Best of alternative press?

Working For Change -- It is interesting that the best of the alternative press these days is now from the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Washington Post and what I would call pretty mainstream columnists.

I am reminded of Lenny Bruce - Take away the right to say "fuck" and you take away the right to say "fuck the government."

If what is in the mainstream is considered our radical thoughts what are we cutting off?