Yes. Journalists are indeed enslaved by the owners of their newspapers, who, like other corporate tyrants only care about their bottom lines more than they care about the truth. Ask any journalist or editorial cartoonist privately, and they are sure to agree. The demise of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, case in point.
Thanks Earl, for keeping us posted on one of the media sites that keep us posted, and the many that do not keep us posted. The previously reputable New York Times is clearly in the latter category, and it has been that way for quite a while. In fact, it caused me to cancel my subscription well over a year ago. Here's what I told the Old Gray Lady at the time:
To Whom It May Concern:
At the outset, I note the irony of my salutation, for the main reason I have canceled my subscription is that there does not seem to be anyone operating the New York Times who is the least bit concerned about much of anything. That has been obvious to me for some time, but as I viewed my recent bank statement (and saw the recurring monthly payment to your previously reputable publication has crept up to $23 a month), I find I can no longer in good conscience continue to line the pockets of the people who run The Times, especially its nepo-baby publisher. If I want "news" like you have been providing since Trump darkened the doorway of our White House once again, I could just tune into Fox or read the claptrap they post online for free.
The first time I should've canceled my subscription was when it became well known that A. G. Sulzberger ordered that any article about Joe Biden remind readers of his age. Sulzberger denied that, but we know better, now don't we? The second time was on inauguration day of the convicted felon, Donald J. Trump. On that day, The Times actually published a news article with this headline: "Elon Musk Ignites Online Speculation About the Meaning of a Hand Gesture.” Only a moron (or someone fearful of potential consequences being imposed by the "dictator only on day one”) would report that as anything other than what it was, a Nazi salute. Twice. We know that because you are not morons, plus the New York Times has in its archives actual footage of and reporting by responsible journalists of Mussolini and Hitler doing exactly what Elon Musk did. Musk did that for the same reason as Hitler, because Elon is a Nazi. And you know that too.
The third reason I canceled is your complete abandonment of responsible reporting in favor of transcription and stenography of anything Trump says. Look at your ridiculous coverage of the tariffs. The lead story in The Times by Swanson and Romm parroted Trump's ludicrous claim that these tariffs are “reciprocal” and were imposed on "dozens of other countries who had treated the United States unfairly.” Please tell us how the penguins that inhabit Heard and McDonald Islands have treated the United States unfairly. In fact, perhaps you can also tell us about what must be a very intricate and unique inter-species economic relationship. Perhaps I should rethink my position on whether you are morons. Maybe your ignorance is owing to the fact that Paul Krugman isn't around to tell you how stupid you are. But it really doesn't matter, as the stupidity of Trump is now matched only by your sycophancy of him.
One other thing. When I called to cancel my subscription, I was asked by the man on the other end of the line why I was canceling. After I told him about the Nazi salute thing, he suggested that I provide my specific reasons for cancellation to this email address. The ultimate irony of that is that among your stenography of Trump and repetition of his ridiculous claims that his tariff policies will return jobs to the United States, there was no mention of this fact: the people who man your phones don't live in America, but rather in the Dominican Republic.
As a young woman who followed the Watergate hearings very closely on CBS News and read daily updates in Katharine Graham's Washington Post, I can't believe that I am living on the same planet in the same country.
Three, I took their betrayal seriously, because The NYT showed its cowardice in dropping the Pentagon papers coverage after a threat, WaPo chose to publish, and took it to court. They showed a dedication that the NYT has always lacked. Then the disgusting creature that owns it did exactly what he promised NOT to do when he bought it.
Tell me what you think. I canceled the NYT after they refused to support Kamala. I canceled the WaPo soon after. But I've gotten offers from both to resubscribe for $25/yr and $29/yr, respectively. I took the offers, and read some of the articles. I can pick and choose -- both subject matter, as well as writers. But I still feel uncomfortable that I'm putting money into the pockets of the two craven owners. (Not my money. Money that advertisers pay them based on the # of subscribers.) Your thoughts?
kd: I canceled my subscription to the NYT but the one for WaPo is good till October (nonrefundable) so I still get the digital version. I feel uncomfortable even looking at it but every day, I see that the news section can provide decent articles while the opinion section is terrible. So sad - Katherine Graham must be turning over in her grave.
Earl, one would surely think that door-stepping NYT reporters to serve subpoenas regarding their doing a journalism MIGHT just end trump sane-washing, both-sidesing, euphemizing trump fascism, and generally avoiding calling a spade a spade by the Times...if not now, maybe when senior editors are locked up in the fed's Manhattan jailhouse for refusing to kowtow to trump's demands will "Sultzie" get the message.
I want to believe that, Lance, but I am dealing with reality here. And the reality is they have proven themselves time and time again to be the problem.
The NYT kissed ass by not reporting the insanity of Trump's embarrassing performance in Turkey but they got a visit from the DOJ anyhow. When will the press ever learn that no matter how much you bow down to this POS that nobody is safe from his fragile ego when it gets triggered.
Hey we are all communists now...Time to reread Margaret Chase Smith... And speaking of a Mainer.... Platner was always a broken man (and this is absolutley no excuse).. But he did bring a message which echoed across the country...The people have had enough... Now where do we go from here?...
Until we realize that this is a kakistocracy, i.e., a government by the worst possible people, we won't be able to effectively deal with the enemy. These people have all sworn an oath to uphold the constitution. It is for them something observed solely in the breach.
The kakistocracy has a common denominator: the GOP. The Guns Over People, the Gladhanders Of Putin, and the Guardians Of Pedophiles. It includes a majority of the Supreme Court, every member of the Republican Party in the House and Senate, and every person working in the executive branch.
They need to be pulled out of their positions by root and branch.
I'm so glad you're calling out that Times editorial. The timing was unbelievable. Trump embarrasses us again on the world stage, this time raising serious questions about his mental capacity, and the Times editorializes about Democratic growing pains. Which issue is more important?
The problem with the major media is that they are owned by the same mega millionaires and billionaires who support TRUMP. They benefit from his policies and don't really give a shit what happens to the rest of us. Their goal is to make as much money as they can and to live in luxury while the rest of us struggle to survive.
Great points, but places like the AP used to know better.
And I believe the Times knows Trump is good for business -- especially when he is trying to shut 'em down and they can make the story about themselves.
Great job, Earl. I just so wish what you said wasn’t reality in 2026. There are many good Americans out there who wish for the same. The only way out of this shit show is for everyone who is feed up with this corrupt regime to go vote this November. VOTE💙BLUE, no matter who or where. VOTE💙BLUE, for our democracy and our freedom!
I’m sorry I have offended you. I totally agree where you are coming from. I also understand that Republicans get voted in while they stink of high heaven. So you can hold your nose while you vote for a democrat who has alleged issues or you can vote for a Republican who has backed the orange blob for the past 18-months. I totally understand that the choices are not great on either side but you go ahead and pull the lever down for the Republicans. Your choice, not mine…. VOTE💙BLUE no matter who or where. VOTE💙BLUE for our democracy and freedom!
Steve: You have nothing to apologize for. The reality is that until the Dems have the power, this situation will not change and in fact, get worse. Al Franken immediately resigned when some silly photo appeared. Dems have been accused of being too eager to handle such scandals. I am not defending them; I am just saying that we ALL have to deal with the current situation as it exists so Vote Blue, no matter who for sure.
Hey, we are all good here. We all understand what is at stake here. If there is no BLUE TSUNAMI, we are going to have at least two more years of the orange blob and his merry band of clowns 🤡 and thieves. The damage that that will cause is irreparable.
Understood but what if Platner had imploded closer to the election? We definitely need to be more discerning before we end up with more republicans anyway. We don’t need anymore Manchins, Sinemas, Fetterman, etc. They are not helpful.
Not defending Platner, but compared to Kavanaugh, Thomas and Trump, he is not worse. Keep in mind they prevailed despite the baggage. Wonder how many men in congress have similar skeletons? If infidelity were a crime, many would not be there.
What irks me is that every man who runs for office is at risk some woman will come out of the woodwork and accuse him of inappropriate conduct. It is hard to defend, years after the fact in a he said, she said situation.
We’re not talking about infidelity. This is about sexual abuse. Sounds like you very much sympathize and excuse abusers. Wonder why?
Your examples of trump, clearance Thomas and KavaNO don’t excuse anything Platner did. For example, Obama never had one or multiple women accusing him of abuse and assault.
And if you’re worried about it being hard to “defend” not just “inappropriate conduct” but sexual abuse, heal yourself and work to stop men before they become sexual predators. No one is born that way. Comments like yours just enable and encourage predators instead of holding them accountable or actually doing something to stop this epidemic of misogyny and abuse from men.
I am not defending sexual predators, nor do I have skeletons looking over my shoulder. Your comment takes a huge leap, that Platner is guilty and he needs to prove his innocence. Not the way it works. Very convenient to have this come up during a campaign, when he knows full well his background will be exposed.
Politics has crossed the Rubicon where dirty laundry seems to come out and becomes the central issue during elections. Our elections are more about the candidate's personal life and issues of faith, than what's good for the country.
My bigger point, is our society keeps looking for purity in candidates and not for what is better for the country. If Jesus were running, I doubt he would get elected.
I still hold the NYT and its sister rag WAPO at least partially responsible for the current reign of the orange windbag. NYT's endless drumbeat on Biden's supposed mental infirmities while glossing over Trump's out and out lies in the run up to the 2024 presidential election and Bezo's refusal to let WAPO's endorsement to run might have been enough to tilt the outcome.
It continues to be infuriating that many of the mainstream press/media are being incompetent and downright useless. Those of the media are failing to point to and call out the threats to our democracy! They are instead more like “Access Hollywood” or “ Entertainment Tonight” seeming more interested in headlines and clickbait than doing the hard job of reporting what is truly happening.
From my little room I can see 5,000 National Guard, FBI, and ICE, and an endless parade of helos throughout the night as they begin their psyop leading up to the November Constitutional crisis.
in my opinion NYT was a contributor to the defeat of Hillary Clinton and Kamal Harris. sometimes they fail to recognize the forest from the tree and the danger that the tree possess. in my analogy, the tree is djt. my not recognizing his danger to democracy and the republic, we are where we are now with efforts to restore rights across the board while djt and his administration obfuscate and disregard laws and institutions.
I depend on Substack for in-depth analysis of what’s happening. And a few trusted ones like yours that are a spot on. Long ago I cancelled subscriptions to NYT and Washington post who tiptoe around the orange menace. I would love to be a fly on the wall when they gather each day to decide what “stories” will be published. They can’t see the forest for the trees.
Censored and filtered news is no longer freedom of the press. The media has lost sight of its mission and therefore lost its purpose. I miss the NYT I counted on, I do. But they sold out and sold us out when they did it. I'm staying right here for now - I trust the source!
“I became a journalist because I did not want to rely on newspapers for information.” - Christopher Hitchens
I miss Hitch.
That one stings because I believe I was in newspapering when he said it, but yeah, that fucker often nailed it!
It’s where I was headed until I got an actual taste of it. It’s not necessarily the journalists, but the owners, as we refuse to learn.
Yes. Journalists are indeed enslaved by the owners of their newspapers, who, like other corporate tyrants only care about their bottom lines more than they care about the truth. Ask any journalist or editorial cartoonist privately, and they are sure to agree. The demise of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, case in point.
I do too, in more ways than one...
Thanks Earl, for keeping us posted on one of the media sites that keep us posted, and the many that do not keep us posted. The previously reputable New York Times is clearly in the latter category, and it has been that way for quite a while. In fact, it caused me to cancel my subscription well over a year ago. Here's what I told the Old Gray Lady at the time:
To Whom It May Concern:
At the outset, I note the irony of my salutation, for the main reason I have canceled my subscription is that there does not seem to be anyone operating the New York Times who is the least bit concerned about much of anything. That has been obvious to me for some time, but as I viewed my recent bank statement (and saw the recurring monthly payment to your previously reputable publication has crept up to $23 a month), I find I can no longer in good conscience continue to line the pockets of the people who run The Times, especially its nepo-baby publisher. If I want "news" like you have been providing since Trump darkened the doorway of our White House once again, I could just tune into Fox or read the claptrap they post online for free.
The first time I should've canceled my subscription was when it became well known that A. G. Sulzberger ordered that any article about Joe Biden remind readers of his age. Sulzberger denied that, but we know better, now don't we? The second time was on inauguration day of the convicted felon, Donald J. Trump. On that day, The Times actually published a news article with this headline: "Elon Musk Ignites Online Speculation About the Meaning of a Hand Gesture.” Only a moron (or someone fearful of potential consequences being imposed by the "dictator only on day one”) would report that as anything other than what it was, a Nazi salute. Twice. We know that because you are not morons, plus the New York Times has in its archives actual footage of and reporting by responsible journalists of Mussolini and Hitler doing exactly what Elon Musk did. Musk did that for the same reason as Hitler, because Elon is a Nazi. And you know that too.
The third reason I canceled is your complete abandonment of responsible reporting in favor of transcription and stenography of anything Trump says. Look at your ridiculous coverage of the tariffs. The lead story in The Times by Swanson and Romm parroted Trump's ludicrous claim that these tariffs are “reciprocal” and were imposed on "dozens of other countries who had treated the United States unfairly.” Please tell us how the penguins that inhabit Heard and McDonald Islands have treated the United States unfairly. In fact, perhaps you can also tell us about what must be a very intricate and unique inter-species economic relationship. Perhaps I should rethink my position on whether you are morons. Maybe your ignorance is owing to the fact that Paul Krugman isn't around to tell you how stupid you are. But it really doesn't matter, as the stupidity of Trump is now matched only by your sycophancy of him.
One other thing. When I called to cancel my subscription, I was asked by the man on the other end of the line why I was canceling. After I told him about the Nazi salute thing, he suggested that I provide my specific reasons for cancellation to this email address. The ultimate irony of that is that among your stenography of Trump and repetition of his ridiculous claims that his tariff policies will return jobs to the United States, there was no mention of this fact: the people who man your phones don't live in America, but rather in the Dominican Republic.
Wow.
Thanks for sharing all this, Stephen -- and for being here.
-Cheers
Either you are brave or you are not.
As a young woman who followed the Watergate hearings very closely on CBS News and read daily updates in Katharine Graham's Washington Post, I can't believe that I am living on the same planet in the same country.
Two of us.
Three, I took their betrayal seriously, because The NYT showed its cowardice in dropping the Pentagon papers coverage after a threat, WaPo chose to publish, and took it to court. They showed a dedication that the NYT has always lacked. Then the disgusting creature that owns it did exactly what he promised NOT to do when he bought it.
The failures of the NYT and now the WaPo under Bezos have played an enormous role in getting us to the ghastly place in which we now find ourselves.
Yes and it requires pointing out constantly!
Tell me what you think. I canceled the NYT after they refused to support Kamala. I canceled the WaPo soon after. But I've gotten offers from both to resubscribe for $25/yr and $29/yr, respectively. I took the offers, and read some of the articles. I can pick and choose -- both subject matter, as well as writers. But I still feel uncomfortable that I'm putting money into the pockets of the two craven owners. (Not my money. Money that advertisers pay them based on the # of subscribers.) Your thoughts?
If you have a library card, you can read them for free. As for me I cannot support either one.
kd: I canceled my subscription to the NYT but the one for WaPo is good till October (nonrefundable) so I still get the digital version. I feel uncomfortable even looking at it but every day, I see that the news section can provide decent articles while the opinion section is terrible. So sad - Katherine Graham must be turning over in her grave.
Earl, one would surely think that door-stepping NYT reporters to serve subpoenas regarding their doing a journalism MIGHT just end trump sane-washing, both-sidesing, euphemizing trump fascism, and generally avoiding calling a spade a spade by the Times...if not now, maybe when senior editors are locked up in the fed's Manhattan jailhouse for refusing to kowtow to trump's demands will "Sultzie" get the message.
One lives in hope.
I want to believe that, Lance, but I am dealing with reality here. And the reality is they have proven themselves time and time again to be the problem.
Yeah ask my dead son what is the problem with The New York Times...OOPS...you can't ask him because they lied us into a war that killed him...
So very sorry for your loss. I fear there will be many more before this one is over. Shades of Vietnam for me as a 74 y/o. Unforgivable!
Cheers 🍻 to those who go before us.
I am so sorry. They should fail. No one should subscribe to that now tabloid.
The NYT kissed ass by not reporting the insanity of Trump's embarrassing performance in Turkey but they got a visit from the DOJ anyhow. When will the press ever learn that no matter how much you bow down to this POS that nobody is safe from his fragile ego when it gets triggered.
You'd think savvy reporters would know that ...
Hey we are all communists now...Time to reread Margaret Chase Smith... And speaking of a Mainer.... Platner was always a broken man (and this is absolutley no excuse).. But he did bring a message which echoed across the country...The people have had enough... Now where do we go from here?...
"Now where do we go from here?"
I think we realize who the true enemies are: You will find them in the WH, and too many statehouses across the country, man.
Add in many corporate board rooms, churches, and the entire media where the enemies are!
That, too, Joe.
Until we realize that this is a kakistocracy, i.e., a government by the worst possible people, we won't be able to effectively deal with the enemy. These people have all sworn an oath to uphold the constitution. It is for them something observed solely in the breach.
The kakistocracy has a common denominator: the GOP. The Guns Over People, the Gladhanders Of Putin, and the Guardians Of Pedophiles. It includes a majority of the Supreme Court, every member of the Republican Party in the House and Senate, and every person working in the executive branch.
They need to be pulled out of their positions by root and branch.
I'm so glad you're calling out that Times editorial. The timing was unbelievable. Trump embarrasses us again on the world stage, this time raising serious questions about his mental capacity, and the Times editorializes about Democratic growing pains. Which issue is more important?
Glad you noticed it, too.
It was appalling.
The problem with the major media is that they are owned by the same mega millionaires and billionaires who support TRUMP. They benefit from his policies and don't really give a shit what happens to the rest of us. Their goal is to make as much money as they can and to live in luxury while the rest of us struggle to survive.
Great points, but places like the AP used to know better.
And I believe the Times knows Trump is good for business -- especially when he is trying to shut 'em down and they can make the story about themselves.
Yup, sounds about right ....
No paper kissed Trump's ass more than the New York Times.
Yes, from the time vulgar barking yam descended from his escalator, they rushed to cover him, and kiss the voluminous posterior.
Great job, Earl. I just so wish what you said wasn’t reality in 2026. There are many good Americans out there who wish for the same. The only way out of this shit show is for everyone who is feed up with this corrupt regime to go vote this November. VOTE💙BLUE, no matter who or where. VOTE💙BLUE, for our democracy and our freedom!
I need to spend more time on these good people, Steve.
Many of them are here, and man am I thankful for that!
“Vote blue no matter who”?
Have you not heard of the Platner implosion?
I’m sorry I have offended you. I totally agree where you are coming from. I also understand that Republicans get voted in while they stink of high heaven. So you can hold your nose while you vote for a democrat who has alleged issues or you can vote for a Republican who has backed the orange blob for the past 18-months. I totally understand that the choices are not great on either side but you go ahead and pull the lever down for the Republicans. Your choice, not mine…. VOTE💙BLUE no matter who or where. VOTE💙BLUE for our democracy and freedom!
Steve: You have nothing to apologize for. The reality is that until the Dems have the power, this situation will not change and in fact, get worse. Al Franken immediately resigned when some silly photo appeared. Dems have been accused of being too eager to handle such scandals. I am not defending them; I am just saying that we ALL have to deal with the current situation as it exists so Vote Blue, no matter who for sure.
Steve, I was responding to Russ’s comment. I really didn’t know if you had heard about the Platner situation.
Hey, we are all good here. We all understand what is at stake here. If there is no BLUE TSUNAMI, we are going to have at least two more years of the orange blob and his merry band of clowns 🤡 and thieves. The damage that that will cause is irreparable.
Understood but what if Platner had imploded closer to the election? We definitely need to be more discerning before we end up with more republicans anyway. We don’t need anymore Manchins, Sinemas, Fetterman, etc. They are not helpful.
Not defending Platner, but compared to Kavanaugh, Thomas and Trump, he is not worse. Keep in mind they prevailed despite the baggage. Wonder how many men in congress have similar skeletons? If infidelity were a crime, many would not be there.
What irks me is that every man who runs for office is at risk some woman will come out of the woodwork and accuse him of inappropriate conduct. It is hard to defend, years after the fact in a he said, she said situation.
We’re not talking about infidelity. This is about sexual abuse. Sounds like you very much sympathize and excuse abusers. Wonder why?
Your examples of trump, clearance Thomas and KavaNO don’t excuse anything Platner did. For example, Obama never had one or multiple women accusing him of abuse and assault.
And if you’re worried about it being hard to “defend” not just “inappropriate conduct” but sexual abuse, heal yourself and work to stop men before they become sexual predators. No one is born that way. Comments like yours just enable and encourage predators instead of holding them accountable or actually doing something to stop this epidemic of misogyny and abuse from men.
I am not defending sexual predators, nor do I have skeletons looking over my shoulder. Your comment takes a huge leap, that Platner is guilty and he needs to prove his innocence. Not the way it works. Very convenient to have this come up during a campaign, when he knows full well his background will be exposed.
Politics has crossed the Rubicon where dirty laundry seems to come out and becomes the central issue during elections. Our elections are more about the candidate's personal life and issues of faith, than what's good for the country.
My bigger point, is our society keeps looking for purity in candidates and not for what is better for the country. If Jesus were running, I doubt he would get elected.
I still hold the NYT and its sister rag WAPO at least partially responsible for the current reign of the orange windbag. NYT's endless drumbeat on Biden's supposed mental infirmities while glossing over Trump's out and out lies in the run up to the 2024 presidential election and Bezo's refusal to let WAPO's endorsement to run might have been enough to tilt the outcome.
They've failed us no doubt, and I take no pride typing that.
It continues to be infuriating that many of the mainstream press/media are being incompetent and downright useless. Those of the media are failing to point to and call out the threats to our democracy! They are instead more like “Access Hollywood” or “ Entertainment Tonight” seeming more interested in headlines and clickbait than doing the hard job of reporting what is truly happening.
Sad.
True, Constance.
Truer words have never been stated !!!!!!
"Realities are, well, real. Political realities are shaped by people in little rooms Inside the Beltway who live in a world detached from reality."
From my little room I can see 5,000 National Guard, FBI, and ICE, and an endless parade of helos throughout the night as they begin their psyop leading up to the November Constitutional crisis.
in my opinion NYT was a contributor to the defeat of Hillary Clinton and Kamal Harris. sometimes they fail to recognize the forest from the tree and the danger that the tree possess. in my analogy, the tree is djt. my not recognizing his danger to democracy and the republic, we are where we are now with efforts to restore rights across the board while djt and his administration obfuscate and disregard laws and institutions.
Chef’s kiss on this article.
I depend on Substack for in-depth analysis of what’s happening. And a few trusted ones like yours that are a spot on. Long ago I cancelled subscriptions to NYT and Washington post who tiptoe around the orange menace. I would love to be a fly on the wall when they gather each day to decide what “stories” will be published. They can’t see the forest for the trees.
They are called "news budget meetings" and I share in wanting to be that fly, Carol.
That's where the real dirty work is being done.
Censored and filtered news is no longer freedom of the press. The media has lost sight of its mission and therefore lost its purpose. I miss the NYT I counted on, I do. But they sold out and sold us out when they did it. I'm staying right here for now - I trust the source!