July 2, 2013 --

The New York Times, in a June 20 editorial, sharply criticized Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan for "his authoritarian tendencies" in responding to protesters.

The editorial suggested that Prime Miniser Erdogan has become arrogant, is limiting "on free speech and other liberties" and intimidating the news media, and has been "making veiled anti-Semitic remarks."

The Times did not, however, accuse the prime minister of going too far with an "Islamist" policy.

Indeed, that term was mentioned in a positive context: "[Erdogan's] Islamist party has made important gains in health care, income levels and housing and exerted civilian control over an Army once enmeshed in politics." So what political term did The New York Times use to indicate just how extreme Erdogan has become?

The Times concluded that the prime minister "has gone too far in pushing conservative views on a secular state and in suppressing dissent." For LPR, the message to the Tea Party is clear: support Islamist views and avoid condemnation from The New York Times.