The networks cranked up the hype machine this morning. ABC began: “NSA bombshell!” NBC found a “shocking new report!” CBS called it a “stunning report.” All three were responding to the new USA Today story that the government has collected a database of the nation’s phone records since 9/11. One problem: the New York Times reported this last Christmas eve. Clearly to the three DNC-TV networks, newness is overrated, but “shocking” new details of Bush supposedly violating your civil liberties just never lose their appeal.
MRC’s Rich Noyes wondered: “Given that another government agency — the IRS — maintains information on American citizens’ employment, banking, investments, mortgages, charitable contributions and even any declared medical expenses, this hardly seems like a major assault on personal liberty.” Ooh! Shocking new report! The IRS has a database with your personal information in it! That story is just waiting to be discovered.