[lutze]

Fire him... Are you serious? Like the truth has ever mattered to Murdoch.

This writer is exactly on message, they'll give him a bonus.

[mseebach]

Yes. Polemic columnists is a phenomenon exclusively observed in the Murdoch-owned end of the world.

[lutze]

"BUT EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING IT!!!!" is not an excuse you'd accept from a child, so why does it become an acceptable defence in politics and journalism?

[jamesbritt]

... so why does it become an acceptable defence in politics and journalism?

It didn't sound like a defense, but an observation that, sadly, this is common behavior.

I also suspect it was a sly reference to some of the comments on HN, too.

[mseebach]

Good thing that's not what I said, then.

[lutze]

Your comment seemed quite sarcastic, and looked to be trying to equivocate responsibility. Not that I'm above using sarcasm myself, obviously.

The fact is, that in this instance, a Murdoch owned media company is clearly distorting the truth to further a political agenda. So in this instance, it is perfectly reasonable to criticise Murdoch in particular, without having to resort to qualifications.

In my opinion of course.

[mseebach]

You implied causation between working for a Murdoch-owned media outlet and writing a column with a light take on the facts.

That's fallacious, and that's why I called it out.

[lutze]

No, I implied causation between working for a Murdoch owned media outlet and writing a column furthering a specific political agenda.

The lying part is incidental really.

[rhizome]

Who said it was limited to Murdoch-land? Nobody.