So although I find Friedman offensive, part of the problem comes with his job description.
The irony is that his job description (what Benjamin referred to as "salaried flaneur" or "journalist-in-uniform" [that is to say a sandwichman who advertises the state as if it was a commodity]) is made technologically redundant by the new media. But in the transition period his celebrity is amplified by that same media i.e., Thomas Fritoman's opinions or obnoxiousness are easier for people to discuss than the actual issues that he's is ostensively talking about.
(go ahead, look up "Thomas Fritoman" on Google:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&safe=off&q=%22thomas+fritoman%22&btnG=Search)
--
Sandwichman
