03/13/08: Putting the author's name in the post is a good start.

And putting the headline of the article in quotes is better than nothing, too.

But proper attribution should include this: http://www.google.com/search?q=Ethanol+subsidies+are+fueling+starvation&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

where the truly discening reader would discover that it was published on March 1, 2008 in the Rochester (MN) Post-Bulletin and that the author of this opinion piece:

"Ridenour is Vice President of The National Center for Public Policy Research (www.ncppr.org), a conservative, non-partisan think tank on Capitol Hill."

Further examination would reveal:

"About Us

"The National Center for Public Policy Research is a communications and research foundation supportive of a strong national defense and dedicated to providing free market solutions to today's public policy problems. We believe that the principles of a free market, individual liberty and personal responsibility provide the greatest hope for meeting the challenges facing America in the 21st century.

"In 1982, we started The National Center to provide the conservative movement with a versatile and energetic organization capable of responding quickly and decisively to fast-breaking issues. Today, we continue to fill this critical niche through a top-flight research and communications operation driven by results and the bottom line.

"In the 1980s, The National Center helped change public opinion through vocal national campaigns aimed at supporting Reagan administration initiatives concerning the USSR, arms control, Central America and human rights."

It goes on like that for quite a while. But if you go here:

http://www.mediatransparency.org/recipientprofile.php?recipientID=682

the people at Media Transparency have quite a bit to say about the folks at the National Center for Public Policy Research, mostly about how they pretty much specialize in selling opinions formulated to meet a client's needs. Fascinating reading, unlike the "opinion" piece cut & paste above.

Best regards. Wallee

Post a response to this discussion thread