Hugh Hewitt guides his listeners and readers to this New York Times story that reveals a covert CIA operation. So, you mean to tell me that the NYT worked themselves into a lather over the alleged exposure of a no longer active covert operative, Valerie Plame, but have no issue whatsoever with revealing an entire clandestine campaign? Am I the only one to see the double standard? I doubt they considered the many lives they are endangering with this story. In fact, they seemed to paint those that were being transported as victims. But, if we are to believe the fools at Amnesty International, these flights are saving the passengers from the American Gulag, Guantanamo Bay, so they should actually be relieved. It is hard not to believe that the press sees it's role as helping to defeat the United States.
Update: A commenter, JPS, posted the following and I thought it was worthy of a response. Sorry it took so long, JPS.
"It is hard not to believe the press sees its role as helping to defeat the United States."
No, Opinionator, remember: In their minds, they are doing their utmost to strengthen us.
Ever see "Bridge on the River Kwai"? Remember how Colonel Nicholson, all along, was convinced he was doing all he could as a British officer and patriot--even after his odd logic led him to strengthen the Japanese war effort and finally try to thwart his own side?
Same principle, except I doubt people like this will ever have a "What have I done?" moment to redeem them.
I have to say, I see a lot of merit in this comment and it is an angle I did not look at in my frustration. We have all heard members of the press say that they are helping us by revealing our warts for all to see. That way, in their minds, we can address them and make amends. It also lends to the mindset that many reporters seem to have that as bad as our enemies are, we are just as bad. After all, their lives are spent exposing our "faults." I think a significant number of those in the press are doing exactly what JPS says. Others are against the war but use this type of thinking to rationalize their anti-war position. Last, I do think that many do want to see us humbled, leaving Iraq with our tail between our legs, regardless of the cost in lives and treasure. Good point JPS, I appreciate the comment as it made me think of this from another viewpoint. As it happens, I had seen a good part of the movie only a week before.
Last note, it is still very ironic that the same publication that screamed bloody murder about the "outing of Valerie Plame is so willing to out an entire covert program. The theme does seem to be, "Whatever hurts the Bush Administration."
