It astounds me that somebody, somewhere thought this was a good plan.

Steve Benen at Political Animal has more, including Post’s statements in response to criticism:

WAPO SCRAPS SALON SCHEME….
http://www.washingtonmonthly.c…..018905.php

(sorry link got broken in edit somehow, will repost)

Comments at that WAPO article are hilarious. Some pretty good ones over at Marcy’s on this subject, too.

Huh, now link seems to work again. Well, if you have problems just go to Benen’s Political Animal blog.

See also this RIP for the WaPoop from The Sidney Hillman Foundation’s Charles Kaiser.

The decision by the Post’s publisher to sell access to government officials was the latest–and by far, the most horrific–in a series of disastrous decisions in the last two weeks which, taken together, have destroyed what was once one of the proudest finest brands in American journalism.

access in exchange $250,000.

Looks like they have learned a lot from The Villagers in DC.

Thanks for the linky. Was totally unaware of that particular organization; comments are way above par. Which reminds me to check out what E&P has to say on the subject.

Ew has a great deal on this over at her place.

Not so astounding when you remember that Weymouth’s mother, Katherine Graham, famously hosted Georgetown dinner parties that brought together elected officials, journalists, power brokers, and other Villagers. Back then, the currency was power, influence, status, etc. Now the currency is cold hard cash.