BS: The Death of Newspapers?

Subject: BS: The Death of Newspapers?
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 26 Mar 09 - 12:13 PM

Demcratic Senator Benjamin Cardin (Maryland) is trying to put a stake into the heart of freedom of the press. Where is John Peter Zenger when we need him most?

Cardin is proposing that newspapers be allowed tax exempt status (presumably to avoid the financial straits they're now in), but no longer, then, be allowed to make endorsements! Excuse me!!!?

If newspapers can't make endorsements, what then are they besides bird cage liner? (Some may argue they are that now.) How long will it be before they are not allowed to editorialize against governmental deeds and misdeeds? Governmental malfeasance or fiscal issues? Where will reportage be considered crossing the fine line of editorializing?

Newspapers need to be allowed and enabled to be society's protector. Muzzling them for a few pennies is a bad, bad idea.

Subject: RE: BS: The Death of Newspapers?
From: Bill D
Date: 26 Mar 09 - 12:28 PM

well, John...we don't agree on everything, and I'm sure we might not like the same endorsements, but I rather agree with you on this.
Newspapers have been one of the major ways we have of sorting out the issues for hundreds of years.

I'd have to think about whether 'just' a tax exemption might help. There is some doubt about the future of the print media, no matter what help is given.

Subject: RE: BS: The Death of Newspapers?
From: Rapparee
Date: 26 Mar 09 - 12:28 PM

Another politician shooting off his mouth without have his brain loaded.

Besides, there are a lot of newspapers -- ones that focus mostly on LOCAL news and LOCAL issues -- that are doing okay.

Subject: RE: BS: The Death of Newspapers?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Mar 09 - 01:13 PM

Are they exempt from sales tax everywhere? I don't remember. I know they are in Texas (this isn't income or corporate taxes, just sales tax I'm asking about).

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: The Death of Newspapers?
From: Ebbie
Date: 26 Mar 09 - 01:16 PM

After the recent demise of the Seattle P-I, bloggers were postulating that we don't need print media, that people will inform each other on events and issues online. My question: Who will break the news? Bloggers, by their very nature, react. They don't report the news.

We need reporters.

Subject: RE: BS: The Death of Newspapers?
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 26 Mar 09 - 01:49 PM

SRS--what the good Senator is proposing is exemption from corporate 'income tax'. Newspapers in many places are sales taxed--in California for one.