David Bernstein covers some of the MSM reaction to Reuters' red—handed propagandizing exposed the Volokh Conspiracy. Tim Rutten of the LA Times sees the bigger picture:
That brings us to the most troubling of the possible explanations for these fraudulent photos, which is that some of the photojournalists involved are either intimidated by or sympathetic to the Hezbollah terrorists. It's a possibility fraught with harsh implications, but it needs to be examined thoroughly and openly. [Charles] Johnson [of LGF] and his colleagues have done the serious news media a service. Failure to follow up on it would be worse than churlish; it would be irresponsible.
Rutten deserves praise for what amounts to common sense, precisely because he is swimming against the media mainstream. I was appalled yesterday to see on Fox News Watch that Jane Hall, veteran reporter and now journalism professor, was obviously disturbed that the revelations came to light, and desperately searched for a counter—argument, such as that LGF has its own biases. Charles Johnson took satisfaction that Jim Pinkerton slapped down her pathetic response, but I doubt Hall is changing her mind. Hot Air has the video.
When news sources are caught lying, their credibility is lost. That is not a bad thing, despite Hall's lamentations to the contrary.
Thomas Lifson 8 13 06
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