Though a lot is going on politically that merits discussion, many of these topics are being beat to death by the 24 hour news cycle, Sunday morning talk shows, editorial pages, and blogs across America.
This piece is not about any partisan issue, but a call to hold the media responsible, to point out the obvious and publish it in order to raise awareness and encourage a push for change.
The never-ending coverage of Natalee Holloway (who is on the front page of CNN as I write this), an attractive, young, white female who has been missing in Aruba for a while now stands in stark contrast with a story I heard on the local Philadelphia News tonight. Slipped into the coverage, rather matter-of-factly, was that a young black woman was fatally attacked by her cousin, who also severely injured her three young children before being killed by police. A remarkably tragic tale, it did not even headline the local news, and is nowhere to be seen in the national press.
In Chicago alone, 598 people were slain in 2003, a number that dropped to 448 in 2004. Philadelphia saw a jump in violent crime early this year, with 80 murders recorded by mid-March, compared to 330 in 2004. There was a week early in this year where violent deaths per capita were higher in Philadelphia than in Baghdad for the same period. Wilmington saw a string of violent crimes early in the year as well.
Where was the 24 hour news coverage for each of these? Where is the national attention for the children killed every year from drug violence? Do we no longer care about what is happening in our cities? Why does the national media believe that Lacy Peterson, Jennifer Wilbanks, Natalee Holloway, all the other names we know, are more important than thousands of others who are slain every year? Have we become so complacent that we just expect that sort of thing to happen in cities, among minority populations?
Perhaps it is just about ratings; perhaps the national media believes we won’t be as intrigued about the investigation of a murder that resulted from gang violence, even if the victim happened to be an innocent bystander. Perhaps they just believe we are only interested in those who are attractive and white.
Whatever their reasoning, by filtering their reports as they do, by picking and choosing the murders they cover, the national media is doing more harm than good to the public. It is acting irresponsibly; it is failing us all. The disappearance of Natalee Holloway is indeed tragic, but so too is the senseless murder of Jamila Handy and countless, nameless others. It is time for the media to stop treating these people as statistics and to start giving their lives the equal respect and airtime they deserve as full and equal citizens of this country.
Between Iraq and a Hard Place
Ok, I'm sure I stole the title, but it just works so well...
The American people are finally waking up to the Bush Administration’s mismanagement of the situation in Iraq. Their continued efforts to paint a rosy picture stand in stark contrast to the facts on the ground, and the scenes the American people are seeing on their television screens. This gradual awakening is coming at a time when the Downing Street Memos are finally gaining the publicity they deserve, calling into question the true motives and methods used to take us into the war in Iraq.
Though Republicans argue that the situation is not actually getting worse, continuity rather than improvement is nevertheless a negative sign; how can newly-trained Iraqis gain control when they are unable to do so even with US assistance on the ground? It is time for the administration to be honest with the American people; this is going to be tough, and it is going to take a while if we wish to do it right.
In recent surveys, 58% now disapprove of Bush’s handling of Iraq, 56-58% now believe the costs of the war were not worth the benefits, with 59% now claiming to “oppose” the war. A plurality 44% now understand that the conflict in Iraq has weakened our efforts in the war on terrorism, and an astonishing 63% believe we should bring out troops home within the next year. Indeed, the numbers for Bush on Iraq look bleak; there is a consensus in the polls: he has lost the majority of public support. Perhaps the American people have finally recognized the disjointedness of Bush and Cheney’s rhetoric and the reality of the situation.
I’ve never been one to argue for the cut and run strategy; though others in my party may disagree, I think we have too much invested to simply write Iraq off as a loss. However, President Bush needs to go before the American people and do something he has thus far failed to do regarding Iraq; he needs to be honest. He needs to answer the accusations implied in the Downing Street Memos, he needs to report on the progress being made with facts, not blank assertions, he needs to tell the people we have a ways to go, and he needs to reaffirm that we’re not going to be there indefinitely.
Democrats don’t want to see the United States fail in Iraq any more than their Republican counterparts; unfortunately, Bush’s failures are America’s failures, and no patriotic American can cheer them without at least feeling a little guilty. We simply want the President to take personal responsibility for this situation that he created, to answer to ALL the people, both those who elected him and those who did not, and to show that he hasn’t lost touch with reality. Unfortunately for us Democrats, Bush’s numbers sunk too late to do us any good; however, it is not too late for him to reverse the trend and save his legacy through the bold bipartisan leadership he promised but to date has failed to provide.
The American people are finally waking up to the Bush Administration’s mismanagement of the situation in Iraq. Their continued efforts to paint a rosy picture stand in stark contrast to the facts on the ground, and the scenes the American people are seeing on their television screens. This gradual awakening is coming at a time when the Downing Street Memos are finally gaining the publicity they deserve, calling into question the true motives and methods used to take us into the war in Iraq.
Though Republicans argue that the situation is not actually getting worse, continuity rather than improvement is nevertheless a negative sign; how can newly-trained Iraqis gain control when they are unable to do so even with US assistance on the ground? It is time for the administration to be honest with the American people; this is going to be tough, and it is going to take a while if we wish to do it right.
In recent surveys, 58% now disapprove of Bush’s handling of Iraq, 56-58% now believe the costs of the war were not worth the benefits, with 59% now claiming to “oppose” the war. A plurality 44% now understand that the conflict in Iraq has weakened our efforts in the war on terrorism, and an astonishing 63% believe we should bring out troops home within the next year. Indeed, the numbers for Bush on Iraq look bleak; there is a consensus in the polls: he has lost the majority of public support. Perhaps the American people have finally recognized the disjointedness of Bush and Cheney’s rhetoric and the reality of the situation.
I’ve never been one to argue for the cut and run strategy; though others in my party may disagree, I think we have too much invested to simply write Iraq off as a loss. However, President Bush needs to go before the American people and do something he has thus far failed to do regarding Iraq; he needs to be honest. He needs to answer the accusations implied in the Downing Street Memos, he needs to report on the progress being made with facts, not blank assertions, he needs to tell the people we have a ways to go, and he needs to reaffirm that we’re not going to be there indefinitely.
Democrats don’t want to see the United States fail in Iraq any more than their Republican counterparts; unfortunately, Bush’s failures are America’s failures, and no patriotic American can cheer them without at least feeling a little guilty. We simply want the President to take personal responsibility for this situation that he created, to answer to ALL the people, both those who elected him and those who did not, and to show that he hasn’t lost touch with reality. Unfortunately for us Democrats, Bush’s numbers sunk too late to do us any good; however, it is not too late for him to reverse the trend and save his legacy through the bold bipartisan leadership he promised but to date has failed to provide.
Knocking on History's Door
Something remarkable is happening; for the first time, national….even international attention is being given to the so-called Third World Nations, the poorest countries in the world, most of which are in Africa. For centuries, these nations have been either exploited or ignored by the wealthiest countries, the United States included.
Now, thanks to Prime Minister Tony Blair’s proposal, the ONE Campaign, the Live Eight Concerts, and yes, even President Bush’s willingness to discuss the issue, focus has increased greatly within the past year. Though President Bush needs to go farther and fully endorse Blair’s proposal, his efforts so far are historic and worthy of praise. We can only hope he seizes the opportunity before him to do something wholly positive, improving America’s image and helping our fellow humans around the globe.
Additionally, my heart goes out to Erik’s family. I had the chance to work with him when he came to campus to present on social security. He was one of the nicest people I’ve encountered, passionate and dedicated, yet lighthearted and warm. He’ll be missed by all who’ve met him.
Now, thanks to Prime Minister Tony Blair’s proposal, the ONE Campaign, the Live Eight Concerts, and yes, even President Bush’s willingness to discuss the issue, focus has increased greatly within the past year. Though President Bush needs to go farther and fully endorse Blair’s proposal, his efforts so far are historic and worthy of praise. We can only hope he seizes the opportunity before him to do something wholly positive, improving America’s image and helping our fellow humans around the globe.
Additionally, my heart goes out to Erik’s family. I had the chance to work with him when he came to campus to present on social security. He was one of the nicest people I’ve encountered, passionate and dedicated, yet lighthearted and warm. He’ll be missed by all who’ve met him.
Very Sad News
I am very sorry to tell you that Erik Mitsch, a very active member of the Progressive Democrats for Delaware, a UD graduate, and a loving father and husband died suddenly on Saturday night. He was 26 years old.
He was newly married to Alicia Carr; they had just celebrated their one-year anniversary. Alicia recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Olivia, three months ago.
Erik and his new family were on their way. Erik was very kind, gentle and passionate, and worked very hard. We saw this first hand from working with him during the last campaign. Erik visited his alma mater here at UD a few months ago to talk to a fraternity about social security along with members from our group. His heart was in the right place; although he was not blessed with fortune, he gave his time and energy to help out those even less fortunate.
This is an especially hard time for Alicia and baby Olivia. A trust fund has been set up for Olivia. Details will be available from the funeral home (SHELLY FUNERAL HOME, Easton & Kellers Church Rds., Plum-steadville, PA.) for anyone wishing to contribute.
Erik's death has left us in shock. As young people, we rarely think of our own and other's mortality. Our dearest thoughts go out to Alicia and Olivia. We will all deeply miss him.
To view Erik's obituary, please visit today's News Journal.
He was newly married to Alicia Carr; they had just celebrated their one-year anniversary. Alicia recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Olivia, three months ago.
Erik and his new family were on their way. Erik was very kind, gentle and passionate, and worked very hard. We saw this first hand from working with him during the last campaign. Erik visited his alma mater here at UD a few months ago to talk to a fraternity about social security along with members from our group. His heart was in the right place; although he was not blessed with fortune, he gave his time and energy to help out those even less fortunate.
This is an especially hard time for Alicia and baby Olivia. A trust fund has been set up for Olivia. Details will be available from the funeral home (SHELLY FUNERAL HOME, Easton & Kellers Church Rds., Plum-steadville, PA.) for anyone wishing to contribute.
Erik's death has left us in shock. As young people, we rarely think of our own and other's mortality. Our dearest thoughts go out to Alicia and Olivia. We will all deeply miss him.
To view Erik's obituary, please visit today's News Journal.
“Nothing Farther From the Truth”
President Bush was finally confronted about the so-called Downing Street Memo at a press conference with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Bush was quick to dismiss the document, insisting that there was “nothing farther from the truth” than the allegations within it that the Bush Administration had decided to go to war in Iraq before taking the case to the American people.
Unfortunately for President Bush, British officials have not denied the authenticity of this document, and a Senior Administration official has called it “an absolutely accurate description of what transpired.”
Apparently, as it does so often with Bush, the media has decided to let this go. This failure is unacceptable…we cannot and should not allow this issue to die; we owe it to our friends and family members who are sacrificing in Iraq to make sure this administration was forthcoming with the American people in the lead-up to war.
In spite of this evidence, which by all appearances is authentic, President Bush continues to insist that the invasion of Iraq was a last resort, and that evidence was not fixed to meet the Administration’s needs. Congress needs to investigate this matter; if the Downing Street memo is in fact legitimate, then “there’s nothing farther from the truth” than Mr. Bush’s continued assertions. Such deception, emanating from a President and his administration, is nothing short of criminal.
Unfortunately for President Bush, British officials have not denied the authenticity of this document, and a Senior Administration official has called it “an absolutely accurate description of what transpired.”
Apparently, as it does so often with Bush, the media has decided to let this go. This failure is unacceptable…we cannot and should not allow this issue to die; we owe it to our friends and family members who are sacrificing in Iraq to make sure this administration was forthcoming with the American people in the lead-up to war.
In spite of this evidence, which by all appearances is authentic, President Bush continues to insist that the invasion of Iraq was a last resort, and that evidence was not fixed to meet the Administration’s needs. Congress needs to investigate this matter; if the Downing Street memo is in fact legitimate, then “there’s nothing farther from the truth” than Mr. Bush’s continued assertions. Such deception, emanating from a President and his administration, is nothing short of criminal.
