[Robert A Cook PE]

Well, when you (”merely” ) stay in place with the others, when you (bravely) stay in ranks with the others ,or when you (more bravely) go forward and step up to the line to defend others, you’re “Toeing the line.”
Today’s media are not “Toeing the line” though.
They are actively and deliberately “Towing the Lie. “

[IronJack]

Thanks for pointing out that rhetorical distinction.