Replies

Pardon me for my confusion....but some things are so obvious that it perplexes me - like I'm missing something....

seeBS has said that they have worked on this story for 5 years.
That means that they started before President Bush was elected in 2000. They clearly had nothing since in the course of 5 years they only thing they have come up with are some forged documents - that did not appear until 5 or six days before they decided to "run with it". Everyone who was easily available for interview and could have provided info for the past 5 years - says these documents are fake and that the sentiment contained in them does not reflect the sentiment of Lt col Killian (his wife, his son and Col Staudt). This information was gleaned in a weeks time. The Determination that these documents were fake was made within 60 minutes (pun intended) of the airing of the segment. The only 2 people who "verify" their story is a secretary who clearly is partisan and a guy with an ax to grind.

Here is where I am perplexed:
1. What the h*11 were they "researching for 5 freakin years?

2. How could they NOT think they would get caught with these documents? (I'm am starting to believe that CBS knew more than just a simple failure to verify the docs - I now believe they were in fact a willing participant - stalling does them no good)

3. How far does this really go and will there be serious consequences - or will they just get the old slap on the wrist?

To me there is only one conclusion that I can come to. The obvious - this was a deliberate attempt to affect the presidency and the outcome of the election. What other conclusion can there be? Just ask - who would have benefited from this story airing, had it not been questioned? What was the intended result of this story being aired? If this was just 15-20 yrs ago - before web forums and alternate news sources - they most likely could have gotten away with it.

It is clear that anyone who called Burkett an 'unimpeachable source' was indeed trying to mislead the viewers. This isn't over yet. Mapes hid the fact that some analysts questioned the validity of the documents. Rather knew the source was a discredited Democrat loonie. CBS clearly tried to mislead the viewers and his apology is NOT accepted.