[kahljorn]

"However, that's why there's a rigid ethical code for journalists, and that's why any legitimate and highly though of journalist adheres to that code."

lol. I don't know what to say about this. First off, most journalists are idiots. Secondly, most journalists don't give a damn about morals. It may seem like they have some ethical code, but they usually don't. Maybe it's just because I usually read local papers (but it's not limited to local papers) but I can always see the journalists perspective in the matter. The journalist ethic is supposed to be honest, grey "truth"(just the facts, mam!). Has that ever happened?
They adhere to "it" (the moral code) because if they don't they can get fired-- but only if they are perceived as doing something immoral, which would naturally reflect the spirit of the times.

"journalists are NOT all giving the government blowjobs"

I agree, they aren't all doing that, but I feel that the ones writing for the more prestigous magazines usually do-- possibly by necessity. You know, public opinion, contributor opinion etc.
Also, a point I'd like to bring up here about why geggy's an idiot: there's more than one "Government"! I mean, some people(journalists) will blow democrats and make a huge deal out of how NINE ELEVEN IS A HUGE CATASTROPHE CONSPIRACY THEORY CAUSED BY THE DEVIL GOVERNMENT (and geggy'll quote them) and others will blow republicans about how gays are gay and the war in Iraq is going beautifully. Again, though: Journalistic Ethic? Please.
A year or three later all of that will be opposite(except maybe the gay thing).

"However, I still find the assumption blatant, greatly offensive, and woefully ignorant"

What about the quotes he posted? Weren't some of those people journalists? They weren't making assumptions, so is their opinion, which was gathered by experience, valid and worth considering?

Whether the government seriously completely controls the news paper is one thing, but it's ignorant to imagine a government or political body that doesn't use the media for their own benefit and for the management of the populus.

el blanco: i don't know. I don't know geggy's point really but i know it's something about how the government is evil. But I italized the "A bit" part because I figured somebody would respond to me asking about it and I didn't want to have to answer.