The Washington Post Caves To The Left

The Washington Post has decided to yield to the Michael Moores of the world and has withdrawn its support for a memorial service for victims of the September 11, 2001 Al Qaida attacks on the Pentagon, which kill scores of area citizens.

"Post news employees are subject to disciplinary action for participating in political activities that may be perceived as revelatory of personal opinions or bias," said a resolution passed earlier yesterday by the leadership of The Post unit of the Washington-Baltimore Newspaper Guild. "The Washington Post itself should be held to the same high standard. . . . The Guild supports The Post's stated intention of honoring the nation's veterans, including those who have served in Iraq. But the Post undermines this goal by lending its support to a political event that links the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks to the war in Iraq -- a link that The Post, in its reporting, has shown to be false."

Grant acknowledged the negative reaction that the paper's initial stance received but said managers also began to reconsider the nature of the event.

"There was some criticism," he said, "but just as important was the fact that there seemed to be an increased possibility that the event could become politicized."

Peace activist Bill Dobbs yesterday welcomed the Post's change of heart.

"The reason why this was the right thing to do is that the press needs to have an arm's-length relationship with the government to hold them accountable," said Dobbs, a spokesman for United for Peace and Justice, a national coalition participating in three days of antiwar activities -- also including a concert and march -- scheduled to begin Sept. 24. "This is a victory for . . . people who cherish The Post's reputation."

He's right. The Post's reputation has always been that of a left wing rag. And that reputation is safe.