Everything is a good story

Watching the news these past couple of days, I am yet again astounded by the audacity of the American news media. I have a question, and I am sure, as I sit around the table with my counterparts, that I am not alone in my asking.

Whose side are the media on?

I watch with total fascination, the circus surrounding the death of the terrorist I will call "Z." I mean, props to the media for feeding into the frenzy that was coordinated and conducted by the people at the Pentagon, but the stories the past couple of days probably surpassed anything the think tankers at Comedy Central (aka the Pentagon) could have ever dreamed up. I actually watched a story with the byline "DID AMERICAN SOLDIERS ABUSE THE BODY OF "Z?" Give me a break!!!! The network, who shall remain nameless (MSNBC) reported today that American soldiers reportedly jumped on the body of "Z" when he was brought out of the bombed out coffin he called a safe house. Now, forgive me if I am a little unsensitive, but do we really care? Is this news? I think the average American would have probably tossed him off the gurney, just to watch his head bounce up and down off the pavement. I am sure that a couple of the Iraqi's would have liked the Americans to bring him back to life, just so they could kick his ass again. This is a terrorist people!!! Who gives a crap what happens to him, as long as it ends up being six feet under. Does it matter that his picture was photoshopped so he looked presentable? That question was actually asked by a reporter. Does it matter that the Iraqi's were the first ones on the scene? Does it matter that he tried to say something before he died? Not to me, not to my guys, and probably not to the hundred or even thousands of relatives of the soldiers, Marines, Airmen and sailors who this guy has killed or hurt.

Another thing. Yes, what happened in Haddithah was unfortunate, and possibly even criminal. But its amazing that the only country that seems to care about it is us. Not a bad thing, mind you, because it shows that we have a system of laws and it works. But the people in this side of the world could care less. Funny, but if you abuse them, they get really offended and tend to riot, protest, or commit random acts of violence. Of course, if you just kill them, then they don't care to much about it. Not because they are soft, but I think its because that is what they know. Now, the reason I say this is because this country has always been ruled by the gun. He who holds the trigger, holds the power. These people have been oppressed, abused, mistreated and held at gunpoint for the better part of a couple thousand years, so killing is a way of life over here. Its what they know and understand, which is why I think that sometimes they are so unconcerned about dying. But we seem to hold court in the press, and the press is out to make these guys guilty before the trial, because thats what people want to see. In the end, I think, that if the press need blood and gore to fill the news and appease the corporate interests that pay them, well, there is plenty of it around here. My thought is that this will be news for a long time, and it will be swept under the table when the press finds something even bloodier to write about. So, guilty or innocent, its not my job to say. But the press seems to have already made up their minds.

I did notice that, instead of giving the people who did such a fine job finding and killing "Z" a heartfelt thanks, the press went straight for the blood shot. Well, let me say, for the hundreds of Iraqi soldiers I work with, a thumbs up and congratulations for a terrific job.

Now get back to work, and find that "O" guy.