What is it about some news outlets that they can't report a story without trying to flavor it with their own biases? That they can't give "just the facts m'am" but have to throw in their snide asides and negative phraseology? And, it's bad enough when they do it in their normal attempts at "reporting" the news, but when they do it in between an upbeat report by one of our soldiers who's opinion is that the surge is working and our presence in Iraq is a good thing, it's all the more grating. But, then, they just can't leave their hatred for American foreign policy aside long enough to report this soldier's enthusiasm, now can they?
In this case, Boise, Idaho TV 2 News, in a story by Scott Logan, just can't leave the snide comments out of their story of Army First Sergeant Noah Edney's enthusiastic point of view on our efforts in Iraq. Even the title seems to take a swipe at policy: Boise Infantryman In Baghdad Shares Views On "Surge" -- notice the quotation marks around the word surge? Even as surge is a commonly acceptable term and not one to be questioning with quotations they cast doubt onto it by using the grammatical device.
But, if you might think the parenthesis around the word surge might not be suspect, they quickly set the record straight on how they feel about the policy with their very first line of the story.
BOISE AND BAGHDAD -- In less than a week, all the troops for the so-called surge in Iraq will finally be in position and U.S. commanders will push hard to get results on the ground.
"So-called surge"? What is "so-called" about it? What is to be sarcastic or doubtful about here? That is what the policy is being called. There is no pseudo term there, it IS the surge. Commentators, politicians, news sources, they are all calling it the surge without any question, without any "so-called" to it, TV 2 News.
Naturally they have to go on with a prosaic "some say" in their next line.
Some say the troop build up is already draining American military resources with moderate results.
Now they have set up the brave soldier who they will go on to interview as somehow having a questionable opinion or even a minority view. They have set the negative tone before the young man even gets to speak. So, finally after TV 2's negativity, the young man gets his shot.
"The surge from my standpoint is wildly successful," Edney told CBS 2 Eyewitness in an interview via satellite from Baghdad. "I can't speak to the grand strategy, I'm only talking about the view of a soldier on the ground. I'm just a grunt, so to speak."
And what does News 2 follow that with? More negativity, of course.
But grunts like Edney, who has seen his share of combat, are the backbone of the American military effort in Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 400,000 of them have seen multiple tours of duty.
Edney is on his second tour of Iraq and we asked if he wasn't just plain tired of it all.
One can just feel the skepticism and sourness with which News 2 approaches this fine young soldier. They go on to snidely say that this soldier praises the efforts in Iraq by talking of the good done there, "He speaks of restoring electricity and water, of kids going back to school", they say as if they don't believe a word the Sergeant is saying.
Naturally they must remind us that, "Since the troop build up began in January, the U.S. casualty rate has increased substantially" this being just another example of the constant counter weight they offer to this young man's every positive utterance.
They also feel compelled to say how Iraqis are "suffering casualties at twice the rate of U.S. forces" just to bring home their view point that this is all a failure and pump up the negativity factor.
No we can't just have a positive story about a young man who nobly and with excitement gives service to his country without casting all he says in negative terms, can we?
No, we just can't have that!
But for them to use this soldier's enthusiasm as a spring board for their anti-American pathology is inexcusable.
...unfortunately, it isn't unusual for our media, not unusual at all. Even in Boise, Idaho, America's heartland, they stoop to this level.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
On Target Mr. Huston
June 12, 2007 - 02:40 ET by Sua Sponte 75It goes without saying that this is one of hundreds of noted times that the media absolutely refuses to acknowledge accomplishments and stick with the doomsday metality. The "surge" is working and we're seeing it everyday, but the media/left/clowns are so hellbent with their nothing but pure hatred of the administration will stoop to any level to take shots. First they were wringing their hands over the amount of U.S. casualties and crying about the Iraqis needing to take more control, once the Iraqis start stepping up to the plate they whimper like grandmothers about the Iraqis taking casualties. Talk about a bunch of snotty nosed brats. All I can say is asshats, pure and simple, there is no other way of defining it. I want to thank all of you at NB's for your honorable concerted efforts of keeping the public informed of the more than slanted viewpoints of the MSM and for giving us a voice.
"You're either part of the solution or part of the problem"
I think the left is "tir
June 12, 2007 - 12:10 ET by TruthMongerI think the left is "tired of it all" because it has been showcasing their love for Saddam and other terrorists front and center EVERYDAY IN THE NEWS for a very long time now - regardless of whatever desperate spin they attempt to put on it...
Hell yes, I'd be "tired of the whole thing" too if I was an MSM moonbat...
I rode with the Utah Patriot
June 12, 2007 - 13:04 ET by ammo johnI rode with the Utah Patriot Guard Riders in Salt Lake City this past weekend for the funeral of a Sgt killed in Afghanistan. Reporters from the local TV stations came and did their stories on the soldier and the PGR. Of course, the ABC channel 4 station had it's loser reporter spend what seems like more time on that phoney Phelps psycho family that protests military funerals, giving plenty of air-time as they waved their banners for all to see.
Some say that more soldiers d
June 12, 2007 - 02:45 ET by Mike BrattonSome say that more soldiers died during the so-called "D-Day" invasion than have died during the War on Terror.
Mr. Logan, you owe a lot of people an apology. Particularly Army First Sergeant Noah Edney and his family.
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport...
I would bet a dollar to a d
June 12, 2007 - 05:09 ET by motherbeltI would bet a dollar to a dime that if this soldier knew what type of story his so-called "interview" was going to be used in, he would not have agreed to take part.
we asked if he wasn't just plain tired of it all. Of course you did.
"He speaks of restoring electricity and water, of kids going back to school",
they might as well have said "he claims".
Wait, isn't that what they formerly considered success? How many stories have we had to listent to where the "talent" on the newsshows related how many homes or towns were still without electricty and clean water?????
He probably thought he had a chance to say some good things about what they were doing there. Well, he did say them, but everything he said was dismissed.
It's as if Emily Litella were doing the interview, and after all the good things he said, she just tossed out "Oh, nevermind."
Way to go, TV2!!
We need to renew the Fairness
June 12, 2007 - 05:14 ET by ThisnThatWe need to renew the Fairness Doctrine. Every time TV 2 gives a news report, we need to give a NB'er two minutes to then report the truth.
The "Fairness" Doct
June 12, 2007 - 05:38 ET by benjamingatesThe "Fairness" Doctrine will do exactly the opposite ... it will SILENCE conservatives (by stripping FCC licenses from radio and TV stations that don't put up the liberal counterpoint on their reports) and put a DAILY KOS blogger beside every word that comes out of a conservative's mouth.
These are the same kind of id
June 12, 2007 - 05:50 ET by benjamingatesThese are the same kind of idiots as those who tried to say the Apostles were drunk when they spoke in tongues on the Day of Pentecost ... one of the greatest miracles in human history was just performed for the first time and they tried to blow it off with "these men are full of new wine".
Naysayers, mockers, murmurers, complainers, and doomsdayers these Michael Moore types.
Scott Logan can be reached
June 12, 2007 - 06:59 ET by Sergeant ROCKScott Logan can be reached at: 208-489-1242 by phone or: slogan@kbcitv.com by e-mail.
Idaho 2 News: Jesus has retur
June 12, 2007 - 07:22 ET by Mica the MagnificentIdaho 2 News: Jesus has returned! ACLU concerned for inmates!
Jesus returned today, and while the christian world is rejoicing, Lee Harvey Smith is concerned.
"I've been in prison for 20 years cause I murdered my mother. I feel I'll be left behind. I really want to see my ma again, I mean before she had the 20 stab wounds. I have rights!"
Experts say the most vulnerable among us, the murderers, the rapists, the child-abusers, the non-believers, will not be welcomed and will fall through the cracks.
ACLU has filed charges against Jesus, accusing him of 'profiling.'
"You just can't come down here and pick and choose who you'll bring back with you or whatever He plans on doing. And with all this fire and lightening and thunder, He didn't even file a environmental impact statement yet!" said an ACLU spokesman, who was not seen again.
Moderator: Yes, Jesus is here. But not everyone is pleased. (Turns to co-anchor) We'll just have to see how the rapture plays out, eh?
Co-anchor: This could be a problem for the Bush administration . . .somehow.
If SNL wanted to become relev
June 12, 2007 - 07:35 ET by Scout FinchIf SNL wanted to become relevant once again, they'd use your script verbatim in a 'hilarious send-up' of every newscast we've ever seen, Mica.
And someday pigs will fly.
Mica, you forgot: "We'
June 12, 2007 - 07:38 ET by Scout FinchMica, you forgot: "We'll just have to see how the so-called 'rapture' plays out, eh?"
This week I've seen the first
June 12, 2007 - 07:25 ET by LeonThis week I've seen the first tangible step toward Iraqi independence in a looooong time. The troops can do their best, but so long as we have radical, divisive people like Mahmud Mashhadani (aka infamous for claiming anybody that killed an American soldier should be given a statue in their home city) functiong as SPEAKER of the Iraqi Parliament, victory is going to be hard to achieve.
We want the Iraqis to step up as we step down but until we weed the corruption and sectarian hatred out of the their government, IMO we can never achieve victory. In my mind, victory in Iraq can not come through military means. Our military can merely help to secure Iraq while they build their infrastructure. The key to victory lies with the Iraqis and we need to focus on this in the future. In the meantime, tell MAHHADANI to hit the road!
We can't eliminate the corrup
June 12, 2007 - 08:47 ET by BeowulfWe can't eliminate the corruption and hatred out of our own government, so how can we expect the Iraqis, with an ancient culture, based on such, to do it? Name me ONE M.E. government that isn't corrupt and doesn't practice hate against others. I've been throughout the M.E. and haven't seen one...
The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers
I agree with you 100% Beowulf
June 12, 2007 - 10:57 ET by LeonI agree with you 100% Beowulf.
So if this is the case, and our stated goal is to develop democracy in Iraq, how the heck can we ever achieve our goal?
winners and losers
June 12, 2007 - 11:01 ET by LionKingWinners never quit ! Quitters never win !
[ Whiners drive me crazy !!!]
ummmm...we have already devel
June 12, 2007 - 12:55 ET by TruthMongerummmm...we have already developed democracy in Iraq...
Sometimes, corrupt government
June 12, 2007 - 11:17 ET by BeowulfSometimes, corrupt governments actually suceed. UAE, Saudi, Qatar, and others, while relatively corrupt, still function. What we're trying to accomplish is the establishment of a corrupt democratic government, something with which we are, unfortunately, quite familiar. The others in the region are dynastic, theocratic, and so on, anything but democratic.
All we can do is prop them up and give them a fair chance, something the surge is accomplishing (despite Iranian and Syrian interferance). What they do from there is up to them.
The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers
If that were the sole goal, t
June 12, 2007 - 12:42 ET by BDIf that were the sole goal, then we would disengage from NATO, kick the UN out of New York, and dig a moat between us and Mexico. All of those elements are graft riddled.
In fact, if Graft were a true criteria, we would eliminate most politicians, then only allow brits and Norwegians to be tourists
Excellent post, Mr. Huston.
June 12, 2007 - 07:26 ET by rimskyExcellent post, Mr. Huston. Your analysis of the subtle, yet VERY effective ways that the MSM taints their reporting is spot on! This is their standard MO, and it can be seen at all levels, whether it is national news (Morning shows, Evening "News" casts), or on a local level. Thanks!
A similiar incident occured
June 12, 2007 - 07:33 ET by Sergeant ROCKA similiar incident occured with a local station where I live. There was a soldier traveling from city to city with an exhibit (a few years back)... something to do with those who have been killed in Iraq and elsewhere.. and when he would make a positive comment, she would interrupt with '..that's your opinion.' As though we couldn't figure that out for ourselves?
'that's your opinion' This is
June 12, 2007 - 07:59 ET by rimsky'that's your opinion'
This is a prime example of the inherent power that the MSM has. They have the mic, they can jump in and inject this little phrase, and effectively negate anything this soldier said. Very frustrating, and unfair. No, I don't want the Fairness Doctrine re-instated. I want unbiased reporting. I want people like this reporter to STFU and let people say what they want to say without any editorializing.
That is too much to ask for
June 12, 2007 - 08:04 ET by Sergeant ROCKThat is too much to ask for.
I think that if you are offended by a reporter in such a situation, you should be able to punch their lights out. That might have an effect on the editorializing.
There ya go.. works fer me
June 12, 2007 - 08:09 ET by rimskyThere ya go.. works fer me Sarge!
And when a Dhimmicrat utters
June 12, 2007 - 08:31 ET by pbanks7And when a Dhimmicrat utters a blatant lie, they let it go, because they're just reporting the news.
Ignorance is bliss. It's easier to repeat a mindless slogan than to do some actual research.
Why do you think they rarely
June 12, 2007 - 08:40 ET by BeowulfWhy do you think they rarely interview G.I.'s in the field? And the few they do interview are the miniscule percentage who are disgruntled, or even totally fradulent. And yet, so many "journalists" (notice the quotations?) and politicians claim to "speak for the troops". How about letting the troops speak for themselves?
I spent three tours in the desert myself, the last at the central command base for the theater. Not once did I hear a complaint from the troops about our mission. Without exception, everyone was proud of what we were accomplishing. Sure, there were gripes about the living conditions, the food, the seperation from family, but it's when the troops stop complaining that it's time to worry.
These newsies really need to go back to traffic reports, and let the important stuff speak for itself...
The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers
Of course, I never saw a re
June 12, 2007 - 08:44 ET by Sergeant ROCKOf course, I never saw a reporter when I was over there. Nor, did I hear about any being around. If half of what these idiots claim were true, we would've had a military coup by now.
During both times I was in Ir
June 12, 2007 - 12:46 ET by BDDuring both times I was in Iraq, I did not see a journalist, was never interviewed by one, and never as much as shared a mess hall with one at Camp Victory.
Yet, somehow news of our Supposed Defeat continued to flow from supposed sources in the supposed unbiased press
As a former journalism student, i find their reporting amatuerish.
Well, you often hear that i
June 14, 2007 - 10:05 ET by Sergeant ROCKWell, you often hear that if you repeat a lie often enough.. of course, that only works on the uninformed.
I thoroughly appreciate the q
June 12, 2007 - 09:09 ET by JohnMI thoroughly appreciate the quality and detail of your analysis of this so-called "news" report. In fact, I think your style of analysis should be the standard for framing discsussions about media stories. (And savvy editors should use it to clean up their stories before airing them.)
I saved a copy of this analysis for my high-school daughter to bring to class, as her bias-blind teachers can't seem to understand how a so-called "phrase" or two can twist the story.
Thanks, and please continue!
John. You are welcome for the
June 12, 2007 - 10:26 ET by Warner Todd HustonJohn. You are welcome for the story, but I wonder if your teachers will retaliate against your daughter? It's been known to happen so watch out!
Read it twice. Sorry, can't f
June 12, 2007 - 10:42 ET by RackieRead it twice. Sorry, can't find any obvious distortions of the facts. Thought it was F&B.
I guess it's time for another
June 12, 2007 - 11:30 ET by BeowulfI guess it's time for another troll alert.
Boise Infantryman In Baghdad Shares Views On "Surge" -- notice the quotation marks around the word surge? Even as surge is a commonly acceptable term and not one to be questioning with quotations they cast doubt onto it by using the grammatical device. - self explanatory = DISTORTION
BOISE AND BAGHDAD -- In less than a week, all the troops for the so-called surge in Iraq will finally be in position and U.S. commanders will push hard to get results on the ground. - "so-called surge" - what's "so-called" about it? = DISTORTION
Some say the troop build up is already draining American military resources with moderate results. - "Some say" - who says? = DISTORTION
Or are these not "obvious" enough?
The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers
My letter to Scott Logan and his response
June 12, 2007 - 12:01 ET by Six String SpiffJust wanted to tell you that the way you twisted the poor mans words, and included your snide, snippy remarks, was DESPICABLE. How dare you say ”so called” surge? You people continue to move the goal posts on the progress of this war. In case you FORGOT, we are protecting YOU from these terrorists here at home. I think you owe that Noah fellow an apology. Sir, you are doing this country a grave disservice by crapping all over this effort. You asked Iraqis to stand up for themselves and they HAVE. Finally they have taken a stand against this garbage. I don’t see YOU over there fighting this war.
Scotts reply:
That was not my intention at all to twist anyone's words, and I don't think I did. I have nothing but admiration for the United States military, especially those who are with the Queen of the Battlefield, the infantry. I disagree with that way you describe the story, but I appreciate that you called me sir.I'm not the enemy and you'd know that if we were to sit down and talk.Regards.Scott Logan
Way to tell him Six String
June 12, 2007 - 13:17 ET by radiofitz34Way to tell him Six String Spiff! I see Mr. Logan conveniently forgot to address the "so-called" remark. I'm ready to mail Logan a shovel for his BS response.
Actually his response sounded like lawyer talk.
guess I can......his respon
June 12, 2007 - 13:27 ET by Ran56guess I can......his response:
Dear Viet Nam Vet:
I wish you would have set aside your childish profanity and engaged in
some kind of reasonable discussion about what really upset you about the
interview. I talked with the first sergeant via satellite before the
interview, he knew I was going to ask him some serious questions about
the war and the surge. In fact, with people from top U.S. commanders and
even Colin Powell expressing concern that the surge is not working, here
was a young warrior saying it was "wildly successful" in his view. We
always go to extra lengths to get the viewpoint of our men and women in
uniform. But I am not working for Armed Forces Radio.
Scott Logan
Returned to him, this:
"But I am not working for Armed Forces Radio." That's an understatement!. I find your slanted bias much more profane than anything I might say to you. Using a soldier to push your agenda isn't even slick, keep track of the Top Sgt. and when he returns, give HIM a copy of your interview, I'm sure he'll understand the import of your message.
I sent this e-mail to Logan
June 12, 2007 - 13:22 ET by Ran56I sent this e-mail to Logan..
Way to go asswipe, be sure and introduce yourself to that "Grunt" when he comes home and let him know you used him for your own sorry ass agenda.
I got a response, is it legal to post it?
why wouldn't it be? Post away
June 12, 2007 - 13:24 ET by florida_chadwhy wouldn't it be? Post away..........