"Meteor Blades" of Daily Kos, cogitating on the absurd Kristoff column with a little more finesse and grace than I did, points to this highly relevant Eric Alterman column from 2002. Alterman concludes:

Reporters and editors who "protect" their readers and viewers from the truth about Bush's lies are doing the nation -- and ultimately George W. Bush -- no favors. Take a look at the names at that long black wall on the Mall. Consider the tragic legacy of LBJ's failed presidency. Ask yourself just who is being served when the media allow Bush to lie, repeatedly, with impunity, in order to take the nation into war.