This cracked me up, from Michelle Malkin’s blog, a quote from someone at Newsweek:
“Mike (Isikoff) was told he would not be sacrificed, we are standing behind him 100%,” a top magazine source told the DRUDGE REPORT. “We do not, I repeat, do not let this White House, any White House, make our staff decisions for us.”
Do they realize what asshats they sound like? That’s about as much swagger as Bush has ever thrown out there, and by golly, they sure have HATED SWAGGER in the past. What was it St. Paul said…”all that I hate, I am become…”
Michelle also quotes Austin Bay’s very sensible remarks that, no, Isikoff should probably not resign, but that Newsweek needs to do a few things - you’ll want to read his outline. She also links to the same Hugh Hewitt lines I’d highlighted below.
May 17th, 2005 at 7:22 pm
What would really be interesting is if some of the Middle East governments decided to eject all the Newsweek staff from the country.
May 17th, 2005 at 8:50 pm
Why would they do that? Newsweek provides fodder for their anti-American hatred to feed the masses.
May 17th, 2005 at 10:14 pm
Isn’t it interesting how their views change when the shoe is on the other foot? How come it’s acceptable for them to routinely suggest such a thing when others make mistakes, but the same implication is an outrage and bullying when it is directed at them. In their arrogance they essentially suggest that they should have immunity because they are trying to do the “right” thing.
They hould remember their words when a individual, government or otherwise, is under fire. They can’t have it both ways.
Should Isikoff lose his job? You know how the left always suggests that republicans should take some politically correct classes like anger managment courses. I think Isikoff and Newsweek staffers should take a bias managment course.
Seriously, though, I think he should step back from reporting for awhile and consider how he should have pursued this story. Until he recognizes that it was a failure on his part, without excuses or attempting to pass blame, he will continue to make the same mistakes by allowing his bias rule his judgment and reporting.
May 17th, 2005 at 11:10 pm
I wonder what would happen if we passed a federal law which would fine any journal or journalist for publishing false reports. What if CBS/Dan Rather was fined for say, $10 million? What if Newsweak is fined?
Would that give them pause before they decide to publish a story which is uncertain? Maybe it would behoove them to check their sources more strenuously.
After all, for most of them the bottom line is the almighty dollar.