Infotainment

To: Hardball
CC: MSNBC Comments; Viewer Services

I'm sure the reaction to Chris Matthew's comments made about Osama bin Laden sounding like Michael Moore will be chalked up to some sort of liberal overreaction by a cabal of extreme "Lefties" (or what have you) who have nothing better to do with their time because, I imagine it will be assumed, those are the only people who would defend Michael Moore.

But when public figures are compared to Nazis or an individual to Hitler (or even said to "sound" like them), there is often outrage - even when the reference is tangential. Osama bin Laden may not have carried his murderous and fanatical ideology to the extent Hitler had, but why should such a comparison be so glossed over? Is there a minimum requirement for evil acts where comparisons become forbidden?

Additionally, speaking about the incident with people like Rita Cosby, Joe Scarborough and Tucker Carlson - especially Scarborough who is known for inflammatory remarks and loudly voiced opinions like the one Matthews has been called out for. I never considered Chris Matthews on the same low level as the Joe Scarboroughs, the John Gibsons and the Bill O'Reillys of cable television. Chris Matthews, like them, could not be considered a "journalist" hosting a program that showcases opinion in a similar fashion to the others', but at least Mr. Matthews held people's feet to the fire for making outrageous or factually questionable statements.

Claiming to be misunderstood is a disingenuous effort, but his comments stand alone for themselves. When had Chris Matthews decided not to be critical of everyone anymore? You'll likely disagree with my take and the take of many others on this issue, but it stood out as another example of the softening of "Hardball".

The decision to apologize should be that of MSNBC and Chris Matthews. But criticism should not be reserved just to those critical of (seemingly) popular positions and the positions personally taken by members of the press and hosts of televised pundit bloviation. If Mr. Matthews wants to be shrill and play hardball, then encourage it - but remember to those in power as well.

D. Robert
Brooklyn, NY

Cable News is fucking ridiculous.