NY Times Omission of Sheehan Facts is Symptomatic of Media Bias

Today, the New York Times printed an editorial titled "One Mother in Crawford," which depicts the the protest staged by Cindy Sheehan, who's son who was killed in Iraq in April, 2004. Among a litany of charges and observations regarding Bush and his handling of the war in Iraq, the Times built its editorial around the rantings of an obviously distraught woman.

"Ms. Sheehan's 24-year-old son, Casey, was killed in Baghdad. She says she and her family met privately with Mr. Bush two months later, and she is sharply critical of how the president acted. He did not know her son's name, she says, acted as if the meeting was a party and called her "Mom" throughout, which she considered disrespectful."

Before, when meeting with the president regarding the death of her son in combat, Ms. Sheehan has generally good things to say regarding the president's comforting words and manner. As reported by Matt Drudge on 8/8/05, Ms. Sheehan stated to The Reporter paper on June 24, 2004, that Bush had given her "the gift of happiness, of being together."

Now, Ms Sheehan has come full circle. While no one will deny a mother her grief, it seems perspective is lacking here. Ms. Sheehan openly shills for Democratic web sites and liberal radio staions, like Air America. While that is certainly her right, it is not that of the New York Times. Its egregious omission of facts surrounding Ms. Sheehan and her new-found political activism paints a picture that is especially hurtful of President Bush, while totally ignoring Ms. Sheehan's political intentions.

The New York Times, once the "Paper of record," is more likely recognized today as the "Paper of omission." It is fast-becoming a liberal agenda-setter alongside such toxic hazards as the Daily Koss and Common Dreams.