Press calls prisoner coverage 'balanced'

Washington Times ^ | 5/13/04 | Jennifer Harper

[kattracks]

Nonstop news coverage of Iraqi prisoner abuse has yet to become sensational, some insist. But they agree it ultimately could exact a toll on the U.S. military.

"Yes, it must sadden our troops to see these accounts, it must make them angry. Maybe it does expose them to greater danger," said ABC's Ted Koppel.

[Texasforever]

I am speechless.

[Jeff Chandler]

More of the "The real patriots are the ones who hate America" reasoning from the left.

[umgud]

Press calls prisoner coverage balanced.

They probably believe the press is unbiased also.

[CyberCowboy777]

Non-stop coverage of these abuses, pictures everywhere.

Limited coverage and limited exposure of the evil of the enemy.

Let there be no mistake, we are fighting pure evil. What other name is there? We cannot call them animals because even animals do not hate and destroy like these vile creatures. These evil men who murder, mutilate and destroy, who’s acts rip and claw at the very core of the human soul. These men cannot be placated and they cannot be contained.

This is a culture of death, a sub-set of a faith fouled by death and hate and destruction. Take no heart in numbers though, they few hundreds of thousands, maybe millions have been tearing at all that is good for centuries, whatever their current incarnation.

They send their children out as bombs, they mutilate their women, they murder innocents and they seek to destroy humanity as we know it. They do not simply hate the US, they hate anybody not like them, and it is only that the US is a convenient target, a target that presents itself in an effort to make a better world.

You likely did not see the slow beheading of Dan Pearl or Nick Berg. The images of the mutilated, burned and abused bodies of Americans hung from that bridge were not shown on the evening news. The pictures of those in the burning towers of 9/11, jumping to their death to escape certain death by fire are seldom viewed. The terrible video of US soldiers being drug through the streets of Mogadishu are gut wrenching, but few bore witness.

But these are the deeds, the real evil face of our enemy. These are the terrorist, a word that cannot describe their black souls. An enemy found in Iraq, Afghanistan, Spain, Russia and even in the United States of America. We cannot turn our eyes from the pain or cover our ears to the screams; we must face with all our courage this common enemy to humankind.

Afghanistan and Iraq are just the beginning and Americans and citizens of the world must steel their resolve. If we don’t get them first, they will get us.

[Fenris6]

But press freedom "is part of what they're fighting for. Our forefathers wanted an informed electorate," Mr. Koppel said.

Bull.

Hey Ted! What about the public's "right" to be informed about what's dumped behind the abortion clinics? When do we get 4 weeks coverage on that? When are you guys EVER going to tell the truth about that? Hypocrites.

The ONLY reason the press is making an issue of this is too score points off Bush... and our troops overseas.

[Prime Choice]

Nonstop news coverage of Iraqi prisoner abuse has yet to become sensational, some insist.

Ask any drunk if they drink too much. Their answer will be much the same.

Attention Leftist Media: denial ain't just a river in Egypt, you bleeding morons.

[Howlin]

"And I am sure they are damaging to military morale as well."

But never mind all that.

[jocon307]

"Afghanistan and Iraq are just the beginning and Americans and citizens of the world must steel their resolve. If we don’t get them first, they will get us."

Absolutely correct.

[vpintheak]

What a freaking, flipping, load of CRAP! Oh yeah, Ted Koppel, maybe the soldiers are sick of you and your fellow communist scum trying to make them and the US look like crap. And yes you are puting them in danger by pushing these crap stories on the world. All you and your ilk care about is the first to have a headline, the country be damned.

[swilhelm73]

You know, just a thought here, but the press largely doesn't care about the fact that rape is a common occurance in American prisons for some reason.

Now, the abuse the prisoners took in Iraq was almost certainly wrong, but there is no question that nothing on the level of rape has taken place.

So, if domestic prisoner abuse is a non-issue, whatever could be the reason for 24/7 coverage of a issue already resolved? Could it be...political bias?

In an America with an unbiased press, this scandal would spend about a day in the news when the pictures were released, a day in the news when the first trial started, and perhaps a day for when Karpinski (sp?) goes to trial.

But that doesn't suit the left's agenda, so they will play it to the hilt no matter how many Americans die in the process.

Heck, in a time when the Boston Globe publishes pictures they knew to be false sheerly for political gain, perhaps it is time to seriously consider treason trials for those so blatantly engaged in what can only be called treason.

[El Cid]

But press freedom "is part of what they're fighting for. Our forefathers wanted an informed electorate," Mr. Koppel said.

What our forefathers probably would have done to Mr. Koppel:
a) Thrashed him to an inch of his life.
b) Tarred and feathered him.
c) Challenged him to a duel (with many fighting for the privilege to do so)

But these are more genteel times, I suppose, and 'freedom of the press' allows one a license to use a broad-brush to slander our military due to the actions of a few; and to aid and abet the enemy. What was done was wrong - but war is hell, and we are at war. Thank God for the men and women who serve their Country, and may this Country persevere against enemies abroad and at home.

[MEG33]

Even a dem operative has called the coverage verging on hysterical.(Pat...?)

[T'wit]

Nobody ever supposes that reporters are balanced.

[Freesofar]

And....... I am Jesus reincarnated

[Libertina]

Yes, our forefathers DID want an informed electorate... That's why we have FR & FOX NEWS.

[Minute Hoarding Clock Watcher]

...balance...
The US prison guards tortured	the 'alledged' Iraqi militiamen.
In retaliation for the US atrocities,	Iraqi freedom fighter were 'suspected' of killing the American

[Enduring Freedom]

Liberals hate America.

They are doing exactly what comes naturally.

Let us do what comes naturally - destroy Liberals.

[BJungNan]

I have never in my life been more disgusted with the mainstream press. Even before this latest despicable display, I would literally get ill over the garbage they they attempt to feed us.

What is most sickening is that it has become pure propaganda. It is as if we are living in a country where the press is controlled by the government. But it is worse. From under the cloak of objectivity that Koppel and his cohorts wear spews an agenda, advocacy and anything but objective journalism.

[Terridan]

"Yes, it must sadden our troops to see these accounts, it must make them angry. Maybe it does expose them to greater danger," said ABC's Ted Koppel. But press freedom "is part of what they're fighting for."

OK TED, START PACKING AND SHOW YOUR PATRIOTISM AND GET YOUR FLABBY ASS OUT THERE WITH THE MILITARY WHILE THEY UNDERGO SNIPERS AND RPG'S BECAUSE OF YOUR IDIOTIC REPORTING... DO YOUR THING, FROM IRAQ.