Fighting Back

Looks like some folks are unhappy with CNN:

The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee asked the Pentagon on Friday to remove CNN reporters embedded with U.S. combat troops, saying the network's broadcast of a video showing insurgent snipers targeting U.S. soldiers was tantamount to airing an enemy propaganda film.
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In a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., wrote: "CNN has now served as the publicist for an enemy propaganda film featuring the killing of an American soldier."

The letter was also signed by San Diego-area Republican congressmen Darrell Issa and Brian Bilbray.

"This is nothing short of a terrorist snuff film," Bilbray said at a press conference held in San Diego.
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CNN officials defended their decision to air the footage.

"Our responsibility is to report the news," said Laurie Goldberg, a CNN spokeswoman. "As an organization we stand by our decision and respect the rights of others to disagree with it."

Executives said the tape came to the network unexpectedly through contact with an insurgent leader.

However, I think Representative Hunter's act could cause more harm than good. It wouldn't keep CNN from airing future terrorists propaganda films, but it would end reports like this one or this one. I doubt Rumsfeld will take this action.

For the record, I'll repeat my position once again:

But like it or not, Mr and Mrs Average American are involved in a propaganda war, the only battle of the war on terror currently being fought on U.S. soil - and those who choose not to be victims of that battle may wonder what the appropriate response should be. Perhaps just this - bear in mind the stated goal: "to throw fear into the American people's hearts", divide and conquer, weaken resolve, and defeat America. Be aware of the plan to reach that goal, and recognize it for what it is when next you see it in action, as you undoubtedly will. (And while you're at it, spread the word...)

(Hat tip: Mark)

Update: On the other hand - the military is the organization that wants to keep Mke Yon out of Iraq, and make it increasingly difficult for active duty milbloggers to function. But I still doubt they'll give CNN the boot. This is why.