shutting down the press... the death of democracy?

cspan is running a series of programs on the media and our government.  two programs airing are corporate media and the press in their american perspectives series.  this is one of the most forthright discussions of the distortions of corporate media and the role of the media in perpetuating the government agenda in the rollup to war.

another in the series deals with secrecy and the media - a chilling look at the secret classification of documents (to, according to one speaker, regain presidential power rather than to protect data), the subpoenas issued to the press demanding sources, the the patriot act and other laws restricting rights under the constitution.

this is a MUST SEE series of programs - the discussions strip the veneer off the media lies and expose the vulnerability of our nation if these abuses go unchecked.

more below, please...

i had originally begun transcribing some of the discussions in the earlier program, but i would recommend instead that you watch this chilling, sobering presentation of how our media is being diminished in the attempt of this administration for absolute power.

it is stunning to hear the words "facism" being used in these programs - the clarion call from the most respected participants in our society are alarmed!

thomas blanton, national security archive director traced the use of key inflamatory phrases back to the influence of dick cheney YEARS ago - and, according to his description, this assault on our democracy has been fomenting for decades.

sites such as freepress offers video and audio connections to this conference, the national conference for media reform for those of you who have missed this broadcast.

we often complain, but this conference offers us direction in HOW we can effect change... i urge you to watch this series - either on cspan or streaming... we have too much to lose to ignore what is being FINALLY said in the open - but if WE don't get this out - it will disappear.  i can assure you that this information is NOT going to make the mainstream media!

[post script:  it isn't ALL serious angst and drum - there are some VERY funny moments, too - like comparing this adminstration's penchant for secrecy like the old maxwell smart's "cone of silence"...]