Guest Post by Loki
Recently the Helena Independent Record replaced their editor and did some ‘restructuring’. I had wondered if this was going to be a step backwards toward a more liberal bias. We may now have an indication.
On July 18, 2011 a letter was published in the printed paper from a writer in Missoula. It was a missive of vile hate towards all conservative radio and TV talk shows hosts. It accused conservatives of being intolerant and not listening to other opinions. Interestingly though the letter was not published in their on-line edition to allow opposing comments. So it was a one-sided attack against conservatives. The obvious irony was missed by the IR.
On the same day they published an opinion piece from the noted extreme liberal Paul Krugman. This was the second article from Krugman for the month.
The IR began a ‘Civil Dialogue’ policy to tone down the rhetoric for comments. But they are not updating comments very often making real discussions difficult. And occasionally they are shutting off comments. And not having access to who they actually ‘moderate’ I can not know if there is a bias in the moderation.
So in my opinion it looks like the IR shakeup was a not too subtle left turn.
Ed. Note: Here’s the letter published by the Missoulian. Judge for yourself.
Reality reveals the self-righteous indignation of people like Bill O’Reilly, Denny Rehberg, Glenn Beck, Scott Walker, Jeff Essmann, Paul Ryan and Will Deschamps as symptoms of untruth. These individuals are hostile and angry precisely because they do not feel confident in their own truth. When someone is intolerant of listening to others, the more certain you can be that they do not know what they are talking about.
As honest, fair and truly intellectual debate degrades before our very eyes, the quality of American democracy degrades along with it.– James Minckler, Missoula
Today most local papers are owned by large corporate america.
Media now days is just a prostitute for corporate america and their big buddies the pharma industry. You will only get the propaganda that big corporate interest want you to hear. Look elsewhere for real news
I don’t see the “vile hate” in the letter that you published. Is it “vile hate” to describe Glenn Beck as “angry?”
m2;
My interpretation. When someone thinks you are a liar (untruthful), hostile, angry, intolerant, stupid (do not know what they are talking about), not honest, not fair and not able to have an intelligent conversation I don’t think they are fond of you. It is someone whom with you can not have a conversation because they have already shown a prejudice for everything about you. In fact I doubt the author has actually even heard anything from those about whom they write. I am sure it is DNC talking points.
I see that as the same type of vile hatred directed at Sarah Palin. But that is just my personal view,…. I could be right.
But maybe I missed something. Was there something in the letter that said the author would like to have an intelligent conversation about politics?
Today the IR will start charging for online content even if you have a subscription.
I may have to cancel my paper and just go online, it is cheaper.
Unintended consequences for the IR.