A dispatch from the Associated Press reprinted in the "World Briefing" column of today's New York Times reports, "Norway, the only country that conducts commercial whale hunts, said it was lifting its ban on the export of whale meat and products."
Realistically, Norway is not "the only country that conducts commercial whale hunts." As Senator Baucus put it on November 1, 2000, in a letter to the Japanese ambassador to America: "Despite the Japanese government acceptance of the moratorium on commercial whaling, it is clear to most impartial observers that Japan, in fact, is using the pretext of scientific research to engage in commercial activities."
Democrats for Pollution: An article in the national section of today's New York Times reports, "In a victory for environmental groups and a blow to Miami-Dade County officials, the Clinton administration rejected a plan today to convert the former Homestead Air Force Base into a commercial airport." The article discusses at length the fact that one of the "strongest local supporters" of the commercial airport plan was Miami Mayor Alex Penelas. And it notes that environmental groups said "the airport would generate noise and air pollution that would harm the Everglades." It's just strange that the article neglects to mention that Penelas is a Democrat. It's a newsworthy fact, because it is unusual for a Democrat to so openly put business and transportation interests ahead of environmental concerns.
Race at the FCC: An article in the national section of today's New York Times about racial counting rules in the broadcast industry makes a point of mentioning that a proponent of the rules, William Kennard, is "the first black chairman of the Federal Communications Commission." The article goes on to say that Mr. Kennard "is widely expected to be replaced by Michael Powell, a Republican commissioner who voted to approve the current rules but has also expressed skepticism about many kinds of affirmative-action programs. Mr. Powell has said insufficient evidence exists to show a connection between diversity in employment and diversity in content offered by the nation's radio and television broadcasters." The Times article omits the fact that Mr. Powell is black. Maybe there's a rule at the Times that only those who aren't skeptical of affirmative action are labeled as black.
News Blackout: The New York Times today omits any mention of Mayor Giuliani's remarks yesterday in support of a pardon of Michael Milken. The New York Post has the story under the headline "Rudy urges pardon for Milken."