OT Sure. I haven't met or read anyone who didn't have an agenda, slant, or bias. The only variation is the degree to which the person is aware that they have an inescapable agenda, slant, or bias. We humans by nature try to order the world using our own viewpoints and assumptions as the "norm", and no question the authors did that when compiling the list.
They do indicate some of their methodology. A country loses points, for example, if it has a law against "insulting" public officials. Apparently, that's still big in Latin America. Also, countries where it is not physically safe for reporters to do their thing (i.e., Colombia) apparently lose points in the ranking.
Interesting that Cuba (134) finished below Iraq (130). C'mon Fidel, loosen up, let your press be as free as Saddam's!
John |
