Representative Maurice Hinchey (D-NY)

I happened to catch a bit of CNN this afternoon, and Rep. Hinchey was being interviewed about his recent commentary regarding the origin of the famous memos which ultimately lead to what has come to be known as "Rathergate". Mr. Hinchey said that there exists a possibility that a GOP operative gave CBS the memos in an attempt to discredit and embarass the news agency.

Mr. Hinchey said repeatedly that his theory is nothing more than random speculation, and while listening between the lines, I heard him say two very disturbing things.

First, he excused CBS News for their lack of journalistic ethics, suggesting that the ultimate responsibility for what CBS airs on its news broadcast lies elsewhere. In this case, Hinchey seemed to argue that CBS was not culpable whereas Karl Rove may well be the one to blame for the erroneous report.

Second, Rep. Hinchey suggested that the US Congress should investigate "Rathergate". Perhaps his idea was innocent, however I am very suspect of any government investigation of media or news broadcasts. Was he suggesting that perhaps the government should analyze the content and credibility of the nightly news? Does Mr. Hinchey not believe the people who run CBS News and the NY Times understand the importance of journalistic integrity?

Rep. Hinchey seems to think the media bias in America is to the right.

Here is the entry on Sounding the Trumpet.

LGF has the transcript here.