Good post OTC.
And I agree with some of your points.
But lets call a spade a spade. It's a 'left wing' media when your side feels its not getting the good news reported out of Iraq.
But it was a 'right wing' media that allowed this administration to take us to war virtually unchallenged. It was a right wing media that gave Bush a pass in the 2004 election.
I agree with you that war is hell, and sometimes calls for creative measures. I dont think I would have much of a problem with buying good media in Iraq if I believed in the cause for war. But since I dont, it only adds to the percieved corruption.
I agree that the media is corrupt. But I dont think they are corrupt in leaning to one side or the other. I think they are corrupt in that they have become an entertainment outlet, designed to make a profit. They will broadcast whatever they think will increase their ratings, and their profit. In my opinion, they go where the wind blows.
You need to look no further than Judy Miller at the NYTimes for an example of this.