http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspxBy Martin Fletcher, NBC News Tel Aviv Bureau Chief The world used to be a blank page for the press. We came, we saw, we reported. We felt protected by our notebooks and pens, and by every government’s self-interest – it didn’t do any good to harm theen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168234Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:12:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168234Aaron Dallin, Columbia SCIf only there was a way for journalists to be completely covert and anonymous - "ghost journalists."http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168263Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:27:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168263Darel Cramer, IowaI hope that Alan Jonston be released soon and alive. I would also suggest a few more developments: (1) the world has finally realized the true power of the press/media to influence opinion, hide facts, and spin the truth. Therefore (2) when the CIA sends in agents disguised as reporters into the middle east, the opposition has no option but to capture the reporter. It is in fact the untruthful reporter who can cause the most damage. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168267Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:29:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168267Allistar, UKReporters from Al Jazeera are never captured and killed.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168276Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:35:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168276Joseph Malbec, NYit's because the reputation of the journalist has been tarnished. it used to be that the journalist was considered a neutral party, like a medic or a U.N. observer. Nowadays the journalists are highly opinionated and have preconcieved notions before they begin, are biased. They have forgotten the most important part of what used to be a noble profession, the attempt to seek the truth for an honest report to the public.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168282Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:38:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168282Eduardo, CaracasMedea have become a propaganda tool, psychological warfare. So now, everybody hate the media for being overly liberal or overly conservative or overly religous, and unfortunately take it out on the medea reporters.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168335Wed, 25 Apr 2007 20:01:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168335Brandon, CAThe same trend is true not only for journalists, but also aid workers in various places worldwide. It has nothing to do with journalism's reputation being tarnished, and everything to do with the rise of terrorism and non-state associated paramilitary groups that are not beholden to the "bad press" fears of big governments when they kill journalists.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168363Wed, 25 Apr 2007 20:15:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168363Stanford, CaliforniaSo... are we to infer from the article that, in the opinion of the author, the world is becoming LESS safe? Despite (or because of) America sending hundreds of thousands of troops abroad? http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168372Wed, 25 Apr 2007 20:22:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168372S.C.C.Well, in Somalia, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Chad, Congo, Ethiopia it's now much more dangerous because countries like America, Russia, Israel and China sold them weapons. Thirty years ago, when I was in the Peace Corps (several locations, esp. E Africa), guns simply weren't everywhere. Now its the norm. There are almost no gun/weapons/ammo factories in Africa; it all comes from the more powerful countries. It's a shame. We can claim it's more dangerous, and it is, but who exactly is to blame? http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168374Wed, 25 Apr 2007 20:24:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168374BigMac123Why don't we send in a Navy Seal unit to get Alan out? Isn't that what they're trained for? Where's the military when we need em?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168398Wed, 25 Apr 2007 20:37:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168398john floridait is time for all reporters to stay out of combat areas why should you risk your lives trying to get their message out let al jazeera have the story. it is up to palestine to get their story out if they want it told let them protect you. when their story does not leave the middle east they will come looking for you.their is no reason for any reporter to be kidnaped so he can benifit palestine's view. the idea of putting youself and youre families through hell makes no sense. there is no story worth your life, and if you depend on other people to rescue you , now you are putting others in danger they don't need to be in.if you choose to go into these god forsaken places you should be on your own, no rescue attempt or ransom paid. the only reason you are being grabbed is they want money these people don't care about the news all they want is money.in my opinion if they won't protect you their story is not worth the risk. when the world no longer gets their story once again they will be looking for reporters high and low.till them who cares what happens to them let them take responsibility for their own actions.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168444Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:09:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168444Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,GeorgiaMr.Fletcher, It seems the world becomes more dangerous all the time. I surely hope that Alan Johnston is released safe and sound to his family. I admire all the journalists who report from these war torn areas. The places that you people can go becomes smaller and smaller. As you stated they either place no value on journalists or too much value. Please be careful Mr. Fletcher in this region. Stay safe! All human life is priceless. Peace to all!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168446Wed, 25 Apr 2007 21:11:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168446Cory TennessettiThe truth used to be helpful to terrorists/etc. Now, the truth is dangerous to them. Plus, they no longer need journalists to present their story - they can do it themselves, without fear of having to be truthful, on the web.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168623Wed, 25 Apr 2007 23:21:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168623whatever!Brandon, the media themselves have become a certain brand of non-state sponsored terrorists. Propaganda, deceit and outright lies. America is living in bubble and has no idea what's really going on in the world, esp. in places like central america and the middle east. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#168962Thu, 26 Apr 2007 07:02:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:168962dionne sain,perth,australiait seems as if the world has no room for the real truth, it only recognizes its own truth at the cost of countless liveshttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169045Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:53:26 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169045Ed Conatser, Alexandria, VAI always marveled at reporters determination and dedication to getting story, often times, at great peril. There are many reports who present unbiased reporting and stick to the facts. They shold be congratulated. However, there are some who are more concerned about not reporting factually or about the event they are covering. These reporters damage the reputation of all reporters. Reports flew into a firebase that was overrun the night before with 33 dead and 77 wounded. The company commander of the unit charged with gathering the dead was approached by a reporter and asked about the Calley decision. This is even continues to stick in my craw. A very emotional and traumataic situation for the soldiers involved, picking up the remains (sometimes not whole) of friends and comrades. I should move on, but somethings stay with you, as anyone knows that has been in traumatic situations.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169087Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:23:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169087Barry - New Orleans, LAThere are still those "successful" journalists who manage to interview spotlight-hungry terrorist leaders by writing anti-American, pro-terrorists articles. We really don't need those guys. Maybe it's to your credit that you are restricted. It's a shame that there is absolutely no pressure at all on local domestic journalists to be neutral and report the truth; domestic journalists have great pressure, beginning from journalism schooling in college, to compete with their peers to be more and more anti-American (remember news giant Dan Rather fabricating facts to advance the liberal agenda?).http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169095Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:29:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169095James HallMost govts.have a hard time handling the Truth.Spin is usually the order of the day.If you are told the same thing more than three times a day; it's usually a lie. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169109Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:39:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169109Joe Ray, Hilton Head, SCIt's sad because the media only reports the negative and the dark side of anything be it the war, the economy,or any other issue.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169166Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:24:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169166James C. HessJournalists, specifically members of the news media in the United States of America, are not only no-talent hacks who regularly engage in what amounts to pap and wetwork, but also unethical, immoral, corrupt, lazy, incompetent, stupid, worthless, useless, liars, cowards, and traitors to the United States of America. Perhaps you should grow a backbone and a set of balls. Perhaps you snot-nosed, aged school-yard bullies should grow up and do your jobs properly instead of being whores for the Democratic Party and other anti-American interests. Feel free to censor this comment since it is factually proven the news media of the United States of America does NOT believe in the First Amendment, Free Speech, or God.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169171Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:27:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169171JC BoomerangSo,....now that we are all less safe, we must listen to everything The Leader tells us because it's the only source left to us. How insightful of The Leader to foresee this event and build His Own Media Empire (HOME). How fortunate for all us that we no longer have to endure conflicting reports or the truth.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169176Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:28:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169176John Fitzpatrick, Nanuet, NYThe real truth is that the Media is a business. As a business its' main function is to make money(through ads,etc). This is either accomplished by reporting the events in a neutral manner(a historically rare event for the media to do) or by manipulating emotions, events, facts, truths, etc. to enhance its' own immage and thus its' advertising revenues.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169177Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:30:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169177Steve, Easthampton MAIf militants in places like Somalia and Gaza kidnap and/or murder journalists who are there to shed light on societal problems, then so be it. Many perceive the media as an enemy, and while some would argue that's true, those same people should also accept that the media may be their only hope. So, we should stay out of places hostile to journalists and let those people slaughter each other like wild animals. It's a fitting fate. Attention should be directed to places where it's both needed and rightuflly accepted.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169206Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:54:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169206Colorful Coloradoit's not a bad thing that the media reports the negative, because that's where humanity should be focusing a great deal of our attention. If there are starving people in brazil, warlords raping women in saharan africa, abuses at abu graib prison, cia agents selling cocaine in columbia, sex trafficing in the ukraine, human rights abuses in guatemala, shady oil deals in nigeria... then everybody needs to know about it so we can help. how would you like it if you were one of the abused? this is the way that reporters can help humanity and move the world forward in a positive direction. they need to continue to get into those sticky areas, even when it's somewhat dangerous. if they don't, who will? Don't be afraid, Mr. Martin Fletcher, do the right thing. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169218Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:59:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169218Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca.When you swim in the water filled with sharks, you have to expect that one day sombody is going to get eaten. Duh! I watch the T.V. news each night and all I see is basically the same picture over and over. The large hole in the ground, cars and peope scattered all over the place. It just don't change. The reason we don't see any reporting on the success of the "Surge" because ther is none. Our posture is totally defensive. Who do you shoot at? The reality is bush wants that oil and is going to get it no matter what the cost. History will show this was always his motive.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169236Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:09:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169236jfkBush Administration Under a Cloud By The Associated PressThe Associated Press Sunday, April 22, 2007; 1:41 PM -- A rundown of Bush appointees who left under a cloud or face conflict-of-interest allegations _Scooter Libby, former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice in a grand jury investigation into the outing of CIA operative Valerie Plame. His trial also implicated top political adviser Karl Rove and Cheney in a campaign to discredit her husband, Iraq war critic and retired ambassador Joe Wilson. Libby, who plans an appeal, is awaiting a June 5 sentencing. _ Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is fighting to hold onto his job in the face of congressional investigations into his role in the firing of eight U.S. attorneys. Two top aides have resigned in the investigation into whether the firings were politically motivated. Emails and other evidence released by the Justice Deparment suggest that Rove played a part in the process. Other e-mails, sent on Republican party accounts, either have disappeared or were erased. _ Paul Wolfowitz, president of the World Bank and a former deputy defense secretary, acknowledged he helped arrange a large pay raise for his female companion when she was transferred to the State Department but remained on the bank payroll. The incident intensified calls at the bank for his resignation. _ J. Steven Griles, an oil and gas lobbyist who became deputy Interior Secretary J., last month became the highest-ranking Bush administration official convicted in the Jack Abramoff influence-peddling scandal, pleading guilty to obstructing justice by lying to a Senate committee about his relationship with the convicted lobbyist. Abramoff repeatedly sought Griles' intervention at Interior on behalf of Indian tribal clients. _ Former White House aide, David H. Safavian, was convicted last year of lying to government investigators about his ties to Abramoff and faces a 180-month prison sentence. _ Roger Stillwell, a former Interior Department official, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for not reporting tickets he received from Abramoff. _ Sue Ellen Wooldridge, the top Justice Department prosecutor in the environmental division until January, bought a $980,000 beach house in South Carolina with ConocoPhillips lobbyist Donald R. Duncan and oil and gas lobbyist Griles. Soon thereafter, she signed an agreement giving the oil company more time to clean up air pollution at some of its refineries. Congressional Democrats have denounced the arrangement. _ Matteo Fontana, a Department of Education official who oversaw the student loan industry, was put on leave last week after disclosure that he owned at least $100,000 worth of stock in a student loan company. _ Claude Allen, who had been Bush's domestic policy adviser, pleaded guilty to theft in making phony returns at discount department stores while working at the White house. He was sentenced to two years of supervised probation and fined $500. _ Philip Cooney, a former American Petroleum Institute lobbyist who became chief of staff for the White House Council on Environmental Quality, acknowledged in congressional testimony earlier this year that he changed three government reports to eliminate or downplay links between greenhouse gases and global warming. He left in 2005 to work for Exxon Mobil Corp. _ Darleen Druyun, a former Air Force procurement officer, served nine months in prison in 2005 for violating federal conflict-of-interest rules in a deal to lease Boeing refueling tankers for $23 billion, despite Pentagon studies showing the tankers were unnecessary. After making the deal, she quit the government and joined Boeing. _Eric Keroack, Bush's choice to oversee the federal family planning program, resigned from the post suddenly last month after the Massachusetts Medicaid office launched an investigation into his private practice. He had been medical director of an organization that opposes premarital sex and contraception. _ Lurita Doan, head of the General Services Administration, attended a luncheon at the agency earlier this year with other top GSA political appointees at which Scott Jennings, a top Rove aide, gave a PowerPoint demonstration on how to help Republican candidates in 2008. A congressional committee is investigating whether the remarks violated a federal law that restricts executive-branch employees from using their positions for political purposes. _ Robert W. Cobb, NASA's inspector general is under investigation on charges of ignoring safety violations in the space program. An internal administration review said he routinely tipped off department officials to internal investigations and quashed a report related to the Columbia shuttle explosion to avoid embarrassing the agency. He remains on the job. Only Bush can fire him. _ Julie MacDonald, who oversees the Fish and Wildlife Service but has no academic background in biology, overrode recommendations of agency scientists about how to protect endangered species and improperly leaked internal information to private groups, the Interior Department inspector general said. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169270Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:40:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169270Teresa GrantThe media is like everything else in this country. The more freedoms you give the reporters and of course the freedom of speech they end up hurting the people. Take VA TECH for instance. They had no respect for anyone.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169339Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:23:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169339Diane DeRose, Anaheim, CAI watched Bill Moyers TV program on how we got into the Iraq War on PBS Special last night. I was astounded how so many fine reporters accepted reasons to attack Iraq from "experts" back then, without thoroughly investigating their "facts" which turned out to be lies. Our fine reporters should not put their lives on the line. Instead they should be more skeptical and demand provable answers - and reject all the crappy "spin" they get from politicians. If the question isn't answered directly, don't print the "spin!" p.s. Those reporters on the PBS Special deserve our most profound respect for going back and correcting the mistakes they made 4-5 years ago.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169343Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:25:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169343Neil Jeffers, Mendham, NJSad that the media could not just contribute to the public (Government) and private (Commerce, People, etc.)sectors as an observer. Unfortunately each sector's representative seem to have a greater interest in capitalism instead of an informed democracy. But we saw what happened when we did not have enough media with "boots on the ground" telling exactly what they saw as opposed to the Administration, Congress, Major Media and their expert "Pundits". For all honest Journalists, Please keep your head down & do not trust anyone whether in the USA (currently Capitalist not Democratic) or in Foreign Lands... As with the Troops, Thank God for a "Free" (Highest Bidder) Press and a Volunteer ($$$ Bonus) Servicehttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169357Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:35:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169357no nameDear Martin, I pray that BBC reporter, Alan Johnston comes home safely. please, please, please be careful. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169368Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:40:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169368Peter Allan Washington DCReporters of Al Jazira were killed in Baghdad, when its office was intentionally targeted by American bombers at the start of the invasion of Irak four years ago; and one of them is jailed in Guatanamo because he happened to be in Kabul when it was occupied by the Nato troops; moreover, the British government had planned a bombing of the headquarters of Al Jazira in Doha(Qatar); and the case of the British reporter who blew out the story is still pending before a British court!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169411Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:58:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169411Don Kerns, Manzanita, ORReporters have no one to blame but themselves. Every side has a story to tell. The media has lost the ability to see through other eyes. Life is not one-pointed. A soldier is not excempt from death, so why should a reporter be?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169431Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:10:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169431Terry, Ames, IowaSeems to me that the media is trying to undermine the good old US of A all in the name or ratings/money! The military should censor everything coming out of the Mideast, just like they did in WW II, and let the troops "flex" their muscles! The war would probably end pretty quick! http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169455Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:21:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169455Steve Bahoh, Nevada City, CAThe unfortunate truth is that nobody really believes what you guys/gals report anyway. The news media has become nothing more than biased entertainment. Liberals can tune in to the liberal news to justify and bolster what they want to hear just as conservatives can tune into the conservative news. You've all done a wonderful job of prostituting your profession.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169477Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:33:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169477Dennis, Alameda CATo Alistar, UK: Reporters from Al Jazeera are captured and tortured, or they are killed by--us, not them. But I guess its different when we kill or torture, not like them there savages with no regard for human life--or at least western human life, not like them there non-western ignorant savages lives'. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169480Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:34:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169480Didier HernandezI imagine journalists understand they need to adapt to the world's changing realities and have to prepare for them to worsen. I also guess they constantly ask themselves why they do it and hope social responsibility is still above personal/corporate glory. I pray for Mr. Johnston's well being and safe return.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169532Thu, 26 Apr 2007 18:01:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169532Greg, Dallas, TexasWhy listen to anything anymore? I think a really good way to live is to avoid the news at all cost and focus on American Idol and Survivor. Now really, what does one NEED to know. If there is a nuclear bomb on the way, I might NEED to know, but then again I probably don't really want to know anyway. signed, clueless in Texas http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169536Thu, 26 Apr 2007 18:03:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169536Tom Mat, Toronto, ONI have to chuckle when people start with truth and fiction. To me, in fact there is no absolute truth or lies. It is all relative to the causes people take up, and to the political agenda they cherish. The biggest mistake is to start calling ANY politician a liar, and each other 'liars' and accepting the truth of one group over another as absolute, especially if it comes from 'God-professing sayers'. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169600Thu, 26 Apr 2007 18:38:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169600Mark D. North Attleboro, MAMy Personal opinion, the media has no business in a war zone. The government should have done what they tit during Desert Storm, and shut out the media. They should have only allowed certain information to get out. Im not for the war, but we have to many people in this country offering too many solutions. noone will be happy until they get there own way. But when news reporters are kidnapped, its sad to say, but the United States does not negotiate with hostage takers. Unless you live in England, your SOL if your taken.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169604Thu, 26 Apr 2007 18:40:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169604J. David Coldren, Michigan City, IndianaIs it possible that the people all over the world are aware of the media's abandonment of truth-telling and objectivity in its efforts to fit the facts on the ground into a template pre-ordained by the prevailing orthodoxy? That orthodoxy now, of course, is defeatist liberalism.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169678Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:18:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169678Alex, Portland, OregonThose who commented that it is the THUGS, who only seek world-wide publicity (and money), are correct in their views! If the world ignored the kidnapping, extortion, wounding, killing of journalists - This unnecessary violence towards reporters would end... I appreciate the reporter's sacrafice(s) in telling the world (that cares) what is going on in whatever part of the world she/he is covering, but let's stop these mal-contents now and forever by using the neutron bomb which only destroys people and not the infrastructure. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169693Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:24:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169693john sullivan, Yale, OklahomaJoseph Malbec, NY..I agree 110% with you. I couldn't have said it better. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169699Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:28:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169699John Sullivan, Yale, OklahomaCertainly seems to be that reporters have gone soft. What they do now, is in their own best interest. A profession that was once honored is now somewhat just another job. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169723Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:39:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169723Bob,TexasThe media journalists are being used to fufill the polittical needs of cowards that wont do it them selves (scapegoat).http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169759Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:57:37 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169759Brandon, Allen Park MichiganThere is no such thing as a safe profession for any one when every thug builds a militia with people who don’t know any better and arms them. Members of Clergy, aid workers Medics and now reporters, you are all fair game. It is what the world in which we live has come to be … http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169791Thu, 26 Apr 2007 20:23:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169791Victor The danger reflects the amost universal distrust and disgust with the media in general. Veiwed as without priciples or morals, it is no wonder they become targets.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169849Thu, 26 Apr 2007 20:55:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169849Jeff - Charleston SCI find it depressing that there are still starry-eyed idealists who believe that their notion of "truth" and "freedome" are enough to protect them in some of these places. having been to Somalia, Darfur, Iraq, and countless other places I can tell you that these "terrorists" don't give a rats patoot about your neutrality/nationality/political/religious or social beliefs/leanings. They simply view you as an impediment to attainment of their cause. And to blame things like Africa on sale of arms is ridiculous. Look at Rwanda where over 75% of the killings was by machete. Does that mean the steel manufacturers are to blame? Reporters SHOULD have the ability to travel freely between sides of conflict and I hope that the world one day aloows that. I'm just not too optimistic. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169855Thu, 26 Apr 2007 20:57:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169855the Wandering Magician KingThis world that we are living in is hell on earth and as reporters report the crimes commited by these demons they will become targets for these demons. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169858Thu, 26 Apr 2007 20:58:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169858W. Nelson, Houston, TexasI am amazed at the suprise articulated by the story; Main stream media reporters are primarily liberal individuals believing there is good in all people and that apeasment and reason will win the day. We have passed that point; there are too many people for whom life has no value; reason has no truth and love has no reciprocity. There are thousands whose objective is only to kill in the name of religon; that have a stated goal of killing all Christians and Jews and are acting on that objective. What response? Assume blame for others' hatred? I don't think so; http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169868Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:03:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169868Chriswhy not just let Isreal have a full scale invasion, I'm sure he'll turn up, one way or the other. Oh, and Bigmac, the guy is British and USNavy Seals are American, so let the Brits pull the rescue. Also, it helps to know where the guy is before a rescue can take place. I say we decende like the Romans and invade all of the middle east, leaving one nation of Isreal alive. Viva war!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169869Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:03:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169869T.E.H. San Diego, CAA new approach was invented in Iraq and that was to have the reporters embedded. This offers proper protection and forces the reporter to report accurately what happens since he has witnesses. This also forces the reporter to loose his liberal bias and see the troops as real people doing a messy job, including protecting the reporter. If the reporter wants to wander off and do his own thing, then he must assume the risks. Frankly, I would put a much higher ransom on a captured troop member than any reporter, the troops must be there and the reporter only wants to be there for his own glory. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#169879Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:08:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:169879Dave T Alameda calJust tell me where to send my "Navy Seal Unit".http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#170990Fri, 27 Apr 2007 02:09:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:170990Thomas, Omaha, NEThe media should not be surprised they lost their shield as neutral observers when they began forgetting everything from Journalism 101 and became self-proclaimed experts on issues they only had arm-chair knowledge of. If they were to find their roots and simply be the purveyors of truth, rather than agents of propoganda and agendas (i.e. tools of war) then perhaps they would find the safety they want (i.e. and not remain the targets of war). Cant have their cake and eat it toohttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171057Fri, 27 Apr 2007 02:33:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171057Marc McCallFor those who think that us americuns lack book-learnin' or are blind to what goes on in the world, let me remind you that we invented the internet... and tv... and radio... When I lived in Spain, (where nearly everyone has the same same opinion about bush/iraq/war) people would say to me, 'you americans are brainwashed'. I would reply, "At least in the united states there are 2 heavily debated opinions on the Iraq war. Here in Spain, you all (95%) parrot the same line you hear on TV. Now tell me, who is really brainwashed here?"http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171084Fri, 27 Apr 2007 02:40:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171084Gabriel Guerrero, Muskegon, MichiganI believe one of the big problems of reporting is the fact that news has become entertainment. The direct physical effect of war on most Americans is the lightening of the wallet due to war inflation. No matter how bad pictures and images are, that's all they will be. When blood is not on your hands, the meaning of it is harder to grasp. Bombs will not drop tonight, and no soldier will demand entrance to your home to verify your not the enemy. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171108Fri, 27 Apr 2007 02:47:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171108Chuckmedia types are no longer fair & unbiased, also most of these places where this takes place....place very little value on human life. Welcome to reality tv & shock Propaganda....as we are the ones who gave them the weapons to do our bidding in the 1st place.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171216Fri, 27 Apr 2007 03:26:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171216Ali Syed, PakistanI very much agree with Joseph Malbec, NY. Reporters from western media usually present bigoted and prejudiced reports even if they are aware of the true picture. Also as Darel Cramer, Iowa has noted, many western reporters are really CIA ( or maybe MOSSAD, etc.) agents in the guise of journalists. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171243Fri, 27 Apr 2007 03:35:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171243elisabeth schneiderAfrica used to be so safe... Now with all the weapons sold to them by countries like china, america, the soviet union, many african countries have become unsafe... also, those weapons are not killing only people, but also large numbers of beautiful animals many who are endangered species... It is so sad... I just dream of the day where weapons will be a thing of the past but will they ever be? I cry for the people but also for the animals who have to endure so much suffering. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171319Fri, 27 Apr 2007 04:07:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171319Dipack Hattengdi, Mumbai, India, 400 049.The present condition of reporters in the various conflict areas,mentioned by you, necessarily has the committed covert support of the powers that be. The respective Govts & or local warlords would want that reported,which they want reported!!! Press freedom,what's that,Heh heh hehhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171334Fri, 27 Apr 2007 04:15:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171334Bilal Ahmed, Karachi, Pakistan.Journalist & Reporters are considered to be nuetral and are searching for truth and only truth. Use of Journalists and Reporters by the Intelligence Agencies has tarnished their credibility, specially in the eyes of the third world & mostly muslim countries. This should stop and only true facts must be reported.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171357Fri, 27 Apr 2007 04:28:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171357William VirginiaThey are no longer respected as a profession. They all have a bias. If you want your point then you know who to go to, right, leftist, Islamist, et al. You know who you want to allow and who not to. If I was black "freedom" movement, I know that the European Left will provide me with a favorable opinion. The addition of the internet enhances this trend. You don't need UNBIASED reporters so why allow them unfettered and safe access. The rise of non state actors and decline of state influnce and control in the most unstable parts of the world.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171368Fri, 27 Apr 2007 04:34:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171368kaBobAbout the the jourlnalists in Al Jazeera, check your facts... Start from Iraqhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171391Fri, 27 Apr 2007 04:44:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171391Anthony BrinaReporting – An increasingly dangerous duty I am not a reporter by career but have attempted to tell the truth about things needing to be told to people. The outcome for me has been disastrous. I would concur that reporting is becoming a dangerous duty. I think the reporter who broadcasts their news is safe to persecution but the field reporter may be in an increasingly dangerous line of work. Just how bad can it be? In my case I have been put on a government watch list making me a target of organized gangs talking methods and surveillance and extreme harassment. Like I say, I am not a reporter but it could come to this for reporters. I have told my story in a book to be found at http://www.trafford.com/06-1140 and have a blog at http://anthonybrina.blogspot.com/ There is a powerful and well-funded covert group operating with the methods of old programs used to filter out communist (anti-democratic) in the US in the 40s or 50s. People, similar to reporters trying to find the truth and report it are targeted with this program to find their life being destroyed to sabotage, smearing and extreme harassment. I believe this make the necessity for reporting even more important so that our societies do not become captive to these dictatorship programs. If you are not a reporter this could still happen to you, as it does to many innocent people. You would be well advised to inform yourself on this matter. You will become aware of things going on everyday around you that are not what they seem. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171484Fri, 27 Apr 2007 05:43:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171484John Fluker, Lawrence, KSThe attacks on reporters are a predictable result of even the most ignorant armed organizations becoming aware of the power of positive or negative coverage. There are so many situations in which a plain report of the facts reflects badly upon one side or the other, or sometimes even both, that keeping any reporters not sworn to support a particular faction out is one of the few things that enemies can agree on.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171504Fri, 27 Apr 2007 06:04:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171504john,winchester,Va.the reporter is employed by the bbc so it would be the SAS who would extract him if they knew where he was. no intelegence on his exact location no extraction. john, Va.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171538Fri, 27 Apr 2007 06:41:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171538Erwin, CaliforniaThis is what happens to reporters when they feel invincible and that they are allowed to report as they wish. I feel no sympathy for them since since they are the cause of many problems in the world today. I do feel sorry for their families who are the ones that pay the price for these guys doing not so smart things like going to places that will get them hurt or killed. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171566Fri, 27 Apr 2007 07:34:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171566stubbsTake the media out of Iraq and the war will be over in 30 days. Let the military do there job.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171651Fri, 27 Apr 2007 10:59:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171651Dan AugustineThus we see that today's journalistys no longer have the stomach to chase the story even if it means persnal danger. Todays reporters choose to hide in the safety of their hotels rather than face the dnager to get the story. Maybe thats why the only reporting we see from Iraq is the totaling of the bdy count, rather than an indepth detailing of what is really happening. Ask any soldier who has been there http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#171680Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:33:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:171680Rock, Nashville, TNBack in the day when reporters were safe they simply reported what they saw. They worshiped unedited information. They had no agenda, were free of government involvement and never picked a side. Today the media is anything but fair and balanced. They relentlessly attack whoever's not on the side they've chosen and actively prevent rebuttal.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#172030Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:30:44 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:172030Billy Maze, FLIsrael has a special way of developing biased reporters. We should ban reports from Israel and not let them come into the USA. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#172036Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:34:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:172036Joseph MalbecThere is only one thing worse than a liar-reporter. And that's a dishonest judge. Also it's not just the reporters' fault... it's the slimeballs who own the media companies they work for, because they will only let certain slants get air time. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#172052Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:41:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:172052MonkeyBlasterJesus, you wimps! Nobody ever said it would be easy! I thought you international reporter types who chase all the chaos did it BECAUSE of the adventure and adreneline rushes! Buck up and get that story! http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#172677Fri, 27 Apr 2007 20:08:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:172677rick leeEMBEDDED JOURNALISTS??????ok now i get it ,the journalists who only give the current administration point of view "get a scoop".how sad the current journalist and american public has gone "soft "and are intimidated into non- reporting mode.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#173096Sat, 28 Apr 2007 01:26:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:173096Didier Hernandez, El Paso, TXI think the bloggers’ comments before me show there is more to this physical aggression that Mr. Fletcher points out. Journalism faces risks beyond physical aggression and represent serious danger against those who practice it and these include political pressures from governments and the corporation they work for (or even if they are freelancers). If Mr. Fletcher is intentionally narrowing the spectrum based on Alan Johnston’s precarious situation he should have been more specific on the title of his article. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#173163Sat, 28 Apr 2007 02:55:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:173163Didier Hernandez, El Paso, TXOk, so journalists and media corporations are biased. So are all of us. How to balance our opinions/biases and the way we perceive someone else's (including those from journalists). I mean, it's great we criticize and blog all we want but unless each one of us goes directly to the source, we rely on journalists/news reporters for information. Blogging is a good start, but can we do more as audience/viewers/readers?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#173589Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:56:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:173589Leonard in Central TexasBack in the good old days, if a country permitted a reporter to be “damaged” in anyway, the other reporters tore the country to pieces. That country’s dirty underware was washed in public and everything that could make them look undesirable was opened up for the whole world to see. Now the majority of the reporters are to concerned about their own positions within that country to say anything adverse about it. Perhaps these reporters are responding appropriately – enough of them have been savagely treated and terminated to make a timid reporter think twice about what he included in a report.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#173601Sat, 28 Apr 2007 18:24:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:173601YellowCab, NYCif you dont like it, then quit. it's no more dangerous than being a taxi driver in new york !http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#174943Mon, 30 Apr 2007 14:24:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:174943Sean, Torrington CTI love the low-buck joe-jobbers who blame the anarchy and violence in Iraq on the media of all groups! Put blame where blame is due: on the goons who toppled a dictatorship and somehow thought the disparate social groups would just embrace western-style democracy. The reason our military is stuck in that quagmire is because Bush and his strategists were and are a bunch of incompetant assholes. When you brother loses his bowels to an Iraqi IED, blame Bush. He was warned that the power vacuum would be huge and he had NO PLAN. *shrug* I'm not involved...you can take my taxes to pay for this crime against humanity, but you'll never gain my support.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#175142Mon, 30 Apr 2007 16:25:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:175142to yellow cab!everything is increasingly dangerous these days. even going to the doctor!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/04/25/168145.aspx#176248Tue, 01 May 2007 11:41:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:176248What's the Truth?ENOUGH WITH THE FEAR FACTOR. How about a report on how the jews and palestinians are working together for peace?