a conference call of a newly launched internet news organization. On the call, editors were explicitly told it was more important to be first than right. They could always apologize later. Of course I have no doubt that, as with traditional media, the correction will be buried and largely overlooked.

Media outlets have a responsibility to the truth, not to a political cause and not to an agenda.