Greenwald worked previously as a constitutional law and civil rights litigator, and is the author of two New York Times bestselling critiques of the Bush administration: “How Would a Patriot Act?” (2006), and “A Tragic Legacy” (2007).
Greenwald’s pieces are thoughtful and clear, but they don’t always lend themselves to quick, easy summaries or soundbites. But his column today, Richard Cohen fulfills the role of the American journalist, is a perfect example. He slams mainstream journalists who have looked the other way over the last eight years, and who only seem to consider scandals with entertainment value newsworthy:
The only political leaders any of them ever want to see pay a price for wrongdoing are those who get caught in titillating sex scandals (Bill Clinton, Eliot Spitzer) or other fun and tawdry episodes that are easy and entertaining to report (Rod Blagojevich, Duke Cunningham). Actual abuse of power and the commission of true felonies should be ignored and forgotten when committed by the Serious and powerful leaders of the royal court they serve.
Read Greenwald yourself — and come hear him at the ACLU of Massachusetts 2009 Statewide Conference on February 7.
