Today I called the Los Angeles Times, armed with my subscription renewal form which I routinely send in, despite months of misgivings. Last week's column by John Ziegler, right wing talk show racist, entitled "How the Liars Won" the Arnold proposition battle as well as the announcement that Jonah Goldberg would become a regular contributor was the end. I really don't care if Robert Scheer is retained or not. He is merely a minimal counterbalance to a drumbeat of right wing talking points and disinformation. I sent the OP Ed page editor and the Managing editor this email:
Dear Mr. Martinez:
Regrettably, I have just cancelled my subscription to your paper which I have maintained for many years. I grew tired of the insistence of your continued "balanced" approach to an an op-ed page. This flawed concept seems to demand that you allow fanatic right wingers a forum to peddle propaganda and smears, no matter how fallacious.
Your recent commentary on Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame was especially abominable. Even your letters parroted lies that have been repeatedly debunked. Your appointment of Jonah Goldberg, a talentless hack who owes his career to nepotistic connections with one of the most odious figures in publishing was the last straw. I will look forward to eagerly telling your telemarketers that I will not return until you remove this garbage from your newspaper.
Best wishes,
Norm Cash
I urge all of you to do the same. The Tribune Company needs to understand that this type of yellow journalism will cost them money. That is the only message they care about. Flush them now!