The rational counter to “The Point,” “The Counterpoint”
critiques and corrects the daily editorial by Sinclair Broadcasting's corporate
vice president, Mark Hyman, that is broadcast on all Sinclair-owned television
stations across the country. 


by U of Iowa's Ted Remington

One
of the purposes of what David Brock has termed the “Right Wing Noise
Machine” is to not simply participate in ideological conflict, but to
choose and define the rhetorical battlefield before the first shot is
fired.



Despite
the claims by Sinclair Broadcasting that Mark Hyman is simply a single
employee expressing his personal views, it’s obvious to even the most
casual viewer that he marches in jack-booted lock step with the far
right establishment. Given this, one of the recurring dynamics of
Hyman’s commentaries is his attempt to help frame issues in a way that
will give his fellow conservatives higher rhetorical ground in an
anticipated struggle.



This
sort of malignant synergy is on vivid display in Hyman’s recent
commentary on the Supreme Court. Suggesting that both Justices
Rehnquist and O’Connor might step down soon, Hyman predicts the “mother
of all confirmation battles.” (By the way, Mark, could you please get
some new writers for your commentary)?  The phrase “mother of all
. . . whatever” jumped the shark around January 22, 1991. Of course,
“jumped the shark” has jumped the shark by now, too, so maybe I
shouldn’t cast stones!).



Laughably,
Hyman advises Senate Democrats that supporting a conservative justice
to replace Rehnquist will make them look “statesmen-like” and help
build “good will.” After all, Hyman argues, replacing a Rehnquist with
a conservative will be a “one-for-one” replacement.



I’d like
to offer Hyman some advice in the same vein: Hyman ought to embrace the
idea of inviting Al Franken, David Brock, or even me to share time on
his “Point” segments. Such a move would make him look statesman-like
and help build good will.



(click here to read the entire story)

Mark
Hyman

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