Media Coverage Causing Our Demise

While we focus on the media circus in Washington, Americans continue to die in Iraq:

Last month, 776 U.S. troops were wounded in action in Iraq, the highest number since the military assault to retake the insurgent-held city of Fallujah in November 2004, according to Defense Department data. It was the fourth-highest monthly total since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003.

The worsening situation or the lack of progress has led some troops to question our presence in Iraq:

The troops say it's frustrating not to trust their Iraqi counterparts. Do soldiers here ever ask themselves, "Why are we here? Is this our war anymore?"

The preoccupation with the Foley scandal has led to the ignoring of the latest assault on press freedom in Russia. The murder of a journalist in that country has serious implications for freedom everywhere:

A journalist shot to death in an apparent contract killing was about to publish a story about torture and abductions in Chechnya when she was slain, her editor said Sunday, as Russia's top prosecutor took charge of the case.

Also taking a back seat, is the worsening military situation in Afghanistan:

NATO's top commander in Afghanistan warned on Sunday that a majority of Afghans would likely switch their allegiance to resurgent Taliban militants if their lives show no visible improvements in the next six months.

And why is this happening? The media doesn't care about covering news that is relevant. Its all about the ratings. And what gets ratings is sensationalistic scandal. Although the massive coverage of the Foley scandal is motivated by a liberal press' desire to hurt Republicans, it is first a juicy sex scandal.

I tuned into the Football pregame shows and all the talk was about the outrageous Terrell Owens. Then, I'm watching a game and all the talk was again about Owens. Very little of this coverage had to do with Football, much less sports. It is the media's shameless pursuit of "controversy." This mentality also explains why a movie about mindless, sophomoric "humor" was the "top grossing" film recently.They have no shame.

A series of recent killings of children at schools should be blamed in part on irresponsible media coverage. The copycat killings are incited by press coverage that glamorizes the perpetrators. The attackers are portrayed as "bullied" individuals seeking "revenge." Their whole lives are dissected. This serves to give twisted individuals the kind of attention they crave. Lets not forget John Karr.

And we, the consumer, just go along with like lambs being led to slaughter.