Posted by D. Cupples | Reportedly, CBS was planning to run a story on former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman but changed its plans under pressure form the White House. Siegelman is now serving a seven-year prison term, based on a case that 44 former Attorney Generals -- Republicans and Democrats -- found highly questionable (see background).
Since Time Magazine ran a story in October about Siegelman, many observers have questioned whether the prosecution of Siegelman was selective and politically motivated. A week ago, At Largely reported:
"Well folks, seems that 60 Minutes is postponing (read "killing") its Siegelman story. The excuse I am told for this lapse in ethics is that the network needs more time to vet the whistle-blower, Dana Jill Simpson. You see, the reason the network suddenly needs more time to vet Simpson is that the White House has launched a direct campaign inside CBS to discredit her and just to make sure the dirt sticks, they have called in some favors too.
"I am told that Senator Jeff Sessions has been instructed to help the White House discredit Simpson as part of his "Senatorial" duties. Nice system of government we have here, eh?
"So, two things are going to happen now. The first is, we will be including what 60 Minutes did not report as part of the Raw Story series on the case. Instead of 5 installments, we will now have 6. Second, all of you as citizens of this nation must voice your concerns about this situation to CBS. You want a free press? Then fight for it!"
At largely was kind enough to give the address, email and phone number of CBS:
60 Minutes
524 West 57th St.
New York, NY 10019 (212) 975-3247
60m@cbsnews.com
Related BN-Politics Posts:
* Justice Dept.: Weapon Against Political Enemies?
* Karl Rove Tied to Prosecution of Dem Governor
Thanks for the heads-up, D.
I've written to CBS and will advise you of any response.
Posted by: billkav | February 16, 2008 at 12:43 PM