Two great reporters warn of concentrated news control abetted by self-censorship under the guise and mythology of "neutrality" and "objectivity."

Media organizations are now under tight control, Pilger says. Just five corporations rule the broadcasters in the United States. In Australia Rupert Murdoch controls 70 percent of the media. "We live in an age of information," he says. "Yet the media is not attacking the ruling system. The media has never before been so controlled, and propaganda is all around. Most of us don't even see it."

With allies like US, who needs enemies?

At the height of the [Vietnam era] conflict, more than 30,000 Hmong were engaged in what became known as America's "secret war" against the North Vietnamese and Communist Pathet Lao. Small pockets of them - hiding in the jungle and mountains of the north - have continued fighting; it appears they are still waiting for the Americans to come to their aid.

Poetic justice? Natural irony? Flash! Late lamented U.S. Constitution rolls over in grave. Narrowly misses crushing member of the Special Club most active in hastening its demise.