Novel Strategy Pits Journalists Against Source

Even after admitting missteps with Judith Miller, the NY Times doesn't seem to have much insight on its own contribution to the mess:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/29/politics/29media.html.

Here's my letter I've submitted to the Times in response:

In re ‘Novel strategy pits journalist against source’ (October 29, 2005), it occurs to ask “what did you expect?” If “… journalists fear most – that they will become an investigative arm of the government,” then they have a responsibility that many have ignored: to be an investigative arm of the media rather than governmental mouthpieces. The NY Times has admitted mistakes in giving Judith Miller leeway to be embedded with the Administration; but the failure of the media goes far beyond that. Journalists are at risk so long as the denizens of government can conduct disinformation campaigns, criminal including alleged attempts at revenge and cover-up that stoop to treason, through the media, without fear of investigative reporting, or even of back-checking of the disinformation. Don’t complain about prosecutors. So long as reporters are in bed with government, they are at risk of being infested with its fleas.

Under a system of corporatism, how can a employee reporter insulate themselves from such 'fleas'(?) and how can a true 'independent' reporter put food on the table($)?

Oh, there I go again with pie-eyed innocence! ;-)

(as well as the payments funneled to other "journalists") what assurance does the Times have that Judith Miller was not receiving payment under the table? Have they investigated the possibility?

I for one am glad that reporters do not have a federal shield law and I hope they never do. We would not know even as much as we do today if prosecutors could not force reporters to give up their sources. I think the system is working as it is. I also believe that prosecutors rarely use their power in these cases. As long as corporations own the 'free Media' reporters are nothing more than corporate employees. Reporters need to take back this fourth rail for America. If they even tried, we the people would support them. Don't they have unions?

but that journalists were becoming accessories to crime after the fact (and sometimes, before!).

And journalists are supposed to be investigative arm of the public! Says right here, under First Amendment...