Idaho Falls

We had a great gathering for last night's special guest, Tom Walsh. He had a lot of fun stories about his life in journalism, with some interesting insights along the way. Let me tell you, that man can tell stories. That experience, along with the broadcast of Bill Moyers' documentary Buying the War (How did the mainstream press get it so wrong?), and David Halberstam's death this week, have me thinking about something I've posted about before: The Myth of Media Bias.

It has become accepted wisdom in this country that our media are supposed to be objective or balanced or unbiased (you can provide whatever definition for those terms that you like). My position is that the media is supposed to be liberal, and that America is destined for failure unless we restore our liberal journalistic principles.

A liberal investigative reporter has a natural distrust of authority, and will question any public figure or office holder with skepticism. The liberal reporter knows that his job is to provide the best information to the public, so that our democratic institutions function for the good of all. On the other hand, a conservative reporter will tend to have a reverence for authority figures, by definition. Such a reporter is much more likely to accept the word of those in power, and to defer to them. (This difference may be one reason why the ranks of journalists are disproportionately liberal, while the owners of the media conglomerates are disproportionately conservative - although that's a position that probably deserves more rigorous examination.)

It is clear that conservative-leaning media sources such as Fox News and The Washington Times provide misleading and deceitful coverage of world events, and either attract or create stupid consumers of news [PDF]. But what we really need to understand is that 'unbiased' attempts at 'balance' are just as bad. By trying to provide that balance, the media merely dilute good, liberal journalism with pure crap. We end up with 'he said/she said' reporting, which legitimizes the side that is practicing distortion.

Conservative forces in our country have spend the last thirty years trying to neutralize the press in this country, and they did it by demonizing the word 'liberal,' and by accusing the media of bias. The media reacted by bending over backwards to prove that they weren't liberally biased, and that has been their biggest failure.

It's time for Americans to demand that our media return to their liberal journalistic standards.

Our special guest this Wednesday (April 25) is Tom Walsh, ski bum and Post Register opinion page author (pictured above with the lovely and talented Wynnie Walsh).

Tom is an astute observer of the political scene, an erudite and graceful writer, a tireless defender of liberal principles, a promoter of everything that is wholesome and decent in America, and a Nobel-prize-nominated defender of truth, justice, and the American Way.

Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration. However, Tom does an amazing job of taking on the wingnuts, with much success. He has become a lightning rod for the anger and frustration of many in the local conservative community. Those who follow the opinion page know of Tom's intelligence and wit. He will reminisce about his time at the Post Register, and share stories about his experiences since he began writing his column.

What: Drinking Liberally with special guest Tom Walsh
When: Wednesday, April 25, from 7 to 9pm
Where: Whitewater Grill (425 River Pkwy, across from the falls)

All are welcome -- come join us for liberal conversation and fine refreshments at the Whitewater Grill.

Our friend and DL regular, Holly Kartchner, pictured above with some guy, has been selected as a 2007 James Madison Fellow!

The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation has more information about this honor. What it means is that Holly will receive $24,000 to use for tuition, books, and room and board while she gets a Master's Degree in American history or political science. There's also a four-week Summer Institute program at Georgetown University.

Only 50 individuals each year receive this honor. Nominally, the Foundation selects one from each state, as long as there is a qualifying applicant. However, you have to go back to 2003 for the last winner from Idaho.

I'm sure that any of you who have spent time talking with Holly at our meetings have only one question: what took the James Madison Foundation so long?

It seems like you're not somebody in Idaho until Frank Vandersloot buys you, sues you, or sends you a cease and desist letter.

Well, if the above graphic doesn't get me at least a C&D, then maybe I'm mistaken about Frank and his company, Melaleuca. Or maybe I'm just not as smart as a guy that can make $millions off an MLM scam.