A Washington Post article that is ostensibly on Ireland's budget problems begins: "Is this the ghost of America's future?" This no doubt had readers asking "is this the way to begin a news story on Ireland?" On the other hand, since the headline is "in Ireland's deep budget cuts, an omen for a heavily indebted United States?" we were already warned not to expect a serious news story.
The Post really really wants to reduce the deficits and it wants to do so primarily by slashing Social Security and Medicare benefits. It has shown repeatedly that it is prepared to ignore accepted journalistic standards to push this cause. This is just one more instance.
I’m writing to you today with a sense of urgency that I haven’t felt since I began my journalism career. As executive editor of The American Prospect, I’ve witnessed firsthand how independent journalism serves as a crucial bulwark against the erosion of our democratic institutions. Today, that role is more vital than ever. Can you step up today and show your support?
The winds of authoritarianism are blowing stronger. We’re seeing alarming signs of a coordinated effort to silence critical voices and undermine the very foundations that support progressive causes. As Bob Kuttner presciently wrote in our August 2024 issue, a weaponized IRS could attack the very foundations of the progressive movement. We need readers to step up and help us dig in for the long haul.
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–David Dayen, Executive Editor
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