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Politics : The American Spirit Vs. The Rightwing
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To: American Spirit who wrote (1148)9/29/2004 1:00:25 AM
From: Mighty_Mezz  Read Replies (1) of 1904
 
Brokaw Broadcasts "Bible Ban" BS

September 28, 2004

On the September 24 NBC Nightly News, Tom Brokaw gave this brief report:

"The Republican National Committee now has acknowledged sending mass
mailings to two states that say liberals want to ban the Bible. Republican
Party officials say the mailings in Arkansas and West Virginia are aimed
at mobilizing Christian voters for President Bush. Some Christian
commentators say liberal support for same-sex marriage could lead to laws
that punish sermons denouncing homosexuality as sinful."

It's clear how one should describe the claim that "liberals want to ban
the Bible": It's a lie, and a blatant and incendiary one. But not only
does Brokaw not tell his viewers that the RNC smear isn't true, he gives
"Christian commentators" a chance to justify that deceit with another,
that gay marriage could lead to censorship of sermons. Why does such an
unsubstantiated and frankly bizarre claim deserve space on a national
newscast?

Meanwhile, the victims of the lie don't get any chance to speak in
Brokaw's report; the entire item is sourced either to Republicans or to
the religious right.

It's a crucial function of journalism during an election campaign to
expose and correct political distortions. Brokaw's report did nothing to
set the record straight, however, but simply served to amplify the RNC's
dirty tricks, while lending to the false claims whatever credibility NBC
has. The election is too important for this kind of lazy and destructive
journalism.

Please call Tom Brokaw and tell him that it's a journalist's job
to correct lies, not to give them national distribution.

fair.org
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