This very blog mere days ago noted that the real scandal surrounding the “Mouthpiece Theatre” video entitled “Menage a Stella Artois” wasn’t what was said about the present U.S. Secretary of State, but, rather, the double standard of the contemporary American Left when it comes to humor. At that time, it was known that the Washington Post had removed the controversial short film from its website. The possibility remained open that the series would begin again this week, perhaps taking a self-depricating turn.

Since that time, however, things have changed. The Washington Post, instead of standing by a product which also demonized the 2008 GOP Vice Presidential nominee, caved to the pressure of left-wing groups.  Milbank and Cillizza heeded to the call of their bosses with respect to the series; Mouthpiece Theatre is no more. Unfortunately, a paper already hit with a lobbying scandal would rather diminish its credibility further than stand up to people whose understanding of the U.S. Constitution rivals Barack Obama’s understanding of transparency.

A good journalist can and should admit when he is wrong. However, a credible paper should not back down when bullied by special interests to not ridicule the preferred political figures of said interests. Instead of using this controversy as an opportunity to explore further the links between “independent”, leftward media organizations and the Obama White House, or as an exploration of the double standards in organizations claiming respect for certain beliefs and the problems of such conduct, the Washington Post has hindered free speech rather than strengthened it. If one day the once credible older media enterprises are no more, then their demise will have been self-inflicted.

Last 5 posts by James Kane

• A November to Remember - November 8th, 2010
• On hope and fear - October 18th, 2010
• Expecting Different Results - September 12th, 2010
• A glaring omission on Iraq - August 31st, 2010
• Employing a losing strategy - August 7th, 2010