September 12, 2009 - 09:22 PM

The Death of Journalism

by Mike Huckabee

I’m sad to report today a death of a good friend to all of us…..Journalism, the once esteemed 4th estate of our nation and the protector of our freedoms and a watchdog of our rights has passed away after a long struggle with a crippling and debilitating disease of acute dishonesty aggravated by advanced laziness and the loss of brain function.

Journalism once proudly patrolled our society and sought to tell us the stories that informed and sometimes inspired us.  They also presented the news that would irritate us—and the irritation was not over the delivery, but the content as corruption and misdeeds were revealed. 

In recent years, journalism had grown increasingly dependent on spin-doctor spoonfeeding and the circular and insular quoting of other journalists instead of attempting to locate and quote actual first person sources.  I told you a couple of weeks ago about how the NY Times, Newsweek, Time, and other media outlets took words I said on my radio commentary and instead of quoting them, summarized them and then distributed them.  Bloggers and other supposedly professional journalists then took those already distorted interpretations, treated them as sources, and added their own spices.  Newsweek even had the audacity to use quote marks around a statement never even uttered as if it were my actual words.

When Van Jones, one of over 30 unelected czars was caught making outrageous statements about Republicans, police officers, and it being discovered of his belonging to numerous radical groups, the media was incapable of so much as a notice of his record and only mentioned him at the time of his resignation. 

While providing cover for President Obama and many of his contradictory statements, several practicing journalists broke their arms patting themselves on the back and broke their legs tripping over their own words.  The fall brought about serious head injuries rendering the profession with only a minimal brain function.  Despite heroic efforts at the White House to show tender and thoughtful love to friendly reporters, journalism has slipped from the news pages of major papers.

Survivors include the American people, who long ago stopped buying the ink-stained drivel that smeared the pages of paper and the people who attempted to read it.  No memorial is planned as the practitioners of propaganda seem to be unaware that they have passed away and continue to publish anyway. 

 



 

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Comments 1-50 of 63

  • Keen, Brently

    10/01/2009 02:50 AM

    Mike is right about the death of Journalism. While we lament the erosion of our values and the integrity of America's once great institutions - I believe that now is the time for a real resurgence of 'Vertical Leadership".

    Chuck Norris wrote an excellent article drawing on lessons from the American Revolution about the important role of young people in the conservative revolution today.

    http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=111230

    Ellis Washington also wrote this week about the passing of Safire and Kristol and how those two influenced his generation of conservative thinkers, but I think he implicitly illustrates a bittersweet lesson on the responsibility of leadership to recognize the importance of individuals, especially those of the younger generation, and personally empower, enable and employ them in the greater cause.

    http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=111408

    I think these two articles are of great important for Huck PAC endorsed candidates, grassroots leaders, and supporters alike to read.

    We must be mindful of the opportunities we have to model vertical leadership in all our activities and relationships. We should look for ways to give voice to individuals and encourage and empower people to champion the principles and values that we believe in making every effort to include and let loose the younger generation for the cause of freedom.

  • sheils, jim

    09/27/2009 01:43 PM

    After submitting my swhat killed journalism. The Answer Is....LIES, linda. Just LIES!

  • sheils, jim

    09/27/2009 01:36 PM

    Mike you are so right about the death of journaliam.These people today, with rare exception are all about one thing.THEMSELVES! They don't care what they say or what effect it has. They care only that they receive their notoriety. I watch your show[my wife loves it],O'reilly and sports. That's all the telelvision i need.

  • sheils, jim

    09/21/2009 11:03 AM

    The only thing I find wrong with joe's statement about obama lying is that he apologized for it. If he didn't mean it --he shouldn't have said it. Apologies these days are just like lies--they carry no weight. He said it. So I assume he meant it.SO GOOD FOR HIM....and retract the apology. No one should have to apologize for telling the truth.

  • McKenzie, Elizabeth

    09/18/2009 11:13 AM

    I'm amazed. I miss the days of Walter Cronkite, the days of Nixon and Watergate when news was interesting and factual. I'm an author, I write fiction. So does the news and they sell the crap.

  • Captain Obvious

    09/17/2009 03:14 PM

    Because of this post, I actually read the Newsweek article. And the comments.

    Don't pey 'em no never mind. It's just what I would expect from the MSM. THAT'S WHY I DON'T WASTE TIME reading the stuff they put out nor tuning in to their broadcasts.

  • Keen, Brently

    09/16/2009 01:04 PM

    I think this is an important point made in this article:

    "No Democrat is ever shamed out of public life; they’re merely transferred to a less visible position from which to continue the same subversion."

    http://www.redstate.com/e_pluribus_unum/2009/09/15/van-jones-not-fired-just-transferred-to-another-division-of-soros-inc/

  • Chad, Ling

    09/15/2009 10:24 PM

    I think most of the blacks are racial.....I did not see many at the tea party....Why did they not come and support the marchers..All the main street media must be racial also......I don't think Eugene Robinson was at the tea party either...He is so racial..<w> I guess it depends on what horse you are riding....

  • Talk, Frank

    09/15/2009 06:18 PM

    "The Emperor is naked."

    "You lie!" was the truth. That is becoming clearer and clearer to the American public. Republicans need to continue hammering this simple but powerful message into the heads of the voters.

    Strange how it doesn't matter to the Democrats that Obama was lying about health care and has been caught in the lie. What the Democrats want to continue focusing on is that Joe Wilson pointed it out.

    It's like the story of the Emperor's New Clothes -- which was another case of one person screaming out the obvious when nobody else would.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Emperor%27s_New_Clothes
    "Plot summary
    An emperor of a prosperous city who cares more about clothes than military pursuits or entertainment hires two swindlers who promise him the finest suit of clothes from the most beautiful cloth. This cloth, they tell him, is invisible to anyone who was either stupid or unfit for his position. The Emperor cannot see the (non-existent) cloth, but pretends that he can for fear of appearing stupid; his ministers do the same. When the swindlers report that the suit is finished, they dress him in mime. The Emperor then goes on a procession through the capital showing off his new "clothes". During the course of the procession, a small child cries out, "the emperor is naked!" The crowd realizes the child is telling the truth. The Emperor, however, holds his head high and continues the procession."

  • Jahromi, Jen

    09/15/2009 02:22 PM

    I live in Baltimore, where reason, integrity and journalism passed away looong ago. I do mourn that no one cared enough to try to resuscitate them, though. RIP.

  • mxnwilson

    09/14/2009 07:33 PM

    Juliee--

    Thank you for your kind words. I have been thinking about sharing this for some time now, and I finally got the courage to do so when Gov. Huckabee interview Paula dean.

    Maybe in time I will share some of the humorous things that happened to me during those years--that is when I get enough courage to do so. lol.

  • JULIEE 4 HUCKABEE, CA

    09/14/2009 02:33 PM

    Maxine,

    Thank-you for sharing your story! I am sure there are many who will be encouraged by the victory you and Paula Deen both share in overcoming your Agoraphobia.

    Thank-you for your courage, strength, and inspiration!

    May God continue to bless you both!

  • mxnwilson

    09/13/2009 11:06 PM

    Gov. Huckabee--

    Your show was awesome tonight, and I am so greatful that you shared Paula Dean's story with your viewing audience.

    I have never shared this with my Huck Pac friends, but I have also had problems with Agoraphobia in the past. I can relate to everything that she stated as I didn't know for a long time that this problem had a name, and was somewhat comforted by the fact that others started sharing some facts about this problem.

    I now consider it a privilege as well as a victory to go to the mall or a wide open space without having a panic attack as I was also a victim of this problem for about 15 years. Thank God for this victory!!

    I agree with Juliee. I would love to hear the one dimple story.

  • JULIEE 4 HUCKABEE, CA

    09/13/2009 09:03 PM

    Something I meant to add to my last post: Paula Deen talked about the 35 million people that are starving in our country. That is shameful!!! Even though 10 million Americans do not have Health Insurance; perhaps this Administration should be more concerned about the 35 million that are going without food everyday. Lack of proper nutrition, is one sure way of further burdening our current healthcare system!


    BTW: Gov. Huckabee has been holding out on us on his singing abilities! How about some singing, along with all that fine playing next time?

  • Cath, Peggy

    09/13/2009 07:27 PM

    Well written.There is one reporter/journalist I admire. His name is Kelly Wright. He is in the DC area and does stories on Fox. He is a Christian and a wonderful, positive person. He used to anchor here in Hampton Rds. years ago. Mike, we cannot get rid of these czars fast enough. They are not supported by the constitution, increase govt. and govt. spending and have the ability to add immensely to the corruption all ready existing in the govt., especially under the present administration.

  • JULIEE 4 HUCKABEE, CA

    09/13/2009 04:37 PM

    Governor Huckabee,

    I admire your ability to speak the truth with wisdom and humor. "Truth in journalism" was at one time not only required, but highly esteemed. Today, that standard has become almost obsolete.

    This week a pro-life activist was shot and killed. There has been very little reported about this in the media. However, when the late-term abortion doctor, who was similarly murdered, the coverage was extensive and used as a tool by the media to promote their liberal agenda!


    Your show was very good! I agree with what Paula Dean said about you! We are all want to hear the, "why you only have one dimple story"??? :-D

    God Bless!

  • Arrington, Anne

    09/13/2009 03:38 PM

    You were spot-on with your comments on 'Death of Journalism.' Great! Long overdue. Re: Joe Wilson - he is my hero. Normally, it would be rude to shout out during the President's speech, but he had made disparaging remarks and a partisan 'in your face' very unpresidential speech, so in this case, the outcry was warranted. Thanks to you and Joe Wilson for the courage of your convictions.

  • Lopez, Linda

    09/13/2009 12:58 PM

    Gov., great article,
    yes, journalism is dead..
    I just don't understand why...
    or who killed it ....
    did Obama kill it ?...the Dems ?... or was it dying already ?

  • Novak, Alexander

    09/13/2009 12:56 PM

    Governor,

    Well stated, and I cannot agree more. Our local paper here in Sacramento - the Bee - is so left leaning in how they continually try to promote their various causes. If a democrat does something bad, they never mention he is a democrat. They never mention how corrupt the government unions (SEIU, CTA, etc.) are in pushing their efforts to maintain their employment (they are always demanding that taxes and other fees be raised for example) as the state goes broke and how these same unions promote various left leaning causes - such as wanting No on Prop 8 last year - what do they have to do with these efforts?!?.

    And if there is a effort promoting homosexuality, you can be sure the Bee will post one if not several pictures in trying to promote how "good" it is while diminishing anything pro-family. The only thing it is good for is looking at the advertisements and even these are decreasing as no one buys this rag anymore...

    Thank you,

  • Patton, Andrew

    09/13/2009 12:45 PM

    For want of an official thread for the 9/12 TEA Parties, this is probably the best place to put this. The media can't even get the order of magnitude right on the D.C. TEA party. I've heard that the number of protesters was somewhere between 60,000 (NBC) and 2,000,000 (ABC). If they can't even get an order of magnitude estimate on the number of protesters, how can we trust them to have done due diligence on anything?

  • Stewart, Tammy

    09/13/2009 12:13 PM

    Gov. Huckabee has a way with words and the truth--if only it were so with all.

  • Ben Dribus

    09/13/2009 12:06 PM

    It is unfortunate, though not surprising, to see many of the comments here exempt Fox News from criticism when Fox News, by and large, is the worst of the bunch, in spite of the recent addition of Mike Huckabee's show. Sean Hannity and Glen Beck are more to blame for the current state of affairs than anyone in the liberal media, since during the election they used their shows for nonstop attacks on Mike Huckabee, thus ensuring the nomination of the unelectable John McCain and the resulting election of Obama.

  • Miller, Mary

    09/13/2009 12:01 PM

    Govenor, you have hit the nail on the head, the art of journalism is truely dead today. What we have on the medias are more opinions than news, and it is very protective of President Obama. It's ironic that the news media never missed a beat to trash President Bush. As all presidents he made his share of mistakes; he didn't deserve the disrespect and out right attacks that he received. Thank you for speaking out. I truely admire you and hope you will give it another shot at running in 2012. ----Mary---

  • Judge Deborah

    09/13/2009 11:21 AM

    Best HUCKABEE FoxNews show ever yesterday! Just keeps getting better and better and better!

    Loved the way you asked the Blagos what they'll do if they end up penniless in jail. I know, I know, that wasn't how you phrased the question.

    Paula Dean is a gal like no other! That's why we love her!

    Did you all see footage of the Tea Party in D.C. yesterday? ABC reported that 1.5 million showed up! Biggest gathering in Washington E.V.E.R.!!!!!!!

    Watch Online Here: http://www.republicmedia.tv/

  • Sawyer, Shayne

    09/13/2009 10:46 AM

    G, Jeremy, it's not 'then' it's than. Perhaps your Junior High School teacher should be editing your newspaper.

  • baker, tamara

    09/13/2009 10:35 AM

    I like your article and AGREE with you, Mike! Journalism HAS become an oxymoron with one "unbiased opinion" after another and it isn't just the tabloids anymore!!! When a journalist reports, "Special New Report" it SHOULD BE JUST THAT a news report with, and I borrow this from the old Dragnet series, "JUST THE FACTS MA'AM!!" News is News and Commentaries are Commentaries, NOT NEWS!!!!. News is SUPPOSED TO BE REPORTED but for many years now, it has been transformed, by MOST journalists, BUT NOT ALL, into a school yard gossip center where it's, "he said"/"she said" which gets more and more distorted as each person re-tells it!!!! Enough is enough! THANK YOU, FOX NEWS, for reporting the news the way it SHOULD be reported and keeping true journalism pure!!!

  • Lindow, Terry

    09/13/2009 10:03 AM

    I agree and it was never more evident than the coverage of the Tea Parties yesterday. CNN covered the story but kept referring to us all as "Conservatives". I guess we ARE conservative compared to them!!!

  • Patterson, Jean

    09/13/2009 09:42 AM

    Maybe we need more shows of patriotism like this. http://www.greatdanepromilitary.com/Battle%20Hymn/index.htm

  • Pope, Joan

    09/13/2009 09:40 AM

    The people who NEED to read you comments will not take the time! To bad as the article is right on!

  • Daylong, Gary

    09/13/2009 09:18 AM

    Thank You Gov. Huckabee. This was well written with humor involved. It is sad, but I have hopes that some of the journalist will wake up before they are buried and decide to do the job that they are suppose to do. Surely there are still a few good ones out there.

  • Helmer, Jason

    09/13/2009 08:44 AM

    I completely agree. I think it is sad to a degree, but I also think it was inevitable. I believe it was only a matter of time after the liberals in govt ripped God from the education process, and instituted their own form of religion, called tolerance, it is only normal and natural that those who have been indoctrinated by the system would worship and serve the system that indoctrinated them.

  • Schilleci, Gayle

    09/13/2009 08:40 AM

    Well said Gov. Huckabee. It is very sad to see true journalism die a painful death, but it needs to be buried and resurrected in truth. Thank you for a great program and your thoughtful, respectful comments on all things important. I'm thankful for Fox News, also. Its the best place to get the facts whether one agrees or not.

    My prayers are with you to keep up the good work & I look forward to future shows & books.

  • Hall, Steve

    09/13/2009 03:02 AM

    As a conservative who works in the newspaper business I feel the need to offer my thoughts on this. I do NOT believe that media is dead, although we've inflicted some serious injuries on ourselves. My industry is going through a redefining of itself right now, but there are still many good conservative writers out there, they just don't get the attention that some of the big-name columnists from the NY Times, Washington Post, etc.

    I think it's important that we cover both sides of issues, not just get our news from one side or the other. The Republicans are not always right, and the Democrats are not always wrong. I think the current mess in Washington is going to push our country back to the right and we will see some in journalism follow, as the papers we have tend to reflect the political bias in their respective regions, with the larger big-city liberal newspapers (NY, Washington, Baltimore, etc) reflecting the liberal views of their readers and the more conservative heartland of America's newspapers reflecting more conservative values.

    Newspapers have been written off for years, whether it was radio, TV, or the internet, something was always going to do us in, but as Mark Twain said, "the rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated." We will emerge from this current crisis as well and will be stronger on the other side. If not, our country would be that much the weaker for it.

    While I love what Gov. Huckabee stands for, and watch his show every week, I think he missed it on this one.

  • Leonard, Mary

    09/13/2009 02:31 AM

    Though the subject of the death of what was such a great institution is such a sad one, I quite enjoyed the way you added a bit of the dry humor in your post, Governor. Well, written and you got your point across which is so unlike most newspaper articles I've read in recent years.

  • Corn, Dave (flickr.com photobud606)

    09/13/2009 01:53 AM

    You stand for the freedom of speach..but todays news except for a very few twist, distort, and fabricate their own truth.....Kudos to you Gov..for your straight forward approach to where we should be going and how to make real change not .........the fictional presentation being presented to us today by our current governing bodies! Keep up the good work!

  • G, Jeremy

    09/13/2009 01:40 AM

    Governor this is a great piece of writing as a junior in high school and involved in my school newspaper it is quit sad that we are more proffesional then those who say they are proffesional journalist. Keep up the good work.

  • Bridges, Ronald

    09/13/2009 12:57 AM

    Sad, but you can tell who the darlings of the WH are by watching Gibbs in the Press Briefing. Major Garrett has to fight for a question and then is ridiculed by Gibbs. The others are welcomed with open arms and treeted very well.

  • Gravett, Claudia

    09/12/2009 11:50 PM

    What a wonderfully insightful commentary on the "Death of Journalism." All I can say is "THANK GOD" for you, Glenn Beck, and Shawn Hannity. Without you and Fox News, the conservative movement would have no voice...and in turn, no hope. You are the closest person we've had to Ronald Reagan, and I pray that you consider running for President again.

  • Griffin, Jane

    09/12/2009 11:38 PM

    You hit the nail on the head, Mr. Huckabee. I could not agree with you more.

  • Smith, Mark

    09/12/2009 11:16 PM

    As the former press secretary for the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the lead agency for Louisiana during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, you have no clue as to how bad journalsim has actually fallen, but I do. Further, I was also a newspaper reporter, photographer, editor and managing editor. During J school, we were taught a large number of topics inculding "ethics". Apparenty, that class s no long offered.
    I am not going to say all reporters and/or editors lack ethics, but most of them...

    Take for instance, the most bias of the bunch, FOX - the conservative news network. I have neer encountered a worse group of reptorters in my life. Ethics means nothing to them.

  • Riley, Mary

    09/12/2009 11:12 PM

    I do know why MSNBC is behaving this way. They want to flood the internet with their garbage so they can prove Tom Brokaw's comment that the internet is a sewer or cesspool.

  • Schmidt, Deb

    09/12/2009 10:42 PM

    great piece Gov and so true. for years I watched the other media an thought I don't feel like that but had nowhere to go...TIll I found Fox several years ago. Thank you for speaking for "WE THE PEOPLE"
    God Bless

  • Ridings, DeLinda

    09/12/2009 10:32 PM

    It is becoming more and more clear that 2012 is the time for you, Gov. Huckabee, to run for the leadership of our great country.

  • Hicks, Beverly

    09/12/2009 10:26 PM

    I shutter to think what our country will be like in a year if this keeps up. Thanks Governer for telling us the truth. We need you and others like you to tell the truth as it really is and not as the liberal Obama loving press says it is. I am not including Fox News in that comment. They are more than fair and balanced.

  • Welsh, Clay

    09/12/2009 10:14 PM

    You're right on Governor. I worked in the newspaper business for over 30 years and I watched it little by little move to the left. When I went to work for Highlands Today in 1999 we had a very conservative editor. Before I left they found a way to fire him and move in a west coast liberal.

    Keep up the charge governor.

  • Bingham, Dolly

    09/12/2009 10:13 PM

    The article - the death of journalism' is so true and very well said. You are great, Gov.

  • Jensen, Cindy

    09/12/2009 10:08 PM

    Jourlnalism is dead except for Fox, I believe it is partially to do with the reccomendations of O'Rielly and his Culture Warrior concept. We have lost the lessons of history, Obama has been raised and chosen friends and supporters that have every reason to change history as it was, as it should be remembered.
    I truly believe it has to do with Bill Ayres and his underhanded contact and influence of the educational system, like the thought of making it look better, then we won't be held accountable for what Bill Ayres and his constituents including Obama unfortunately, and all the Czars he surrounds himself with, in their opinion have shame over what this country has accomplished in this world and the real example it has shown the world.
    I have stated before and will say it again, I believe Obama was chosen by the likes of Ayres, Acorn, Soro's, for his color, his charisma, and his unfortunate belief in what they stand for, in order to sell the Union Soro's agenda, the educational agenda of Ayres, and the Social agenda of the admitted communist and the likes of him like Jones.

    I also believe it is becoming increasingly clear, that through Acorn it was also very probably a rigged election.

    Cindy Jensen

  • Ward, Linda

    09/12/2009 10:06 PM

    Oh Mike this is so true...and I am so afraid. I have just a few months ago been made a 1st time grandma, and the thought's I have about our country, and how it will be, by the time my grand-daughter is old enough to vote...terrifies me...I can sum up how I feel in 4 words:
    Come Lord Jesus, Come!
    We love you in our house Mike...keep on keepin on and you are in our prayers, as is this country...

    Linda Ward
    Ashland, ky.

  • Russell, Katherine

    09/12/2009 10:05 PM

    Because of the conflict it can cause, I rarely make any statements regarding politics and the press. That, in itself is such a statement; politics & the press are bedfellows. One, appointed to represent the people and protect the best interests of this country, the other anointed to watch the appointed. Our country has lowered her standards down to the point that TV personalities and even movie personalities are calling the shots and running the show. The American family is spending their money to make the 'entertainment industry'wealthy & they in turn, use it to destroy and degrade this country.
    You are correct in saying the death of true journalism has come. There is hope, like the God of Israel, there maybe a remnant out there that are hungry to see the greedy & seedy exposed.
    To some, this is just a game of 'we are sooo cool vs you are so ignorant.' Soon, when their own families suffer because of decisions being made today, they will realize they were standing on the wrong side of the game. Will it be too late?