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University of Texas, Austin, Professor of Journalism Robert Jensen calls Friedman "scary." He features "underinflated insights," "twisted metaphors," "second-rate thinking," "third-rate writing," and "hack journalis(m)."
What's most concerning is his political and professional acclaim. His Times columns appear twice weekly. He's won three Pulitzer Prizes. His books are best-sellers. He's featured on US television. He "fills lecture halls for a speaking fee as high as $75,000."
"Although his work is stunningly shallow and narcissistic, (he's) celebrated as a big thinker.""How does a journalist with a track record of bad predictions and a penchant for superficial analysis - a person paid to reflect about the world yet who seems to lack the capacity for critical self-reflection - end up being treated as an oracle?"
He's perfect "for a management-focused, advertising-saturated, dumbed-down, imperial culture that doesn't want to come to terms with the systemic and structural reasons for its decline."
He avoids speaking truth to power. He's not alone. Times' pages are strewn with likeminded columnists.
What's most important goes unreported. It's longstanding Times policy. Imperial priorities matter most.
Savvy readers and viewers are best served by choosing credible alternative sources. Maybe some day everyone will.
Getting reliable information depends on it. Imagine the difference that would make. World peace would be possible. And a whole lot more.
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