News Of The World ...

I know, I know. I am back here much sooner than usual.  But I just wanted to add my few words on the evolving scandal involving phone hacking, The (soon to be former) News Of The World, and the tumultuous state of the media generally.

It is hard for me to believe that only a few weeks ago I was wandering the streets of London, reveling in the fabulous traditions and the extreme generosity of the people I was meeting there. (See my post just below.)  Now, of course we know that in certain quarters the insatiable appetite for details, and more details, by the tabloids (and other press) knows no bounds, real or virtual.

Hacking away, The News Of The World apparently had neither conscience, nor knew any boundaries.  And, according to many reports now filtering out, cautious though they may be in the face of the extreme power and renowned capacity for vengeance by Rupert Murdoch, the case at hand was not the first time either. If you want a detailed and thorough and fair analysis of what is going on here's a link to a report by ProPublica, which has no master, except for decency and the pursuit of truthfulness. 

We'll see how it plays out in this situation.  But I tell you there is much more, just as ugly, just as lacking in professional morality or standards, roiling away just under the surface hidden --- for now --- from view.

In the words of the 4 wise lads from Liverpool:

I read the news today, oh boy
About a lucky man who made the grade
And though the news was rather sad ....