While we're on the subject, one thing that is really ticking me off right now is the fact that the media is ignoring the execution of one of our civilians and is instead focusing on some naked photos from Iraq.
Before someone gets in a hissy fit, as we say in South Carolina, of course the abuse of prisoners is wrong. Of course those responsible should be found and punished appropriately. But these pictures are nothing compared to the beheading of an innocent American civilian, or even compared to what the Iraqi's were used to under Saddam Hussein.
But I suppose, that's the point: America has taken the moral high ground. We say, emphatically at times, that our system of government is more righteous than theirs. That's why we should expect more criticism over our comparatively minor offenses than the tyrannical Islamic governments in the majority of the Middle East receive for their atrocities. Because we are better, and people are always watching for the righteous to fall.
Posted by Blog Jones at May 13, 2004 08:56 PM
| Category: Politics
I would hardly say that "the media is ignoring the execution of one of our civilians." It was the only thing on any of the news stations when it happpened, and front-page news on every major news site the next day. And it's still getting coverage. As it should.
Remember this too, though: it wasn't an Islamic nation who had Berg beheaded; it was a terrorist organization. Specifically, a handful of vicious Al Qaeda terrorists in this particular instance.
It's important that we make these disctinctions, in case our government tries to rope our military into *another* war with a foreign government, that pretends to have something to do with the war on terror.
Thankfully, people are finally starting to wake up to the fact that the primary reasons given by the Bush administration for the current war in Iraq were largely fallacious.
Posted by: Bob at May 15, 2004 12:01 PM"I would hardly say that "the media is ignoring the execution of one of our civilians." It was the only thing on any of the news stations when it happpened, and front-page news on every major news site the next day. And it's still getting coverage. As it should."
You're right, now it is. At the time of the writing of this post, it seemed to me that there was not nearly enough focus on it though. Based on my limited TV news contact, it seemed like everyone was giving more weight to the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal than to the execution of Nick Berg. Now, that's largely changed. Probably I just didn't give the news enough time to handle it.
"Remember this too, though: it wasn't an Islamic nation who had Berg beheaded; it was a terrorist organization. Specifically, a handful of vicious Al Qaeda terrorists in this particular instance.
"It's important that we make these disctinctions, in case our government tries to rope our military into *another* war with a foreign government, that pretends to have something to do with the war on terror."
But name one, just *one*, Islamic country that has stood up and denounced what Al Qaeda did! Name one Islamic country that we could call a friend. Name an Islamic country that is trying to stamp out anti-American and anti-Israeli terrorism in its own country. Except for Israel, we have no friends in the middle east.
"Thankfully, people are finally starting to wake up to the fact that the primary reasons given by the Bush administration for the current war in Iraq were largely fallacious. "
Are you still on the WMD thing? Do you wish we hadn't gone to Iraq? And do you think that the majority of Iraqi's wish for Saddam Hussein's rule? We did a good thing in freeing the Iraqi people, and we've eliminated a potential enemy. I can't complain about that.
Posted by: Blog Jones at May 15, 2004 11:06 PM