Jeff Bezos’s announcement on Elon Musk’s X that henceforth the Washington Post’s editorials and its opinions section will be devoted exclusively to issues of personal liberties and free markets means that the enterprise will reflect only his personal values and vision – or else.
So if Bezos is logically consistent, he will approve opinion pieces condemning Trump's tariffs as opposed to free markets. He will also feature pieces opposing Trump's attempts to intimidate the free press by threatening to sue the media for posting "disinformation" and per Truth Social "maybe we will create some NICE NEW LAW!!!". I would be thrilled if this was Mr. Bezos' intent but.... well, I will wait and see!
Outrageous, of course, but not unexpected, given the state of corporate mainstream media and the power of corporate oligarchs. What is deeply disappointing is Shipley's choice to exit so graciously instead of taking the opportunity to make a powerful statement about what this means—has meant—for the Washington Post, and journalism in general.
That’s really the point. This is not necessarily abject submission to Trump. It is libertarian but what that means remains to be tested.
So if Bezos is logically consistent, he will approve opinion pieces condemning Trump's tariffs as opposed to free markets. He will also feature pieces opposing Trump's attempts to intimidate the free press by threatening to sue the media for posting "disinformation" and per Truth Social "maybe we will create some NICE NEW LAW!!!". I would be thrilled if this was Mr. Bezos' intent but.... well, I will wait and see!
The freedom of the press may go “underground,” but be read. I hope subscribers vote with their feet.
Outrageous, of course, but not unexpected, given the state of corporate mainstream media and the power of corporate oligarchs. What is deeply disappointing is Shipley's choice to exit so graciously instead of taking the opportunity to make a powerful statement about what this means—has meant—for the Washington Post, and journalism in general.