Do you REALLY think this "government" is OUR government? I don't.

Let me state what I hope is obvious to all reading this column: This
sort of willing capitulation to government censorship was not the norm
five years ago, 10 years ago, 20 years ago or 30 years ago. This is a
new phenomenon – chilling and alarming to an old-timer like me who would
never agree to submit his copy for approval to politicians.

These so-called journalists are selling their ethical and moral souls
for access to politicians. And this practice raises expectations by
politicians that they can routinely manipulate the press to their
advantage. That makes the job of real journalists – independent
reporters faithful to their craft – even more difficult, because they
will be shut out from access.

It reminds me of the fact that, just last week, WND was denied
credentials to cover the Democratic National Convention. Why do you
suppose what has become one of the largest and most influential news
agencies in the country would be denied access to the convention floor?
Simply because the Democrats know we won’t play by their rules of
control like the members of the establishment press club.

All I can say about these people I once considered “colleagues” is
that I am so ashamed of them. I am mortified. They are humiliating
themselves and a vital institution for any free society.

It seems the biggest threat to the American tradition of a free and
independent press is not government coercion. It’s the willing
submission of the press to being handled and managed by government and
politicians.

When Americans read these reports – whether in newspapers, wire services
or on the Internet – they are not really reading news stories at all.
They are reading approved, pre-packaged press releases from the
government and politicians. But, even worse, they are not labeled as
such. They are labeled as actual news.