We are entering a period of existential crisis for the United States as Congress finally finds the courage to initiate impeachment proceedings against a corrupt and dangerously incompetent president. The media will play a central role in determining how the results of these proceedings are communicated to the American people. Given the massive barrage of lies, misleading statements and inflammatory rhetoric we can expect from the president and his supporters, the media has a responsibility NOT to report on it.
In a particularly relevant op-ed piece by Norm Ornstein and Thomas Mann a few years ago, they stated:
“We understand the values of mainstream journalists, including the effort to report both sides of a story. But a balanced treatment of an unbalanced phenomenon distorts reality. If the political dynamics of Washington are unlikely to change anytime soon, at least we should change the way that reality is portrayed to the public.
Our advice to the press: Don’t seek professional safety through the even-handed, unfiltered presentation of opposing views. Which politician is telling the truth? Who is taking hostages, at what risks and to what ends?”
The progressive media should embrace this position. Don’t report the lies by the President and his henchmen. Better still don’t even say his name (or show his photo) — that simply feeds the beast. Just report the truth.