The death of a free-press is almost as bad as the death of the gulf

[Jeffersons Ghost]

Many might believe the free-press died years ago, during the Bush administration; and they might be correct about most media.

The Gulf Oil Catastrophe (not "spill") however, shows how a single large corporation can step in and seize control of media by instituting a news black-out, without even offering a reason why we can't monitor their clean-up efforts.

Most likely, all BP is trying to contain in the Gulf is a PR problem.

Yes, we should be deeply concerned as entire species of sea-turtle are driven into extinction. And we should cry with dying, baby dolphins covered in oil. But let's not forget to grieve over news media that shows us where their true allegiance lies. It might have been dead for a while, but this event makes it clear that the internet is the only place to get all the facts; and that won't last long with net-neutrality currently targeted in the cross-hairs of Big Business.

[BeFree]

1. But.....

..we've already read how some here are tired of it.

They welcome it being off the front pages.

Part of the reason BP has had success with the PR is some people are terrorized by the news. They just can't handle the truth and will lash out at anyone who does tell the truth.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

3. that's correct. it's not just that people settle for propaganda, many demand it

[BeFree]

4. Yep

And the media gives them what they want.

The media, as we know it, is based upon advertisement money that is pure propaganda.

It's no wonder the media has morphed backwards from being a butterfly into this worm.

[Angry Dragon]

2. Ecocide I think is a better word

Ecocide, a word put out there by a fellow DU'er.

A free press is the balance of the three branches of government, without that we have no
reliable information. Informed choices can not be made so we are at the mercy of government.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

5. it's an appropriate word