Alternate Reality

The headline alone is Twilight Zone stuff: Rather accepts media award with nod to allies as Dan Rather accepted "broadcast journalism's most prestigious honor" for reporting the Abu Ghraib prison. The allies? The disgraced and fired Mary Mapes and Betsy West. Both lost their jobs for the discredited Air National Guard story based on transparently phoney memos that wouldn't convince a high school dropout. It was a case of untrue, but accurate. The award was undeserved but applauded by an out of touch media.

This line, however, was classic Rather.

Rather received extended applause after telling the crowd, 'Never give up, never back up, never give in while pursuing the dream of integrity filled journalism that matters.' "

Having Dan Rather talk about integrity is like asking Bill Clinton discuss fidelity in marriage. But the real laugh is that the "prestigious honor" - the Peabody- was also given to Jon Stewart of Comedy Central.

Talk about a disconnect from reality.