Local government, newspapers and all that

I haven't bought (or read) a Saturday Grauniad for a very long time.

Did so today out of curiosity over its G20 coverage.

I won't buy (or read) a Saturday Grauniad for a very long time. Or a weak day one, either.

But the interview with David "The Wire" Simon is worth a look-see.

Arrogant? Moi?

The collapse of the US newspaper industry has left politicians free to pursue their unethical schemes unscrutinised. "The internet does froth and commentary very well, but you don't meet many internet reporters down at the courthouse," he says. "Oh to be a state or local official in America over the next 10 to 15 years, before somebody figures out the business model. To gambol freely across the wastelands of an American city as a local politician! It's got to be one of the great dreams in the history of American corruption."