Our lips are sealed

Imagine the government here demanded the closing of ABC News, and then claimed that it was no big deal because there were plenty of other news agencies left for you to get your news from. Wouldn't buy it, would you? Of course not, because we are familiar with the idea of freedom of the press and freedom of speech.

Now imagine that it happens in the nascent democracy of Iraq. Certainly our government would explain to the new Iraqi leaders that is not the way to encourage the freedoms our soldiers are dying for, right? They would explain that an outspoken news media is a reward for freedom, not a danger to be confronted, right?

Nope:

The United States Monday declined to criticize the Iraqi interim government's decision to close the Baghdad offices of the Arabic television channel al-Jazeera. The State Department says despite the 30-day closure, Iraq still has "vibrant" news media.

What is it we hope to teach Iraq? So far we've shown them we won't stop them from abusing prisoners (never mind the countless stories of our own abuses) and now we teach them it is okay for the government to suppress the press.

Washington and Jefferson would be proud.