This piece in the New York Sun by John Leo informs us of some strange and wonderful doublespeak about "civil disturbances" that crop up occasionally in the New York Times. The Times prides itself as being the paper of record; yet, willingly distorts history and the meaning of words to paint a false view of history. Case in point: the 40th anniversary of the Newark riots. Not quite the textbook definition of doublespeak but certainly a tinge of 1984 regarding the rewriting of history. In 1967, Newark erupted in gunfire, looting, and arson, killing 23 people and injuring 700. But 40 years later, the New York Times still is not certain that this event should properly be called a "riot." In a news article marking the anniversary, the Times reminds us that "frightened white residents" of the 1960s opted for the word "riot," while "black activists" of the period called it a "rebellion." In a bracing slap at readers who...(Read Full Post)