I’ve respected Matt Taibbi’s direct work, but a recent third-party video he promoted through his newsletter is an example of the worst cynical manipulation out there.
Thanks for the kind words, Rogier. Wish I had enjoyed writing it, but it was one of those pieces where I felt compelled. But, there may be a review of some Brazilian jazz coming up, and that should be a little lighter.
You miss the point of the video. By a mile. Almost no one in the media practiced journalism at the start of the pandemic by questioning the WHO estimate, which was based on a flawed study. There were other experts who had much lower estimates. Some who voiced dissenting opinions like Jay Bhattacharya almost had their careers destroyed for speaking the truth. The people who parroted the WHO estimate, and BTW “mocked” Trump, who was correct, deserve mockery themselves. Insulated from the effects of the lock downs the journalists and talking heads blindly supported health policy that was ineffective and destroyed lives. Not one of the talking heads in the video has apologized to those who lost jobs or businesses, to those whose kids suffered irrecoverable educational losses or to those who slid into alcoholism or drug addiction from lock down induced anxiety and loneliness. As yet no one in the media or the public health establishment has been held accountable. But you go ahead, defend the indefensible and blame Matt Taibbi and Matt Orfalea for highlighting the arrogant incompetence of the media and celebrity pundits.
No, you missed the point of my critique. It was badly done for the specific reasons I stated. I'm not saying anything beyond that, which your post seems to suggest.
Enjoyed reading this, Erik. Thanks!
Thanks for the kind words, Rogier. Wish I had enjoyed writing it, but it was one of those pieces where I felt compelled. But, there may be a review of some Brazilian jazz coming up, and that should be a little lighter.
You miss the point of the video. By a mile. Almost no one in the media practiced journalism at the start of the pandemic by questioning the WHO estimate, which was based on a flawed study. There were other experts who had much lower estimates. Some who voiced dissenting opinions like Jay Bhattacharya almost had their careers destroyed for speaking the truth. The people who parroted the WHO estimate, and BTW “mocked” Trump, who was correct, deserve mockery themselves. Insulated from the effects of the lock downs the journalists and talking heads blindly supported health policy that was ineffective and destroyed lives. Not one of the talking heads in the video has apologized to those who lost jobs or businesses, to those whose kids suffered irrecoverable educational losses or to those who slid into alcoholism or drug addiction from lock down induced anxiety and loneliness. As yet no one in the media or the public health establishment has been held accountable. But you go ahead, defend the indefensible and blame Matt Taibbi and Matt Orfalea for highlighting the arrogant incompetence of the media and celebrity pundits.
No, you missed the point of my critique. It was badly done for the specific reasons I stated. I'm not saying anything beyond that, which your post seems to suggest.