News Corp scandal divides US along party lines

[cal04]

Claims of illegal attempt to gain 9/11 victims' numbers bring outrage from Democrats and caution from Republicans
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/jul/16/newscorp-scandal-splits-american-politicians

The battle over Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation is splitting American politics along party lines, with senior Democrats calling for investigations into the company while some senior Republicans play down the crisis.

(snip)
The former Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain has criticised the decision to investigate, saying there is little evidence so far that the problem of phone hacking had spread to the US and the probe was unjustified. "It seems to me that this is a British issue that needs to be resolved first," he told Sky News. "I've heard of no evidence or allegation yet of anything being done in the United States of America."

His defence is significant not only because he is a senior Republican but also because he has criticised News Corp in the past. In 2001, he publicly questioned its plans to take over the satellite television service DirecTV, citing concerns over media consolidation.

(snip)
Though one Republican congressman, Peter King, has been influential in calling for probes into News Corp, the bulk of the anger has come from Democrats. Four Democratic senators have written letters to the department of justice and the securities and exchange commission asking for investigations. They include powerful figures such as California senator Barbara Boxer and West Virginia senator Jay Rockefeller, who chairs the influential senate commerce committee.

[fredamae]

1. I suggest that Anyone who rejects this

investigation has "ties to hide". Period.

[Cool Logic]

2. The question of whether or not criminal activity has occurred should have

nothing to do with political persuasion.

The fact that it does, speaks volumes with respect to the moral character of our nation.

[AndyTiedye]

5. It Speaks Volumes About the Moral Character (or Lack Thereof) of the Repiglickins

All it says about the nation as a whole is that many of our people will believe whatever the Tee Vee says. Just like anywhere else.

[Uncle Joe]

3. There is no doubt that Murdoch's News Corporation at the very least shredded

any journalistic ethical and moral considerations with the high probability they also committed crimes in Great Britain.

This closed mega media corporation plays a most prominent if not a dominateing role in the U.S. information market as well, an investigation is highly warranted if McCain and the other Republicans are truly interested in seeing any evidence.

Thanks for the thread, cal.

[matt819]

4. Right vs. wrong; Legal vs. illegal

What's really quite remarkably about this division is the ability of republicans to live with such cognitive dissonance.

So, let's ask John McCain or, for that matter, Joe the Plumber: Is it right - that is, moral or ethical - for a private company to illegally tap the phones of private individuals? Yes or no? Is it right? By coming to the defense of NewsCorp, the republicans are saying, sure, we have no problem with private corporations tapping the phones of private individuals. So, you, Mr. McCain would have no problem with NewsCorp illegally tapping your phone for political or financial purposes? I mean, really, can you sleep at night or get through the day with this sort of attitude?

Okay, Mr. McCain, it is illegal for American companies to bribe foreign officials. NewsCorp, an American corporation, has been reported to have bribed British police officials. This is against US law. Should it be investigated? If not, Mr. McCain, is it acceptable for American companies to break American law without penalty? Again, really? If you think this is fine, how can you look yourself in the mirror every morning. Well, maybe not you, Mr. McCain, because you have demonstrated that you are a craven hypocrite, but how about your fellow republicans? Are they for breaking the law? Do they support unethical and immoral behavior? If so, let them stand up in public and say so. Tell 9/11 families to "get over it" that News Corp might have bugged their phones. Tell your constituents to "get over it" if American companies violate their privacy and breaking American laws when doing so.

Let's stop beating around the bush, Republicans. You don't stand for nothing, as many have claimed. You stand for - that is, you fully support - immoral and unethical behavior. You stand behind American companies that break that law. You are bottom-feeding pond scum. Stand up and be proud.

[66 dmhlt]

6. Memo to McCain: Watergate was 1st called a "Third-rate burglary"

Let the investigations begin!