CNN takes off the gloves

[Mario Feldberg]

Has anyone else seen CNN's lastest news feature about British muslim activists? Damn, and you thought I would spread anti-muslim propaganda!

For those who haven't seen it yet: It starts with a report about the fact that thousands of British muslims have gone to Iraq to "kill Americans" (original wording). Then they interview British muslim activists who tell them that they hate everyone who isn't a muslim and that Islam is fundamentally hostile towards democracy, human rights, capitalism and everything else Western and that because of this their jihad is not only targetted at the US but at the entire West. They also make it clear that they aim for nothing less than Islamic world domination in the 21st century. At the end they say that the West is only fooling itself if it believes that their views are those of a tiny minority and suggest that they are actually representing a vast part of the muslim community if not the majority. And the CNN comments don't suggest otherwise...

 

[Sims2789]

^They were merely showing a nut. In some cases, especially ones where lunatics make fools of themselves, the best response is silence.

 

[amadeus]

What the heck was CNN letting these guys getting away for?

"You're going to kill an American soldier? That's a fantastic soundbite! Thanks! Well, have a good one!"

 

[h4ppy]

What the heck was CNN letting these guys getting away for?

"You're going to kill an American soldier? That's a fantastic soundbite! Thanks! Well, have a good one!"

But if they try to prevent that they won't get their interviews.

 

[amadeus]

You get the soundbite and bam! It's in the paddywagon for you. Nobody knows but the camera crew.

 

[Mario Feldberg]

@rmsharpe

Just saying it is not crime. Free speech, you know. Britian must have very liberal free speech standards actually if they are not worried saying such stuff in front of a camera. In Germany this could get you expelled or arrested.
However if a German channel would broadcast such a news feature it would probably get sued silly for "fueling hate" (actually a crime in Germany known as "Volksverhetzung").

 

[GerrardCapashen]

You get the soundbite and bam! It's in the paddywagon for you. Nobody knows but the camera crew.

Yes, let's encourage our journalists to be murderers.

Not that I approve of giving psychos favorable press, but I don't think your suggested approach is the best way (understatement).

 

[zjl56]

I think these people should be arrested they have no right to fight our soldiers just for their own selfish wishes.

 

[Syterion]

So they showed a crazy muslim. Big Deal. The "Kill Americans" quote is interesting though. What context did it have?

 

[Hundegesicht]

What the heck was CNN letting these guys getting away for?

"You're going to kill an American soldier? That's a fantastic soundbite! Thanks! Well, have a good one!"

One of the situations where evidence is not allowed to be used in trial (alongside being married to the accused, being their preist, or being their doctor) is anything said in a press interview. Stupid law, but there's nothing CNN can do about it.

 

[IglooDame]

One of the situations where evidence is not allowed to be used in trial (alongside being married to the accused, being their preist, or being their doctor) is anything said in a press interview. Stupid law, but there's nothing CNN can do about it.

Is this a US law? I've never heard of it. Or are you talking about reporters not revealing their sources?

 

[Cuivienen]

What the heck was CNN letting these guys getting away for?

"You're going to kill an American soldier? That's a fantastic soundbite! Thanks! Well, have a good one!"

No bias in press

Actually, it's because they a) haven't done anything yet and b) aren't in America.

 

[Lab Monkey]

This sort of thing is nothing new here. It's just another nutter. To be honest, I've watched enough CNN and Fox News to know that American news agencies are no better than the British tabloid press when it comes to presenting a balanced debate.

 

[Masquerouge]

I hardly see how a nut saying nonsense can be either a. scary or b. interesting.

The day the media and the people will realize that what's spectacular is NOT what matters, we'll be free.

 

[Samson]

I think these people should be arrested they have no right to fight our soldiers just for their own selfish wishes.

Surely one of the few rights every indavidual has is to choose what cause to fight and die for? Not that I agree with this, but if he (or she) feels strongly enough to do it, then who am I to stop them?

 

[Hundegesicht]

Is this a US law? I've never heard of it. Or are you talking about reporters not revealing their sources?

I'm almost positive it is. If Michael Jackson were to tell CNN "I rape little boys" it wouldn't be admissible in court. Probably some weird hearsay interpretation, but it's true. I have a lawyer friend who really gets worked up about it "being the worst law ever."

On the other hand, if you were to have a video tape *of* Michael Jackson raping little boys you could use it to send him to the electric chair, for all they care.

Oh, and finally, I think it only works out that way for people designated as press. They could probably use a hidden police tap as evidence (provided the police had a warent), though I'm not sure.

 

[zjl56]

Britain can stop them from leaving if the are going to try and kill Coalition forces. And I think these people are pretty crazy. I don't like other religions. That doesn't mean I kill people for being in annother religion.

 

[Zwelgje]

This is just causing more polarisation while at this moment one would hope TV stations would do something to bring people together. There's enough misunderstanding between people in this world.
Oh well, this probably is good for their ratings.

 

[Samson]

Britain can stop them from leaving if the are going to try and kill Coalition forces. And I think these people are pretty crazy. I don't like other religions. That doesn't mean I kill people for being in annother religion.

I thought we were talking about Iraq? Were people are fighting against forgien occupation? There are of cousre religous differences between the powers involved, but the reason the troops are being killed is because they are occupying a country, not for who they pray to at night.

 

[MrPresident]

Britain can stop them from leaving if the are going to try and kill Coalition forces.

Yeah, and their going to tell us that, are they? If these people are smart they'll go to Pakistan first then make their way to Iraq.