This is the problem with the media, this forum and others, and people in general. In the age of non-stop 24/7 news coverage and speculation people glean facts that fit a narrative without verification and absent of context. Those facts may prove true or may not over time, but they will still be accepted as facts. Nothing you say or point out (valid point about the hands) will penetrate the opinion already formed.
It’s human nature and it’s the enemy of rational analysis when you combine it with dogma and political goals. We make fun of it on MSNBC and ignore it here on FR. Same thing on both sides and conspiracy theories flourish.
I don’t know what to think about this young man who appears to be a very important person in Saudi Arabia. It is probable that he committed no crime, but is now in danger because of the firestorm of speculation. My belief that we should not give young men from Jihadist nations visas to be in the United States is based on statistics, but I can’t and won’t condemn this man absent real facts or based on internet speculation. I do believe this administration puts ideology ahead of common-sense, but it would take an impossible cover-up if this young man had some involvement and you cannot begin to imagine the number of investigators and moving parts surrounding this.
The speculation around this young man has been energized by the media frenzy surrounding the bombings and none of us (nor Glenn Beck) know the truth. All I see is lots of speculation and few facts and I don’t find a gathering of foreign students around their flag to be evidence of a crime. The erroneous reporting and speculation creates a fog that is impossible to penetrate. If you created a flow chart of “facts” posted on this forum surrounding this event it would look like modern art throwing paint in numerous directions. Some people will be forever stuck on the last drops of paint for whichever splash they followed in the moment on the edge or on the frame. Some will wait for the most accurate picture to form in the middle of the canvas absent the media speculation of a breaking news event.
The conspiracy theories will forever be a part of the painting. It’s the same story on both sides of the political spectrum. We make fun of it on DU, but woe to the person that points it out here.
FRegards.
‘It’s human nature and it’s the enemy of rational analysis when you combine it with dogma and political goals. We make fun of it on MSNBC and ignore it here on FR. Same thing on both sides and conspiracy theories flourish.’
so, do you believe we will get to the truth of this matter, by waiting for our government and the main stream media to gather the “facts” and report back to us?
the media are no longer the 4th estate who holds the other 3 in close and objective scrutiny. the media have become the house propaganda organ, and the current WH occupants will certainly never point the finger at their chosen people.
what was it that Hillary said about Benghazi? “what difference at this point does it matter” —other than for the government to construct a cover story to hide the truth from the American people which will be dutifully reported by the MSM.
and then, Congress will hold hearings, and smoke will be blown around as our elected elite will grandstand and pontificate, and suggest that this has nothing to do with the religion of “peace.” after which, nothing will change as the America that once was recedes further beyond the horizon of history.