February 8th, 2012
For the second time in a few months, we have seen a crazy Israel-about-to-attack-Iran story spread around the globe. I don’t want to go into all of the details, but this tale is an example of how the media has lost it completely due to a combination of laziness (reporters don’t really do research or check sources), agenda, ignorance, and good old sensationalism. Partly, too, it arises from the mass media’s struggle to deal with the Internet media era and the Internet media’s struggle to achieve decent journalistic standards. (more)
November 22nd, 2011
Today is the 48th anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination. I know it’s risky for a woman to give clues about her age, but I admit to remembering that day, now nearly (gulp) a half-century ago. (more)
November 14th, 2011
Earlier this month, the William F. Buckley, Jr. Program at Yale organized lectures and a dinner to mark the 60th anniversary of the publication of Buckley’s “God and Man at Yale.” One of the topics of conversation was Buckley’s famous wit. We recalled that he was self-deprecating and that his humor derived from both his love for humanity and his skepticism of the human condition. In listening to his friends recount how witty he was, particularly on “Firing Line,” the debate show he hosted for 33 years, I couldn’t help but notice how little wit exists in our current political debate. And no, it’s not because it has all migrated to Twitter. (more)
November 9th, 2011
“Herman Cain accused by two women of inappropriate behavior.” With that headline, Politico lit a spark that has turned into a raging fire. But are GOP voters paying attention? (more)
October 31st, 2011
Herman Cain’s run for president was supposed to be a breath of fresh air. Instead, it’s brought together the campaign season’s least inspirational and most idiotic forces. (more)
