Free Press?
Newsweek Retracts Quran Story
So this whole Newsweek scandal has got me riled, I admit it. And mostly because it seems to me that what's on the table here is more than just the issue of journalistic responsibility, but in fact the whole issue of a free press.
I watched a news anchor this morning vehemently attack Newsweek for their reporting, but not because they had been careless in their research. At least, that isn't where she placed most of her outraged emphasis. No, she talked much more about how "our brave men and women in uniform" had been put in danger, and that America's image overseas had suffered as a result of the story. And I would have laughed if I hadn't been so angry. Our soldiers have been put in more danger, and our image has been more damaged, as a result of this Administration's actions since the day Bush was sworn into office, than as a result of one or two sentences in a Newsweek "Periscope" item. It's a little late in the day for our government to get all sanctimonious and concerned on behalf of our men and women in the field!!
What was even more laughable was the reaction by government officials, who talked about how they give out "rule books" to guards to teach them how to show proper respect for Islamic worship. So of course desecration of the Holy Q'uran couldn't happen!!! Right. Meanwhile, these same guards who received these rule books are currently under investigation for heinous human rights abuses! Are you kidding me, that these guards would think twice about flushing a book down a toilet?? Just because there are RULES against that? I mean, honestly. How stupid do they think we are?
Don't answer that.
Quite frankly, I don't necessarily think the story was untrue, even though Newsweek has published a retraction. Personally, I think they are bowing to pressure, and that disturbs me more than I can say. Because the press shouldn't be concerned primarily about upholding our governmental image. They should be concerned with telling the truth.
Some will say, "Well, that's the whole problem. Newsweek didn't tell the truth." Well, I would say that's up for debate, but hey, what would a frogg know? And it seems that any debates are being ruled out fairly quickly. That's what bothers me.
Now, am I saying journalistic responsibility isn't important? Of course not. But I get anxious for the state of our union when I read things like the following on CNN.com:
"Senior White House officials applauded Newsweek's decision to retract the story but said the magazine will have to do more to repair the damage done.
'It's a good first step,' said White House press secretary Scott McClellan.
McClellan said the magazine now has a responsibility to spread the word to the Muslim world that US interrogators 'treat the Quran with great care and respect.'"
Hmmm. I'm really not so sure that any such responsibility lies with the magazine. And McClellan's statements concern me, because they show an absolutely unabashed determination of our government to influence--no, control--our media. In fact, I don't know when I have seen such blatant tampering with the press and free speech as I have with this Administration.
Finally, it occurs to me that maybe our Administration should consider what part of the blame rests with them for the whole mess on the other side of the world. They have shown themselves woefully incapable when it comes to understanding the Muslim world. The Bible verse about sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind irresistibly comes to mind at the moment. And I just don't see why Newsweek has to take the fall for this current outbreak of anti-American sentiment, when I would say it's just one more result of the lack of foresight, wisdom, diplomacy, integrity, and plain old common sense displayed over and over again by the current Administration.
I could keep venting, but I'm too disgusted and depressed.
Note: all of the above is the opinion of the writer. Very little research was done, beyond reading a few articles and watching the news--CNN.com, Fox and MSNBC, if you want to know. The writer is lazy, but she likes to spout her opinions anyway. This is very irresponsible journalistically speaking, so it's quite a good thing that the writer is not, in fact, a journalist. No sources were contacted, and no retractions will be made. Do your own research if you have concerns about the veracity of any of the opinions expressed herein. Ok?
So this whole Newsweek scandal has got me riled, I admit it. And mostly because it seems to me that what's on the table here is more than just the issue of journalistic responsibility, but in fact the whole issue of a free press.
I watched a news anchor this morning vehemently attack Newsweek for their reporting, but not because they had been careless in their research. At least, that isn't where she placed most of her outraged emphasis. No, she talked much more about how "our brave men and women in uniform" had been put in danger, and that America's image overseas had suffered as a result of the story. And I would have laughed if I hadn't been so angry. Our soldiers have been put in more danger, and our image has been more damaged, as a result of this Administration's actions since the day Bush was sworn into office, than as a result of one or two sentences in a Newsweek "Periscope" item. It's a little late in the day for our government to get all sanctimonious and concerned on behalf of our men and women in the field!!
What was even more laughable was the reaction by government officials, who talked about how they give out "rule books" to guards to teach them how to show proper respect for Islamic worship. So of course desecration of the Holy Q'uran couldn't happen!!! Right. Meanwhile, these same guards who received these rule books are currently under investigation for heinous human rights abuses! Are you kidding me, that these guards would think twice about flushing a book down a toilet?? Just because there are RULES against that? I mean, honestly. How stupid do they think we are?
Don't answer that.
Quite frankly, I don't necessarily think the story was untrue, even though Newsweek has published a retraction. Personally, I think they are bowing to pressure, and that disturbs me more than I can say. Because the press shouldn't be concerned primarily about upholding our governmental image. They should be concerned with telling the truth.
Some will say, "Well, that's the whole problem. Newsweek didn't tell the truth." Well, I would say that's up for debate, but hey, what would a frogg know? And it seems that any debates are being ruled out fairly quickly. That's what bothers me.
Now, am I saying journalistic responsibility isn't important? Of course not. But I get anxious for the state of our union when I read things like the following on CNN.com:
"Senior White House officials applauded Newsweek's decision to retract the story but said the magazine will have to do more to repair the damage done.
'It's a good first step,' said White House press secretary Scott McClellan.
McClellan said the magazine now has a responsibility to spread the word to the Muslim world that US interrogators 'treat the Quran with great care and respect.'"
Hmmm. I'm really not so sure that any such responsibility lies with the magazine. And McClellan's statements concern me, because they show an absolutely unabashed determination of our government to influence--no, control--our media. In fact, I don't know when I have seen such blatant tampering with the press and free speech as I have with this Administration.
Finally, it occurs to me that maybe our Administration should consider what part of the blame rests with them for the whole mess on the other side of the world. They have shown themselves woefully incapable when it comes to understanding the Muslim world. The Bible verse about sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind irresistibly comes to mind at the moment. And I just don't see why Newsweek has to take the fall for this current outbreak of anti-American sentiment, when I would say it's just one more result of the lack of foresight, wisdom, diplomacy, integrity, and plain old common sense displayed over and over again by the current Administration.
I could keep venting, but I'm too disgusted and depressed.
Note: all of the above is the opinion of the writer. Very little research was done, beyond reading a few articles and watching the news--CNN.com, Fox and MSNBC, if you want to know. The writer is lazy, but she likes to spout her opinions anyway. This is very irresponsible journalistically speaking, so it's quite a good thing that the writer is not, in fact, a journalist. No sources were contacted, and no retractions will be made. Do your own research if you have concerns about the veracity of any of the opinions expressed herein. Ok?
posted by grackyfrogg @ 10:51 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home