[AshleyTodd]

I don't think you're quite getting the hang of this yet. Can I suggest lurking for a couple of years?

Perhaps you can help me out here by letting me in on what the "hang of it" is, because Prodigal Son says,

"we're not into journalism (yet) so it is useless to hold us to their standards. If we were in the business of journalism, Spiff's piece would be no less dubious than this morning's screamer from the Guardian but would also be open to much criticism regarding the nature and reliability of the sources. Spiff's story is a "take it for what it's worth" thing.

So, criticism and mentioning one's "take" on what's posted here isn't "the hang of it"? And what standards aren't we supposed to be held to?

[Razwan]

check this out

[Prodigal Son]

Who are you talking to in this post? And what exactly is it you're trying to say with all this? Guy posts something he found out on a forum. I'm glad he did. I enjoyed reading the post and found it to be an interesting note. Do I realistically think Helen Thomas is going to ask Ari about it now? No. But if I hear something about some Yemenis getting up to something now, I will probably stop and say hmmm. Yeah, Spiff was saying something about that.

The only reason I ever replied to you in the first place was just to remind you that this was a forum and that Spiff's post should be taken for what it's worth- I'm not reacting to it the same way I would if Dan Rather said it because CBS is a NEWS SOURCE and Free Republic is an online FORUM. You expect to hear hard news that you can bank on at one place and you can get just about anything at the other- but to tell you the truth, lately I'm pretty certain I'm getting better info here than I ever would listening to Rather (not that I can). I don't see any need to bust Spiff's b@lls about it. Why do you?

It's an interesting tidbit. If the O'Reilly factor digs into it and finds out more- the hot tip from an "inside source" turned out to be a good lead and I can sit back and say "I knew it before the big boys did". If not- (shrugs shoulders) I heard it on an internet forum- no big loss. That's the reality of the situation. Why do you care so much? For what it's worth, the guy's been a member for a LONG time and yes, that lends some credibility to his story. I mean if you're just going to totally disbelieve everything everyone here says, why bother? I take it at face value the same way I would if somebody I knew told it to me and since the story sounds plausible, I don't have any reason to doubt it and I can't see where Spiff is getting any personal gain from spreading a false rumor why should I not (take it FWIW)? If you think it needs salt- take it with a grain of salt. I don't care.

BTW, sorry if it took me a while to answer. Watching a movie- Meet the Parents- funny flick.

[johniegrad]

So, criticism and mentioning one's "take" on what's posted here isn't "the hang of it"? And what standards aren't we supposed to be held to?

Prodigal Son has already answered your question adequately HERE. Either your questions are disingenuous or your are having thought blocking.

[tomkat]

give it a rest, newbie.

either you're really dense, just trying to impress the debating club, or a disruptor.

in any event, all has been explained if you've taken the time to read any of it ...