LAT's Levey returns

LAT reporter Noam Levey, a Democrat propagandist, hasn't had a byline piece in the newspaper recently, thankfully, but he's back today with a piece about a Republican congressman from North Carolina who is about to lose his seat because he no longer votes with his party on national security issues. Levey seems to think that the congressman is being treated unfairly and the LAT seems to think it's front page news. Both are twisted views of routine reactions by constituents to votes the congressman has taken.

Levey also laments the decision of Chuck Hagel not to seek reelection to the Senate. Hagel has lost the confidence of the people he represents. Why should he return to the Senate?

LAT applauds divorce

The LAT argues today in an editorial that Americans should be more like the French, a sentiment that appeals to the left. Today's subject is the divorce of Nicholas and Cecilia Sarkozy,which the LAT claims is a good thing, about which the French people seem to be unconcerned. Why the LAT should feel the need to applaud divorce isn't clear.

The law of the land

The LAT, in an editorial today titled as above, argues that the U.S. Supreme Court is the ultimate arbiter of the meaning of the "law of the land." Well, duh. Who is arguing otherwise?

The LAT editorial refers to a court case concerning capital punishment for a Mexican national in which the State of Texas and the Bush administration are on opposite sides. The LAT agrees with the Bush administration but you wouldn't know it from reading the editorial.

LAT on SCHIP

Lacking confidence in arguments based on the merits of the Democrats' efforts to expand SCHIP, the LAT today devotes its editorial to denigrating opponents of the Democrats' plan. The LAT stoops to name calling (saying President Bush is bullheaded,) ridiculing (saying the GOP presidential candidates offer only "facile bromides about 'free markets,'") and threatening (against Republican congressmen who oppose the Democrat bill,) hardly an honorable or fair way to debate a serious issue.

LAT aims both barrels at Mukasey

The LAT's editorial writers join the news staff in suggesting questions for Judge Mukasey. In theory, there is a Chinese fire wall between news and opinion, but not at the LAT.

LAT on Mukasey

LAT reporter Richard Schmitt today offers senators on the judiciary committee a series of question to ask Judge Mukasey in confirmation hearings that are scheduled to begin today. You'd think it isn't a reporter's job to suggest questions but instead to report on questions asked and answers given. But LAT reporters see their duty differently.

LAT wrong on facts

In an editorial today, the LAT states unequivocally that the NSA has wiretapped Americans. Which American has been wiretapped by NSA? No one has stepped forward to say that his or her phone or e-mail has been tapped. The LAT ought to be more careful about what it asserts without proof.