During the last few weeks, the political intervention in Yugoslavia could hardly be more flagrant. In the interests of decreasing the tilt of the media playing field in the USA, we should ponder how to generate a comparable influx of aid for our independent media outlets. Computers are often in short supply. Broadcasting equipment is much needed. And suitcases of cash would always be appreciated.
Media conglomerates are apt to post enormous profits while small outlets struggle to survive.
In effect, for the most part, our society's censorship comes not from governmental hostility but from financial pressure. For some candidates in Yugoslavia, the largess from abroad has also been generous, the Times explained. You may see Ralph Nader on TV once in a while, but compared to Bush and Gore he's a stranger to the airwaves. Officials in foreign capitals who want to follow Washington's example might consider sending a few million dollars to Nader, pronto.