It's Time to Pull The NY Times Federal Press Credentials

If there's one thing that has become certain in the past few weeks is that the New York Times clearly has an anti-Administration, if not anti-American, bias and will do whatever it takes to undermine President Bush and our nation's ability to prevent terrorist attacks. They seem to have no compunction about releasing highly secret details about the nation's critical intelligence operations, even if those actions put their fellow citizens in harm's way. This is simply irresponsible if not treasonous.

While I agree they will always have the right to print what they want under the First Amendment, there is no First Amendment right to White House press credentials, or credentials from any other federal government agency. If the White House really wants to get their attention and express their outrage at the action of the Times, they should pull all their federal government credentials, and instead of flying on Air Force One, they can fly commercial with the citizens they are endangering.

So what would happen next? Well, Tony Snow would probably have a full on mutiny on his hands as the Times' brother journalists immediately come to their aid, but that would also play into the hands of the White House. Remember how bad David Gregory looked following the Cheney hunting accident? That whole kerfuffle would look like a Sunday School picnic compared to what the White House press room would look like if the Times were suddenly standing out on the sidewalk with the rest of the tourists.

I think there's an important point which must be hammered home to the Times and other media. If you're going to operate against the best interests of your country, you're not going to be allowed access to the inner workings of that government. It's too dangerous to Americans to allow the Times to operate with federal credentials.

Pull 'em.

UPDATE: The National Review agrees.

The president should match this morning’s tough talk with concrete action. Publications such as the Times, which act irresponsibly when given access to secrets on which national security depends, should have their access to government reduced. Their press credentials should be withdrawn. Reporting is surely a right, but press credentials are a privilege. This kind of conduct ought not be rewarded with privileged access.

Now where have I heard that before?