The mask falls

So, imagine this: a media outlet exists in a country largely to support the actions of one party, and demonize all opposition. It has regularly accused political rivals of treason and worse, and reacts vehemently to any and all criticism of itself.

This reaction eventually takes the form of altering and distributing photos of journalists with names like "Steinberg" to darken their eyes, yellow their teeth, and enlarge their noses.

And now imagine that I wasn't talking about a rag run by Julius Streicher, but one of the most popular outlets in the alleged republic of the United States of America.

The election of President Obama will only be the end of the beginning. The rot goes deep. Josh Marshall's immortal demand for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission is as necessary now -- if not more so -- than ever.