Joe the Plumber: ‘I think media should be abolished’ from reporting on war

**Xiphos** · 01-14-09, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by maclean

A reporter in Afghanistan right now could feed intelligence about troop positions to Osama bin Laden *LIVE* on CNN.

Wasn't the Marine landing in Somalia shown live on TV? Granted the puzzle palace helped set that up but it's still a good example of the capabilities of the press now vs. 20 years ago.

**irishmick** · 01-14-09, 06:26 PM

While "truth" in general is, no doubt, an elusive ideal in journalism, I believe the "truth" about War is the even more elusive. I also believe that our journalistic narratives of the world play a determining role in what the world will be and how we see it. The narrative that we've received since September 11, has been shaping the way we see ourselves and those around us, however, it is not the only conceivable narrative, nor the only possible one. I think that what is conceivable or possible will be determined by things other than journalism, yes, but it does depend on the ability and freedom of journalists to tell their stories.

In any case, the freedom of journalists must be preserved and practiced. That being said, to pander to a group of individuals who can, and most times will, place our country in a position of attack is completely ridiculous. With the speed of information available today, it's not unlikely, or even uncommon, that our enemies and those we're fighting to protect have access to the exact same information that the American public has access to. If journalists choose to place themselves in danger by being on the front lines, then I believe that's a danger they, and only they, should be responsible for.

**Morris** · 01-14-09, 07:32 PM

Is there truely a freedom of speech? Seems some old folks in robes identified that there are restrictions to a free speech under a certain faded piece of paper . . .

Restrictions are sometimes necessary and required, to accomplish a needed objective. Sometimes we have to restrict those too stupid to self-regulate and self-restrict.

**lewisipso** · 01-14-09, 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by Morris

Is there truely a freedom of speech? Seems some old folks in robes identified that there are restrictions to a free speech under a certain faded piece of paper . . .

Restrictions are sometimes necessary and required, to accomplish a needed objective. Sometimes we have to restrict those too stupid to self-regulate and self-restrict.

Solve the problem before it becomes one. Take the reporter by the collar, pull them in up close and personal and tell them... "If you jepordize my life, the lives of my coworkers or my ability to get back to my family in any way.....(insert personal threat here)

**Five-0** · 01-14-09, 11:46 PM

Originally Posted by lewisipso

Solve the problem before it becomes one. Take the reporter by the collar, pull them in up close and personal and tell them... "If you jepordize my life, the lives of my coworkers or my ability to get back to my family in any way.....(insert personal threat here)

You have given out too much Reputation in the last 24 hours, try again later.