[DoughtyOne]

I could believe that the members of media and the posters were both lazy, but after having the facts pointed out to the forum participants, I had to accept at one point that there was some very suspect agenda driving the opinions.

Some of these folks had to have had some sort of vested interest in propigating the theory that racism must be a factor, or they were just shockingly unable to reason.

[elk]

This reminds me of the ABC News Fabricator (I believe it was ABC) who was on-air in a canoe somewhere, talking about the horrific flooding, when 2 guys in boots walked in front of her, revealing the ankle-deep “flood.”

[Gondring]

As a former editor, I recognize the diffference between the primary reporting and the downstream propagation of the story. I have to remind myself that many don't have that division in their mind.

If you read my previous comment, you'll see that I am not suggesting the posters or the editors across the country were lazy...I'm blaming it on the primary reporting.

And, as I also said, there's a tendency for reporters to have inherent bias, poor logic skills, etc., all of which contribute to the story being a conduit for the race-baiters (rather than a well researched story).

As for the FReepers holding opinions after hearing the facts, well, that's a different story. I can't speak to that.

[rogue yam]

Some of these folks had to have had some sort of vested interest in propigating the theory that racism must be a factor, or they were just shockingly unable to reason.

They have been conditioned into this unreason. They have been taught to crave the thrill of sanctimony and belonging. Southern white racists are the new witches.