Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Slanted Headline Of The Night

Last night I compiled a list of the most current headlines on the Rumsfeld War Crimes suit. Please read the following headlines carefully. Can you spot the most slanted headline of them all?

  • People's Daily Online, China: Rumsfeld faces war crime lawsuit in Germany

  • Turkish Press, MI: Pentagon: Legal complaint against Rumsfeld unfounded

  • MSNBC: Rumsfeld target of war crimes-related lawsuit

  • Guardian Unlimited: War Crimes Probe Sought For Rumsfeld

  • Belleville News-Democrat: Civil liberties groups push for war-crimes investigation of Rumsfeld

  • AND, South Africa: Group Files Suit In Germany Against Rumsfeld For War Crimes

  • Contra Costa Times, CA: Civil liberties groups push for war-crimes investigation of Rumsfeld

  • Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, GA: Civil liberties groups push for war-crimes investigation of Rumsfeld

  • KFMB, CA: War Crimes Probe Sought for Rumsfeld

  • The State, SC: Civil liberties groups push for war-crimes investigation of Rumsfeld

  • ProgressiveU.org, CA: Rumsfeld charged with War Crimes?

  • Canada.com: Group seeks war crimes probe by Germany of Rumsfeld

  • Kansas City Star, MO: Civil liberties groups push for war-crimes investigation of Rumsfeld

  • Newsday, NY: War Crimes Probe Sought for Rumsfeld

  • Bradenton Herald: Civil liberties groups push for war-crimes investigation of Rumsfeld

  • Monterey County Herald, CA: Civil liberties groups push for war-crimes investigation of Rumsfeld

  • Myrtle Beach Sun News, SC: Civil liberties groups push for war-crimes investigation of Rumsfeld

  • Kentucky.com: Civil liberties groups push for war-crimes investigation of Rumsfeld

  • San Luis Obisbo Tribune, CA: Civil liberties groups push for war-crimes investigation of Rumsfeld

  • Times of India: Lawsuit filed in Germany against Rumsfeld

  • Centre Daily Times, PA: Civil liberties groups push for war-crimes investigation of Rumsfeld

  • Biloxi Sun Herald: Civil liberties groups push for war-crimes investigation of Rumsfeld

  • Jurist: Rumsfeld war crimes complaint filed in Germany

  • New York Times: German Prosecutor Asked to Investigate Rumsfeld

  • Monsters and Critics, UK: Pentagon: Legal complaint against Rumsfeld unfounded

  • BBC News: Rumsfeld faces German legal test

  • CTV, Canada: Group sues to have Rumsfeld investigated

  • Toronto Star: US officials face war crimes suit

  • RAW STORY: Legal complaint against Rumsfeld unfounded

  • What's going on here?

    It is (or should be) common knowledge that the Pentagon sees lying to the enemy as a legitimate tactic. It's quite clear that it considers the American public its enemy. Put two and two together. Why would RAW STORY use the Pentagon's denial for a headline? Even worse, why would it do so without even attributing the denial to the Pentagon? IMO, in this case, the news site that calls itself a "rational alternative" is showing itself to be neither.

    We expect RAW STORY to be better than most other news sources. Are our expectations unrealistic? And ... I hate to ask this, but ... is it more realistic to expect them to be among the worst?

    These are uncomfortable questions. Unfortunately I do not know the answers. But as usual I welcome your opinions.

    P.S. Hopefully I will be back soon with some details of the proceedings in the German courtroom.