Fox News blurs the distinction between news and opinion

Critics of Fox News claim the organization does not distinguish between the ideas expressed in its news and editorial programs. An October 20, 2009 video prepared by the liberal watchdog group Media Matters For America shows that opinions from Fox's editorial programs are repeated and reported on its news shows that it claims are "fair and balanced."

The Obamas´ `Date Night´ Trip to New York at Taxpayers´ Expense

Was the May 30, 2009 personal trip to New York by the Obamas an example of lavish liberal excess? A June 1, 2009 article in Media Matters for America suggests it is normal for taxpayers to fund expenses such as this. Where was the outrage for George W. Bush´s taxpayer funded 77 trips to his Crawford, Texas ranch?

Please do not misunderstand me. I am all in favor of reducing wasteful spending, whether with public or private funds. But criticizing the Obamas for this trip without having similarly scrutinized the Bushes strikes me as petty, partisan bickering. The purchase of the official George W. Bush State China Service, which consists of 320 14-piece place settings, seems to be a much bigger extravagance. And even though it was bought with privately raised money through the White House Historical Association Acquisition Trust, I have a hard time believing that was the the best use of $492,798.