HALLOWEEN "SPELLS" AT THE WASHINGTON POST

Living as I do within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, specifically Northern Virginia, I have had some exposure to international, national and local politics. Usually, one of the sources of information that observers utilize are news outlets employing the printed word. This week the "rough-n-tumble" contest for governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia took an unexpected turn. The usually partisan but measured approach of newspapers and news magazines witnessed a tantrum in their ranks, when The Washington Post went "wilding" against Mr. Robert F. McDonnell. Among his dreaded flaws, according to the Post is a law degree from a law school that is affiliated in some way with Pat Robertson, the Christian Cable Network founder.


The Post did not accuse him of being a "shyster" lawyer. I am not aware that the Post has charged that he is incompetent to practice law, due either to his education or to his demonstrated abilities (or lack thereof). The Post has not developed evidence which shows that the law school in question is not accredited. The Post has not produced evidence that Mr. McDonnell failed, or cheated on, his Bar Examination (presumably administered by the Commonwealth of Virginia). Is his crime that he didn't graduate from Harvard University Law? Or is it a religious thing with the Post?


Intolerance in matters of religion has been discouraged in America for many years. Is it this discouragement that the Post fears? Is religious intolerance toward people such as Pat Robertson the "tomorrow" that the Post yearns for - and feels that Mr. McDonnell threatens?



Perhaps only The Washington Post publisher, Ms. Catharine Weymouth, can answer this question. There is an unwholesome "state of mind" at the Post. It has become overtly divisive in expressing its most profoundly held viewpoints. There is a "flighty" quality haunting its belfry, which has been let loose to inform their nightmarish perception of a McDonnell "tomorrow." Yes, it IS almost Halloween. Has Ms. Weymouth merely directed the Post to don its costume for the Virginia elections? Will the dark arts of the Post melt away before the dawn of the November elections? Or are the signs of hate more substantial and consequential than a mere Halloween pose?

Say a little prayer for this "troubled" newspaper.


October 21, 2009