Paul Johnson beheaded. :(

[Pburgh]

Oh David we are dreamers aren't we. I for one enjoy hearing that the efforts of our brave men and women are paying off - that more good than bad is coming from our fight against terror. I have faith that the American people want to hear that too. During the Second World War, even when you went to the movies, prior the the show you saw a clip about the brave soldiers and their victories. The radio and newspapers supported our troops. I have faith in the American people. They want to hear this good news and they deserve to hear it.

Stormie, I understand what you're saying but the media is on a mission to get Bush out of office. They lost one battle when they didn't get Gore in office and they're determined not to loose another. In their efforts they are giving the damn terrorists the upper hand. We need to present a UNITED front!!!! War is hell, but the media doesn't have to add fuel to that fire. There are too many lives at stake for the kind of game that they are playing. Yes, I want the world to fear the United State of America. I want them to know that we can be their best friend but also their worst enemy - United.

(I would also like to send Madonna to France to live there forever) McCarthy where are you?????lol

[stormie_skies]

David ~
It would be nice to hear some good news once in a while, I agree ~ unfortunately I don't remember one evening news hour in my lifetime that was filled with kittens and flowers and smiling babies and unfortunately, I dont have much faith in corporate America making that happen anytime soon. Any editor that would lead with a new school over a mass killing would be fired on the spot, because no corporation will put making people feel good over cold, hard cash.
Maybe that makes me jaded, I dunno.... I guess Ill believe it when I see it.
For now, the old saying in the media industry, "if it bleeds, it leads," still applies...
Perhaps its a change in the public's preferences and inclinations that is needed. After all, if there was enough clamor for good news, someone would show it, to make money if nothing else.
Which would you tune into first ~ a piece about the new elementary school down the street, or breaking news about someone going crazy with a semi-automatic in a WalMart in your city?

Pburgh ~
I dont see the media being any tougher on this conflict than they were on any other post-Vietnam armed conflict (though one has to consider that this will take up more news space, because it is taking up more American money and lives).
I think our front is as united against terror as it could conceivably be in a functioning democracy (well, technically a republic, but you know...). A healthy debate about the strategy we are taking in this war on terror is NECESSARY ~ in fact, that debate, and the freedom of the press to raise questions in the public consciousness are things that are inherently American. Thats what makes us the great country that we are.
I do think the hostility has gotten ridiculous, but that comes from both sides of the political aisle. If we could spend more time discussing issues rationally and less time calling each other baby-killers and terrorist-lovers we might get something accomplished someday!