The Los Angeles Times, reeling from some of the worst circulation declines int he newspaper industry, and just having fired its publisher, says that it is turning over a new leaf, and has assigned crack invetsigative reporters to the topic. Rather awkwardly, they call it the "Manhattan Project," after the race to develop the nuclear bomb. What on earth are they thinking?

They call it "re—engaging" readers. Matthew Sheffield of Newsbusters is following the story and has some sensisble suggestions.

Yet today, the paper feeds us the same old liberal/left claptrap. A Clintonite Think Tank gets op—ed space and declares, Bush unleashes Nuclear Blast," asking

"If the administration won't abide by time—tested nuclear treaties, why should anyone else?" This gives you a flavor of the piece from the senior vice—president of the Center for American Progress — a "think tank" established by Clinton cadres to promote the Clinton legacy and boost support for Hillary Clinton when she runs. Of course, it is funded by well—known anti—Bush, anti—Republican activists George Soros and Herb and Marion Sandler.*

Yet it is run as an op—ed in the LA Times, giving free "advertising" along with the patina of neutrality. Unfair? Yes. Increasing as a tactic? Yes. Does the op—ed mention that the North Koreans were cheating on the supposed Agreed Framework signed by Clinton and had a secret nuclear weapons development program operating throughout the Clinton Presidency ? No.

It is all George Bush's fault for violating agreements. As if North Korea would have been dissuaded from developing nuclear weapons, but for the presence of George Bush in the Presidency.
 
Hat tip: Larwyn

Ed Lasky  10 15 06