Since the middle of July, I wanted to post about Frank Rich’s Had Enough of the Flag Yet? in the July 6th edition of the New York Times. Alas, the Times locked the article down (denying free access) on July 13th before I was ready to post about it. Then I discovered that there are other web resources which archive news articles. That’s how I found Rich’s article on Common Dreams, a wonderful online resource for articles on progressive political topics.
If you’ve been as tormented and angered as I have by the media flag waving and accusations of disloyalty and treason against Iraq war doubters, then you’ll find Frank Rich a refreshing breath of fresh air. Clear Channel’s national witchhunt against the Dixie Chicks was a particularly repulsive form of red-baiting (or should I say “anti war baiting”?). Rich has a delightful take on this highlighting their phenomenal success after Clear Channel went after them. So the Chicks get the last laugh, I love it.
In addition, Clear Channel has become the poster child for abusive media monopolies. Michael Powell’s FCC recently agreed to loosen media ownership rules in order to benefit companies like Clear Channel. The overwhelming sentiment in Congress is to repeal the rules though it has not done so yet. Today, the New York Times reports in U.S. Court Blocks Plan to Ease Rule on Media Owners that a federal appeals court surprisingly suspended the proposed FCC rules. One of the major forces fighting for media diversity and against these rules is Prometheus Radio.
Give ’em hell, Congress and the U.S. Court of Appeals!
