Edward R. Murrow isms

When the movie "Good Night and Good Luck" came out a few months ago, I knew I'd better go see it soon. I expected it to last about a week in this area. For a movie that didn't have things blowing up, wasn't about football or mules, it lasted about three weeks. I was amazed at the similarites of the McCarthy era to today. It was a time when people were afraid to speak out about the abuse of power for fear that their patriotism would be called into question. If you questioned the Wisconson Senator's views you were a commie ACLU lover who hated America. The difference was that back then, reporters were reporters, not repeaters-printing and parrotting talking points. Most of the real reporters are gone and what we're left with is repeaters and pretend reporters. These are the windbags who claim that they're entertainers, but who are invited to be guests on "Meet The Press." Here are a few Murrow quotes. Pick your favorite.

We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it.
- Edward R. Murrow

When the politicians complain that TV turns the proceedings into a circus, it should be made clear that the circus was already there, and that TV has merely demonstrated that not all the performers are well trained.
- Edward R. Murrow

If we were to do the Second Coming of Christ in color for a full hour, there would be a considerable number of stations which would decline to carry it on the grounds that a Western or a quiz show would be more profitable.
- Edward R. Murrow

Just because your voice reaches halfway around the world doesn't mean you are wiser than when it reached only to the end of the bar.
- Edward R. Murrow