by Frank James
A group of liberal pranksters showed what you can do with some time, some people and some money. They created a fake issue of the New York Times with a four-colum wide headline that blares "Iraq War Ends."
The Times's City Room blog has details:
In an elaborate hoax, pranksters distributed thousands of free copies of a spoof edition of The New York Times on Wednesday morning at busy subway stations around the city, including Grand Central Terminal, Washington and Union Squares, the 14th and 23rd Street stations along Eighth Avenue, and Pacific Street in Brooklyn, among others.
The spurious 14-page papers -- with a headline "IRAQ WAR ENDS" -- surprised commuters, many of whom took the free copies thinking they were legitimate.
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Comments
This NYTimes headline runs contrary to the RNC strategy of permanent war. Don't believe me. Just look at all the Republicans who chimed in to say if only this headline was true.
Posted by: steve braubacher | November 12, 2008 12:45 PM
funny
Posted by: Oscar | November 12, 2008 12:58 PM
A fake issue of a bankrupt newspaper. And probably just as good as the real thing....
Posted by: Regime Change | November 12, 2008 1:12 PM
They tried to give me one this morning and I knew right away it was fake. They should be prosecuted to the fullest for using the NYT logo without permission. I don't find it funny at all.
Posted by: Andrew Herzman | November 12, 2008 1:27 PM
Since there was no charge for the item it is considered political free speech and protected by the 1st amendment. It shows creativity and provides a point of view. If you don't like it, no one made you read it and it didn't cost anyone anything. Try this in Myanmar or Iran. This form of free speech has been missing for 8 years. Go USA!
Posted by: muffler | November 12, 2008 3:03 PM
At least we can breath!
A better future is possible...
and this "fake" future will eventually become real...
and even Vampire Bush knows it.
Congratulations American friends.
You've made me the happiest man in Spain.
Don't give it up!
jUAN sALANOVA, zARAGOZA (SPAIN)
Posted by: Juan Salanova | November 12, 2008 3:23 PM
How can you prosecute that what people wants to read in the morning? They spend oneself already by wars, crisis and president Bush. I will ask you; Andrew Herzman whom you going to draggle to court?
Posted by: Oleg | November 12, 2008 3:47 PM
It's dated July 4, 2009, so maybe it is, or at least will be, real.
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport ☮ | November 12, 2008 3:57 PM
WOW, REAL fake news for a change.
Posted by: Ed | November 12, 2008 5:39 PM
Way to go Yes Men! Keep them talking!
Posted by: theresa hughes | November 13, 2008 12:43 AM
Hey I just love you guys When you get a chance,Google gmajorspresents. It is I that auctioned the Golden Gate Bridge on ebay. It was covered by the AP and our friends at FOX news
Posted by: Gabriel Majors | November 13, 2008 9:15 AM
@muffler "This form of free speech has been missing for 8 years."
What universe are you living in if you think this kind of this kind of behavior has been restricted in any way for the past 8 years. After a ridiculous statement like that, nobody will take any of your opinions seriously.
Posted by: greg | November 13, 2008 9:35 AM
Says muffler, "This form of free speech has been missing for 8 years."
What are you on? Here's a few hundred thousand photos of this form of free speech in the last 8 years.
http://www.zombietime.com/hall_of_shame/
Do people really think the Bush admin has been restricting them? This is delusion of the highest order.
-Taq
Posted by: Taqiyyotomist | November 13, 2008 10:15 AM
The people who distributed this false headlined paper may or may not have been legally wrong (copyright infringement by using NYT logo), but they were definitely morally out of line. There are many Soldiers that have spouses, children, and loved ones who may have read this and had a false sense of hope that they would get to see them soon. So everyone who says, First amendment right this and that, just remember the people you are hurting by your own agenda, because the people you want to hurt and defame, won't be. It is the innocent Soldier's wife whose spirit you have just crushed.
Posted by: John Miller, a Soldier | November 13, 2008 2:49 PM
For anyone whining about "they should be prosecuted" needs to read up on the use of a trademarked logo for satire. It's perfectly legal, because of the part satire plays in free political speech. This NYT fake is a perfect example of why it is good that such a protection exists.
Posted by: Capt.Obvious | November 14, 2008 9:59 PM