Putting 'The Boondocks' in the Dock
This piece by the Washington Post's Ombudsman presents an interesting case study of freedom of expression in the media. While I understand and appreciate Executive Editor Downie's distinction between the private and public lives of public officials, I do not buy his assertion that no explanation for its being withheld was needed since he/they edit all parts of the paper every day. It was not just any other story that was being edited, it was a feature that had been in place for some time, was expected to continue, and was not in and of itself news. Moreover, I am taken by one reader's comment: "As the strip makes clear, we're laughing at the guy who suggested finding Condi a guy, not at Condi." I think I concur with the Ombudsman's conclusion. How about you?