Externalizing Cost
This CNN story attempts to drum up outrage over federal monuments not receiving enough protection.
The federal police force responsible for protecting the Washington Monument, the Statue of Liberty and other national icons is understaffed, under-equipped, under-trained and demoralized, according to an assessment that echoes earlier studies.
If CNN succeeds in getting legislation passed that increases this departments budget, and in turn, an increase in the federal budget, CNN should have to pay a portion of that cost. Why is legislation that forces companies that externalize costs through dumping pollution forced to pay those costs when media organizations are not forced to pay for costs they externalize. This seems to be a prime example of media organization trying to fabricate controversy to increases readership at the cost of likely political action which will cost money. They should have to cover a portion of that cost.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
So a news organization that reports the results of a report is then responsible for what is in the report? That would mean that if the CDC issued a report on a disease based on bad data was covered by CNN, when the faults in the report were discovered, it would be CNN’s fault…. How does this make sense? If it were CNN that did the report, you might have a case, but from my reading, they are simply reporting the outcome of a public record. And, you have to give it to them. They learn more from the GOP every day. All you have to do is instill a climate of fear and citizens buy in. CNN is a prime example of capitalism.
February 4th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
This seems like a fine argument. I’m sure the MSM will be happy to pay for these additional security guards, after they see the multi-trillion dollar check they get for ending the war in Iraq early.