Journos, Blogs and Boy Toys

The Unpopular Press

Who You Calling A Journalist?

Sexy name for a more serious post.
Helen Thomas: I read you, I respect you, but I implore you in the name of all that is free and openminded...reread your columns and tell me ... TELL ME ... if bloggers who aren't journalists are finding the stories that "real" journalists are ignoring/missing/dissing ... and "real" journalists are perceived by the public as not credible ... what is a journalist now adays?

Can't we concede that some bloggers are "virtually journalists"? They exist in cyberspace and they are at least as credible as the public perceives the increasingly less free press.

And dont forget, Helen, the press has always been the parlor of public opinion ... The Federalist Papers come to mind ... Can you really defend both positions: that all bloggers aren't the real deal and that "real" deal is only flawed because they are getting a raw deal?

And for that matter, isn't this all navel gazing in light of the real stories that are not being told? We are at war. Our civil liberities are under attack. Our environment as well as our economy are being damaged if not destroyed. You dedicated two articles to defending your profession. Shouldn't you be practicing it?

Trust us Helen...we are a smart bunch. We know the difference between an objective fact driven story and a sales pitch or even a position paper. We are good tipsters and concerned citizens and tireless researchers. Help us Helen, help us get the American Citizen back as the watchdog of government. We need the press to report the facts, all the facts and nothing but the facts so that we the people can decide what is the truth. And when "real" journalists need help from the people, don't be snob Helen, take the leads and run with them. You know how to put the story together...we can only point you in the direction of where to look. We don't want your job, we want America back...we think you do too...let's work together on this one.

One more thing Helen...what do you think about this?