President Bush and Indian Prime Minister Singh are meeting today. These are important talks, as India seeks a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, continues to work on their relations with Pakistan, and works to expand their role in the world economy.

The two leaders stood together in front of reporters from both of their countries and gave a little briefing on what they were discussing. Naturally, they opened the briefing up to questions from reporters.

Given the circumstances, what do you suppose the President was asked (by U.S. reporters)?

Are you going to fire Karl Rove?
Who are you going to nominate as the next Supreme Court Justice?

What do either of these questions have to do with India? (hint: nothing)

NONE of the American reporters directed a question to the Indian PM. NONE of the American reporters asked President Bush about India’s UN Security Council bid. NONE of the American reporters voiced concern over India/Pakistan relations (remember, these neighboring countries both have nuclear capabilities – and historically don’t get along very well together).

Yes, it’s a good thing we have such a fine establishment in the “Fourth Estate”. It’s so nice to know that news coverage will be well-rounded, non-partisan, and pertinent. They’ve become worse than irrelevent, and are rapidly moving into the category of counterproductive.