Feedback to CBS News
11/27/2005
I just sent the following feedback to CBS News. I encourage others to
send feedback to the media pointing out their biases favoring elective
wars and foreign interventions:
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I am furious with the continued right-wing bias of the media, including CBS.
This morning on Face the Nation, Bob Schieffer repeatedly questioned how
we can withdraw from Iraq without seeing increased terrorism. This is
the fear-mongering, right-wing position which has been used to stifle
debate ever since 9-11. Invasion, occupation and constant meddling in
the Middle East are what caused 9-11 in the first place. Even our
military commanders understand that the continuing occupation is what
fuels the insurgency.
The right wing deliberately conflates the concept of cause/effect with
justification. Anybody trying to talk about the underlying causes of
terrorism is accused of trying to justify it. The recent Pape study
from the University of Chicago showed that most late 20th Century
suicide bombings have been related to occupation by a foreign power.
Unfortunately, Mr. Schieffer’s guests are either ignorant of this
dynamic or lacking the courage to bring it up, because anyone who
suggests such a thing is immediately accused of sympathizing with
terrorists. The most the guests could muster was the observation that
no Iraqis were among the hijackers on 9-11. None challenged Mr.
Schieffer’s unfounded assumption that withdrawal from Iraq will result
in increased terrorism. It’s just as likely to reduce terrorism by
eliminating the motives for it—revenge and desperation.
I usually don’t watch Sunday morning “news” programs because I’m tired
of seeing the likes of Newt Gingrich talking about reducing every Sunni
town to rubble until they “get it”. These are not “news” programs.
They are right-wing dominated opinion programs. I was only watching
Face the Nation because my wife left it on. As it was, I had to switch
off your “news” program in total disgust.
--
Bill Rood