I sorta elluded to this last night when I first saw a piece on CNN.com last night glorifying enemy snipers I was, well, pretty upset.

I mean right there on their story showing enemy snipers shooting our men and woment in the field was a comment about the “Islamic Army” “seeking to talk to Americans” and how they were “seeking to persuade the American public.” I figured it was nothing more than CNN trying to persade Americans to “deal with the insurgents,” vote Democratcut, or cut and run from Iraq. Or all three.

What I didnt count on was the vocal backlash lead by none other than those who are in harms way.

I will let you read a couple of responses your self. Be advised that they are harsh and the language is R rating. CNN’s response?

“…Instantly, the piece received many strongly-worded responses from viewers.

Many viewers thought it inappropriate for us to air video of Americans being shot: “If I had a son or daughter over there serving, I would be outraged by what I feel is your aiding and comforting the enemy.”

Some worried about kids who might have watched the program. (We clearly warned viewers the video was not appropriate for children before we aired it.)

Others praised us for showing the threats U.S. military personnel actually face: “Thanks for having the guts to show the sniper update and to show us the other side of the story. Please continue to give us the truth; I know the network is bound to be taking heat.”

And still others thought by dipping to black and not showing the moment of impact of the sniper rounds we were sanitizing the horror of war: ” … I think the reason it took Americans so long to come around on this war is because they somehow did not think it was real because they never saw anyone hurt … you guys need to show the unvarnished truth.”

Whether or not you agree with us in this case, our goal, as always, is to present the unvarnished truth as best we can.”

I understand that we need an open and honest press. It is one of those things which make this country great and holds politicians responsible. However, I do believe that many times the media crosses a line when they become nothing more than an arm for our enemies who would do us harm at a moments notice.

This story is the latest example in a series of stories going back to Abu Graihb which have done nothing more than undermine our mission. In my mind because of the irresponsible writing and decisions to put a partisan agenda on stories coming from Iraq, journalist are just as responsible for the killing and destruction going on in Iraq than any thing else.

We have a free press, but that does not mean we should abuse that right and act irresponsible during times of war. American journalist during war times of the past, save Vietnam, understood that.

Unfortunately, our current bread of journalist seem to care more about defeating Republicans and Bush rather than Al Qeada or terrorist abroad. In fact they probably believe that American is the root cause of terrorism and if we just only left them alone and helped them to understand.

The sad fact is terrorist understand that belief and laugh at it. In fact, they count on it.

Posted by Paul Seale on Thursday, October 19th, 2006 at 5:29 pm. Filed under International Politics, Media, National Politics.