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Comment by pekk | Hacker News Reader

This is part of an extremely strong partisan streak in HN's political postings over the last year or two which I find irritating and inappropriate.

If I wanted right-wing skewed tech news, there is already Slashdot.

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This isn't a left-wing or right-wing issue, it's a civil-liberties issue concerning life in a free society. The press, while not one of the checks & balances envisioned by the country founders, serve in that role by revealing the misdeeds & transgressions of those in positions of authority.

Fourth Estate vs. fifth column...

I agree that the less politics on Hacker News, the better. However, I think there is a grave risk in writing off the possible abuse of political power because the alleged victims are not in your camp. As Martin Niemöller said:

First they came for the communists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the socialists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me.

Godwin's Law

Like chiph I look at this as more of a civil liberties issue. There's always been a strong civil liberties contingent on HN, so while most political stories aren't fit for HN, I can see why this one has caught some peoples' attention here.

Slashdot is right wing? Bahahaha. That's funny. Did you know CmdrTaco actually works for the Washington Post now? Not exactly the fortress of the right wing. In fact, quite liberal. Some would say very liberal.

Anywho, this topic is about government abuse, regardless of party.

Washington Post isn't liberal or conservative. It's beltway. If one party says that the sky is yellow, and the other party says it's red, the Washington Post will be there in all their wisdom to inform you that it's actually a shade of orange, and they're the mature adults who can rise above partisanship and see the truth.

I wish that was still true, it was when I was living in the area 1991-2004. But to me at least they've abandoned that position; that they still employ Ezra Klein after his JournoList was exposed tells you all you need to know. Heck, he and Josh Marshall were just observed going into the White House for a private meeting and now they're saying the same things.

You wish that were true? It's fucking terrible.

Take a look at their front-page right now. Or tomorrow. The whole op/ed section is filled with the same crap that every politician is talking about. Strategically balanced so that they're acting as stenographer for both side's media consultant.

I'd consider myself slightly left of center, but I Think the best part of slashdot during my time Was that it was home to all views.

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