Jack & Jill Politics

The Official New Logo of the Washington Post – P.I.M.P

Yes, you read the title correctly.  Because of the dearth in profits in journalism these days (could it be that people want REAL NEWS, and not ENTERTAINMENT?) that has lead to the paucity that used to be known as the 4th Estate?

From Nicole Belle of Crooks and Liars:

Apparently the Very Serious People™ in the Village have a very different idea of journalism than they led us to believe. After their own columnist Dana Milbank lost his marbles and dignity over a DFH blogger asking a question, the Washington Post hits an all new low:

For $25,000 to $250,000, The Washington Post has offered lobbyists and association executives off-the-record, nonconfrontational access to “those powerful few”: Obama administration officials, members of Congress, and — at first — even the paper’s own reporters and editors.

Dang.  I’ve called the Washington Post a Rag, good enough for toilet paper or lining your pet parrot’s birdcage, but I never thought I would have to add the description of PIMP to this repetoire.

No wonder blogs like JJP are blowin up Big Willie-style.  Like lobbyists don’t already have access to government officials; hell, they’re what holds them hostage while they talk a good game about reforming and creating responsive, effective government of the people, by the people and for the people.

I don’t think James Madison had Big Pimping in mind when he helped to draft the Constitution, y’all.  And I guess because there’s a brotha in the White House, WaPo thought Big Pimping would be in STYLE.

George Bush was a PIMP – but you never had any of the media paying for access to his ass.  He merely threatened to cut off that access if you didn’t print what he or Dick Cheney told your ass to print.  Now that there’s a more media-friendly POTUS in the White House, the Washington Post decided it was okay to outright admit they’re pimping for  profit.

A National Newspaper that is a Real-Live Pimp.  And just when I thought I’d seen it all….