05 July 2001
Woefully Ignorant Journalism
This little gem from the NY Times merits a few comments in addition to the one-liner in the weblog today. It's another example of the sort of journalism that makes me just sit with my mouth open as I read it. I still can't figure out if the journalist is just woefully ignorant about the subject matter or is actively pushing an agenda through the appearance of ignorance (how can a journalist be biased if he's just ignorant of his subject matter?).
The theme of the article is striking, for it suggests that free-market economic policies originated in this nation with Mr. Clinton, and that Republicans have seen fit "to keep" some of his economic policies. You know those Republicans -- the ones who have been known from time immemorial to want to nationalize industries (like healthcare?), impose excessive regulations (arsenic levels? air conditioner efficiency?), and "invest" more in wealth transfer (Americorps?). I'm glad we had eight years of Clinton to keep those socialist Republicans at bay, and that Mr. Bush is continuing some of Mr. Clinton's free-market policies.
My very favorite line is in the second paragraph: "Not every policy is making the transition, of course. Deficit reduction, which started in the administration of Mr. Bush's father and produced a budget surplus in the Clinton years, may not survive the son's $1.35 trillion tax cut." If you don't see the problem, reread. Surely rereading is not necessary to figure out that DEFICIT REDUCTION is no longer a needed policy since we now have a BUDGET SURPLUS! How in the world could Bush be expected to push a policy of deficit reduction in a time of surplus?! You can't reduce something that doesn't exist! The entire argument for tax reduction is that taxpayers have produced a surplus, and are due back some of the overpayment.
Astounding. Maybe someone will write and let me know I missed the joke, that this article is a parody. Sadly, I think it's the NY Times that has become the parody.
[Posted @ 10:28 AM CST]
