The Official Version We Can Give You Right Now. Reality Will Take Just a Bit Longer.

Phillip Kennecot writes about the "post-propaganda era" in today's Washington Post. He notes that our increasing ability to bypass traditional media gatekeepers to obtain images and information allows us to see through politicians lies and distortions.

Today's news confirms his thesis. Yesterday's video and reports of Saddam Hussein's hanging described him as "broken" and "mumbling phrases". The images were somber and subdued. Today's news reports on a cell phone video of the hanging that has Saddam and his executioner's taunting each other and Saddam dropping through the trap reciting a Muslim prayer.

This is nothing new. Radio and television, in their prime had a similar effect. Television brought the brutality and violence of the Vietnam war home to many Americans and undermined Lyndon Johnson's and Richard Nixon's noble lies. The difference now is speed, individual choice and access.

All the more reason to support net neutrality and other policies that keep the internet open to all.