John Murtha was guilty of following 'a lead' that might bring about disclosure of corruption. Ex-Marines ain't dumb. They are also willing to take chances to right a wrong. Murtha knew $10,000 was a bribe. He knew it was illegal. He also wasn't going to pass up a chance to find out who was bribing Congressmen either. Any investigation, no matter how thorough would never have lead to his indictment either legal, political or social. He was after the same thing as the FBI in the sting operation. Both of them were 'casing' each other's ability to be corrupting.
Aaron Brown: On Cable News, Political Mud-Wrestling, And Viewership
Former CNN anchor Aaron Brown says he tried to provide NewsNight viewers with a balanced diet of light and serious news, but "I always knew when I got to the Brussels sprouts, I was on thin ice." That's one of many nuggets in this Palm Beach Daily News story about an "impassioned speech" he recently delivered.
Here are some of the other nuggets:
> On truth: "Truth no longer matters in the context of politics and, sadly, in the context of cable news."
> On the state of political debate in America: "Any criticism of the administration is regarded as hatred of the president and hatred of the country itself."
> On "the swift-boating of John Murtha:" "Cable didn't search for the truth, but engaged in mock debates pitting those making the charges against Murtha's defenders."
> On the viewers' responsibility: "It's not enough to say you want serious news. You have to watch it. It isn't enough to say you want serious debate. You have to engage in it."
