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American Society of News Editors Demand Open Health-bill Meetings
Washington Times ^ | 1/19/10 | Jennifer Harper

Posted on 01/19/2010 4:34:12 PM PST by Dr. Scarpetta

The American Society of News Editors (ASNE) on Tuesday demanded "more openness and transparency" over the massive, $900 billion legislation, known in its current form as as "America's Affordable Health Care Act of 2009 and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act."

The group -- which represents high-profile leaders of multimedia news organizations, journalism-school deans and First Amendment experts -- criticized what it called "back-room negotiations" over health care that should take place in full, open committee proceedings.

"It is now clear that there is an inexcusable level of secrecy surrounding this landmark legislation, especially as the current proceedings are likely to produce the final version presented to all members of Congress. To so profoundly affect the American public through closed-door proceedings is an affront to one of the core values of democracy," Mr. Kaiser said.

Public trust is at stake, the group says.

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS:
Americans are in favor of an open legislative process. For example, a survey conducted by the Palm Beach Post found that 91 percent of the respondents backed televising the negotiations.
1 posted on 01/19/2010 4:34:13 PM PST by Dr. Scarpetta
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To: Dr. Scarpetta

The Dems’ own press agents turning on them? Wow.


2 posted on 01/19/2010 4:55:14 PM PST by NativeNewYorker (Freepin' Jew Boy)
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To: Dr. Scarpetta

And this was reported in the Washington Times because their own news media refuses to report it?

It’s meaningless if they don’t make a news item out of it.

Obama hasn’t had a press conference since last July. Obama has repeatedly attacked anyone who criticizes him. Obama has pushed through one monster bill after another without letting anyone read it—including even Democrat congressmen. Obama has thrown more than 120 parties last year in the White House and has refused to let the press report on any of them, apart from the state dinner for India. The list goes on and on, and the press has barely said anything about it.

Is Obama going to change his ways because a bunch of media fat cats complain about him in a closed door meeting?


3 posted on 01/19/2010 5:10:54 PM PST by Cicero (Marcus Tullius)
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To: Cicero
It’s meaningless if they don’t make a news item out of it.

Exactly right...

4 posted on 01/19/2010 5:14:54 PM PST by Dr. Scarpetta
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To: NativeNewYorker

The Dems’ own press agents turning on them? Wow.’

I will believe it when I see it in a focused manner and for an extended period of time.


5 posted on 01/19/2010 5:57:06 PM PST by ridesthemiles
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To: Dr. Scarpetta

IMHO, newspaper editors were quite happy to let the health care decisions and negotiations go on behind closed doors as long as the Dems were perceived as being able to get the papers liberal left agenda done. When the tide started turning,they’re just playing CYA.

Yes, we want to report the unbiased news, not the Obama party line (and we always have - not!!).

Our Oregon Fish Wrap, aka the Oregonian has actually started looking like a more balanced paper now that they’ve had to lay people off and are going down for the third time. For example, they just did a fairly balanced article on the Oregon Right to Life rally Sunday on the anniversary of Roe v Wade - I was amazed.


6 posted on 01/19/2010 6:23:47 PM PST by Wicket (God bless and protect our troops and God bless America)
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To: Wicket
the Oregonian has actually started looking like a more balanced paper now that they’ve had to lay people off and are going down for the third time.

That's good. My local paper editorial board recently called Glen Beck a 'troll.'

7 posted on 01/20/2010 5:27:59 AM PST by Dr. Scarpetta
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To: NativeNewYorker

It’s a first step.


8 posted on 01/20/2010 5:29:49 AM PST by Dr. Scarpetta
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