CNN Takes From The Enemy, At US Troops Cost

[Annie]

I was going to put this on USA chat, then realized, CNN is NOT American so the criticism may not be fair. Truth is, they consider themselves the 'global network' so I will too. I'll watch them as often as I do BBC:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/10/19/iraq.sniper.video/index.html

Video shows snipers' chilling work in Iraq

(CNN) -- Chilling scenes from a videotape made by insurgents show the work of snipers in Iraq, targeting and killing American troops, taking them down with a single bullet from a high-powered rifle.

The graphic video of 10 sniper attacks was obtained by CNN -- through intermediaries -- from the Islamic Army of Iraq, one of the most active insurgent organizations in Iraq.

In one scene, U.S. soldiers mingle among Iraqi civilians on a city street as a U.S. Humvee with a gunner in its turret stands guard nearby.

From a distance, possibly hundreds of yards away, a sniper watches for his opportunity to strike as a fellow insurgent operates a camera to capture the video for propaganda purposes.

In the video, street sounds mix with male Arabic voices as the sniper and his spotter talk off-camera.

"People are around them," warns the spotter, who seems to be operating the video camera. "Want me to find another place?"

"No, no," comes the reply, "give me a moment."
​

And then, the crack of gunfire is heard and the soldier in the turret slumps forward.

"Allahu Akbar (God is Great)!" is the exclamation as the sniper's vehicle starts and they slip away.

The deadly tactic is one the U.S. military also uses to take out insurgents. Leave it to CNN to give 'moral equivalency' in print and sound, but not video. They revel in the deaths of American service men.

Retired Gunnery Sgt. Jack Coughlin was one of the top U.S. Marine Corps snipers in Iraq and has written a book about his experiences --

"Shooter: The Autobiography of the Top-Ranked Marine Sniper."

"I have over 60 kills," he told CNN's Gary Tuchman. "We seek out the enemy and eliminate them with precision fire."

Tuchman used Coughlin's critical eye to analyze the Islamic Army of Iraq video.

Coughlin said the time lapse between the sound of the shot and the man getting hit indicates the gunfire is coming from about 300 to 500 yards away and probably from a higher angle.

But Couglin said he's sure this team of at least three people has been trained well because they're so calm.

"They have their stuff wired," he said. "They know what they're doing." (Watch the ex-Marine describe snipers' deadly work -- 2:46)​

The 20-year Marine veteran said the kind of body armor worn by troops in combat can be effective against a sniper's bullet, and he added that there are other ways to defend against the horrifying attacks.

"The worst enemy of a sniper is another sniper," Coughlin said. "Our snipers are hunting these guys -- I guarantee you this is happening as we speak."

Coughlin added that, in many cases, the best defense is a good offense.

I wasn't the only one pissed off:

http://www.blackfive.net/main/2006/10/cnn_plays_into_.html

CNN - Plays Into the Hands of the Enemy (Knowingly)
Posted By Blackfive

This post is Rated R for language. I decided that this is one of the few cases since 2003 where it is entirely appropriate.

CNN has a video of snipers shooting at and killing American forces. Here is how they frame it:

Almost 2,800 Americans have been killed so far in Iraq and one of the most dangerous insurgent opponents is the sniper. CNN has obtained graphic video from the Islamic Army of Iraq, one of the most active insurgent organizations in Iraq, showing its sniper teams targeting U.S. troops. The Islamist Army says it wants talks with the United States and some Islamist Internet postings call for a P.R. campaign aimed at influencing the American public. The video is disturbing to watch but CNN believes the story, shocking as it is, needs to be told.
​

Yeah, I'm sure CNN agonized over the decision to post the video of terrorists killing American troops.

Bottom-line: CNN knowingly plays into the hands of the enemy.

How do the troops feel? My In-Box is flooded with angry emails. Here's an email that I received from a Staff Sergeant (OIF III) that pretty much sums up my feelings about this situation:

Came across a video clip that is absolutely appalling. It is on Communist News Network (CNN). They claim that they received it from a insurgency outfit in Iraq. It shows insurgent snipers taking aim on U.S. soldiers in Iraq. This is the crap that the insurgents want us to see. I don't think that some parents/loved ones need to see this or the American populace. This is BULLSHIT!!!!! Another fine reason NOT to trust the MSM of today. Maybe we need to send them over without the PRESS on the IBA or the special blue helmets that these cocksuckers wear over there. You are doing a great job. Keep up the good fight.
​

I sent an email to CNN asking how the decision to show the video was made and whether or not they considered the war effort, the feelings of the families back home and the troops fighting this war.

Perhaps, Eason Jordan is back at CNN? Peter Arnette freelancing? WTF?!!!

You can leave a comment at CNN about this video.

Note: The CNN story after the sniper killing American troops is one about US soldiers accused of rape and murder.

Update: Uncle Jimbo responds appropriately.

Update: Anderson Cooper responds...

...Instantly, the piece received many strongly-worded responses from viewers.

Many viewers thought it inappropriate for us to air video of Americans being shot: "If I had a son or daughter over there serving, I would be outraged by what I feel is your aiding and comforting the enemy."

Some worried about kids who might have watched the program. (We clearly warned viewers the video was not appropriate for children before we aired it.)

Others praised us for showing the threats U.S. military personnel actually face: "Thanks for having the guts to show the sniper update and to show us the other side of the story. Please continue to give us the truth; I know the network is bound to be taking heat."

And still others thought by dipping to black and not showing the moment of impact of the sniper rounds we were sanitizing the horror of war: " ... I think the reason it took Americans so long to come around on this war is because they somehow did not think it was real because they never saw anyone hurt ... you guys need to show the unvarnished truth."

Whether or not you agree with us in this case, our goal, as always, is to present the unvarnished truth as best we can.
​

Confederate Yankee actually points out the unvarnished truth. I hope that Anderson Cooper reads that post.

Posted by Blackfive on October 19, 2006

 

[Annie]

kinda sad that after 1/2 hour only 3 people have read this.

Anyways, again I'm not 'alone'. Links:

http://www.opinionjournal.com/best/?id=110009120

BY JAMES TARANTO
Thursday, October 19, 2006 1:36 p.m. EDT

Today's video on WSJ.com: James Taranto talks with Ed Crane about European hypocrisy on Guantanamo, the Democrats' newest slogan, and an Israeli sex scandal.

Tet's Real Lesson
We have long argued that America's mainstream media--because of what they see as the "lessons of Vietnam"--are actively working to promote American defeat in Iraq. (We gave this theme a lengthy treatment in a talk last November at the Hudson Institute, which later became an essay in the February issue of The American Spectator.) From CNN comes one of the most striking bits of evidence yet that this is the case. This promo for a "CNN exclusive" appears today on the homepage of CNN.com (we've captured it here for posterity as well):

Almost 2,800 Americans have been killed so far in Iraq and one of the most dangerous insurgent opponents is the sniper. CNN has obtained graphic video from the Islamic Army of Iraq, one of the most active insurgent organizations in Iraq, showing its sniper teams targeting U.S. troops. The Islamist Army says it wants talks with the United States and some Islamist Internet postings call for a P.R. campaign aimed at influencing the American public. The video is disturbing to watch but CNN believes the story, shocking as it is, needs to be told.
​

By airing this video, CNN is participating in what it acknowledges is "a P.R. campaign aimed at influencing the American public" in ways favorable to America's enemies. And the network does not even seem to realize what a shocking admission this is.

With the midterm elections less than three weeks away, the media are filled with Tet talk. Here's Simon Hooper, in a commentary that also appears today on CNN.com:

For veteran statesmen such as [James] Baker, the parallels with another era-defining American war must also be striking. In the late 1960s the U.S. military found itself fighting an unwinnable conflict, enduring mounting casualties against a growing chorus of dissent at home--in Vietnam.

On Wednesday [President] Bush himself acknowledged parallels between the current situation in Iraq and the 1968 Tet Offensive--widely considered to be the point when American public opinion turned against the war.
​

As we noted yesterday, Thomas Friedman of the New York Times also drew the analogy in a column whose description of Tet is worth repeating:

Although the Vietcong and Hanoi were badly mauled during Tet, they delivered, through the media, such a psychological blow to U.S. hopes of "winning" in Vietnam that Tet is widely credited with eroding support for President Johnson and driving him to withdraw as a candidate for re-election.
​

Tet, that is, was a military victory for the U.S. that turned into a propaganda victory for the communists because American journalists presented a false picture of what had happened.

The media today are eager to repeat their "success" in Vietnam--and it was a success inasmuch as the media were hugely influential over the course of events. But from a journalistic standpoint it was a gross failure. The real lesson of Vietnam is that journalists got the story wrong. We are not at all convinced that the American people are about to get fooled again.

Life Imitates the Onion

"Iraqi Leaders Call for Moment of Violence During Ramadan"--headline, Onion, Oct. 17

"U.S.: 22 Pct. More Attacks in Ramadan"--headline, Associated Press, Oct. 19​

 

[shepherdboy]

CNN is the real enemy along with most of media. The same was true during the Vietnam conflict. The U.S. media has time and time again put our Armed Forces in mortal danger. The truth of the matter is that most of the news media believes in a ideology of global socialism. Call it liberalism, communism, (insert your own) the fact is that its not a America first ideology. For the most part, it blames the ills of the world on the United States of America. Its an ideology that we can all get along peacefully on the planet with all of mankind, without the need for violence or war. What they fail to realize is that there will always be those who will kill,cheat,steal, and wage war to take what they want in this world. May it be natural resources, leading technology, the control of culture and religion or just to be the number one nation on the planet. Mankind is what he is and history will show the type of being he truly is. Thank God we have an American fighting force that believes in the survival of this country and its way of life.

 

[onedomino]

Leave it to CNN to give 'moral equivalency' in print and sound, but not video. They revel in the deaths of American service men.

This is exactly right. There are very hard feelings between CNN and the US military. Previously, CNN has even hysterically claimed that its reporters and cameramen were deliberate targets of the US military. But I say that CNN does display "moral equivalency." CNN is the moral equivalent of Al Jazeera and they "revel" in it.

 

[T-Bor]

See the problem is you all consider hat tbeing Anti-Iraq war means you are Anti American. Whats so damn bad about seeing whats really going on ? Whats so bad about actually seeing some of the hell these guys are going through ? The terrorists already know they are doing it. What the hell is the big deal if we actually know it too ? Is it that you are so afraid of changing your opinion of this war that you dont want to see some of the real horror that goes on ? Well if you are for this crap and support it you better be able to accept shit like this cause you are the ones who voted for it so now deal with it !!!!!!!!!

 

[Annie]

See the problem is you all consider hat tbeing Anti-Iraq war means you are Anti American. Whats so damn bad about seeing whats really going on ? Whats so bad about actually seeing some of the hell these guys are going through ? The terrorists already know they are doing it. What the hell is the big deal if we actually know it too ? Is it that you are so afraid of changing your opinion of this war that you dont want to see some of the real horror that goes on ? Well if you are for this crap and support it you better be able to accept shit like this cause you are the ones who voted for it so now deal with it !!!!!!!!!

How about, it's just sick to put out video that shows a son or daughter being targeted and killed? Like I said, those that consider themselves 'Americans' should just throw CNN in with BBC, Al Jazeera, etc, as international and give them the time of day they wish? As for me, I'd prefer America first journalism.

 

[T-Bor]

Of course you do. Why would you want to see anything that would possibly make you feel used and lied to by your own govt. I certainly wouldnt.

 

[Hamiltonian]

I've always found that media will go to disturbing ends to attract viewership, but this takes the cake so far.

 

[Annie]

Of course you do. Why would you want to see anything that would possibly make you feel used and lied to by your own govt. I certainly wouldnt.

How about, I don't? Lord knows both the government and MSM have made all of us very aware of the difficulties. In the case of MSM for the most part, they want us to 'cut and run.' CNN took it beyond the pale, that YOU don't get that, I'm not surprised, as you suck. I mean that in the nicest way, of course.

 

[KarlMarx]

See the problem is you all consider hat tbeing Anti-Iraq war means you are Anti American. Whats so damn bad about seeing whats really going on ? Whats so bad about actually seeing some of the hell these guys are going through ? The terrorists already know they are doing it. What the hell is the big deal if we actually know it too ? Is it that you are so afraid of changing your opinion of this war that you dont want to see some of the real horror that goes on ? Well if you are for this crap and support it you better be able to accept shit like this cause you are the ones who voted for it so now deal with it !!!!!!!!!

So, what is the big deal if the soldier being shot was your son, your brother, your father or your best friend?

So what is the big deal if by this coverage, they are giving aid and comfort to the enemy?

You miss the point. We know what is going on in Iraq, the thing that upsets us is that news reporter is passively sitting by and practically participating in the killing of our own soldiers. Since he did nothing to stop it, it's a crime of omission rather than one of commission.... comprende?

I really like the tone of moral supremacy in your post, too. You're so anti-war, you don't seem to care if soldiers are being killed with the participation of a CNN journalist. Just so long as the anti-war propaganda agenda is served!!!!

I wonder.... wouldn't it have been a scream if CNN were around during the Holocaust? Yes, they could have filmed the Nazis herding innocent men, women and children to their deaths. And while the showers were going, they'd have to talk a bit louder in the microphone to compensate for all the screaming.

Yes, live from the crematorium!!! It's CNN Live!!!!

Better yet! Wouldn't it be a scream if CNN videotaped a rape while it was being committed or a child molestation? Yes, that would be fun! Or perhaps a wife beating or filming a bunch of skin heads beating up on gays. So what? It's news! It's protected by the First Amendment!

To paraphrase you "Whats so damn bad about seeing whats really going on ? Whats so bad about actually seeing some of the hell these guys are going through ? The criminals already know they are doing it. What the hell is the big deal if we actually know it too ? "

Reporters can participate in any atrocity or jeopardize national security, so long as they're reporting the news they are totally innocent of any wrong doing! Isn't that First Amendment a wonderful thing? It gives reporters total carte blanche!!!

 

[Avatar4321]

Of course you do. Why would you want to see anything that would possibly make you feel used and lied to by your own govt. I certainly wouldnt.

What an odd comment. No one here is feeling used or lied to by watching this CNN coverage. We feel disgusted with the media.

 

[trobinett]

Alright, the MSM led by CNN, have hit an all time low.

People, other than T-Bor, need to see this?

The American public doesn't live in a vacuum, though, that might be refreshing. We know what death is, we even know what horrible death is. How is showing video of sniper kills news?

I haven't watched CNN since I figured out that Arnet was a enemy agent, and secretly worked to undermine our fight against terror. This just reinforces my decision.

 

[theHawk]

From what I've seen channel surfing through CNN, they seem to be in full gear for the elections. They have special programs dedicated to slam the incumbant politicians (Republicans of course) and strongly encouraging viewers to kick out everyone in washington. And with every new GI death these leeches jump with glee so they can flaunt the numbers and now actual videos of our troops getting killed. The propaganda machine is in high gear for the elections. Being fair to both sides is completely out of the question, its all about restoring power to liberals.

 

[insein]

Of course you do. Why would you want to see anything that would possibly make you feel used and lied to by your own govt. I certainly wouldnt.

Of course i feel lied to by my government when the FUCKING ENEMY SENDS THEIR PROPAGANDA VIDEO TO OUR MEDIA TO BE ECHOED FOR USEFUL IDIOTS LIKE YOURSELF!!!

Isnt it at all disturbing to you that the terrorist goal and your Goal are the same. Get American troops out of Iraq and Aghanistan and declare an American Defeat?

So if in WW2, Hitler sent one of his numerous propaganda videos over to an American news outlet showing the sniping of our soldiers by Nazi troops, we as an American people would have then decided to cut and run from the fight because our government lied to us about fighting an enemy that wants to kill us? I must've missed it when they told us "we will go over and fight and no one will die. We'll just have a dance-off to decide who wins."

Your logic is probably the most assinine logic in human existence.

 

[theHawk]

Of course you do. Why would you want to see anything that would possibly make you feel used and lied to by your own govt. I certainly wouldnt.

You were lied to and used by the government? How so?

 

[Dr Grump]

kinda sad that after 1/2 hour only 3 people have read this.[/url]

Maybe it ain't that much of a story. Is CNN showing the videos online or on their station? BTW, it is American, just like BBC world is English/British...

 

[Annie]

Maybe it ain't that much of a story. Is CNN showing the videos online or on their station? BTW, it is American, just like BBC world is English/British...

Gee, the numbers went up, thanks for playing!

 

[UnAmericanYOU]

Bet some here know mucho about BBC.

This story's propoganda, allright. Why? Well:

A CNN executive said Thursday the network's effort to present the "unvarnished truth" about the Iraq war led it to televise portions of a video that shows insurgent snipers targeting U.S. military personnel

Okay, "unvarnished truth", then:

CNN could not determine the identity of any of the sniper victims,

Here's some old-fashioned MSM compassion:

CNN understood that some critics might find that the tape had public relations benefits for the insurgency, Doss wrote.

"We also understood that this kind of footage is upsetting and disturbing for many viewers," he said. "But after getting beyond the emotional debate, we concluded the tape meets our criteria for newsworthiness."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061020/ap_en_tv/tv_cnn_snipers_2

It's newswothy, why?

The propaganda machine is in high gear for the elections. Being fair to both sides is completely out of the question, its all about restoring power to liberals.

That's the unvarnished truth.

 

[Dr Grump]

Gee, the numbers went up, thanks for playing!

I aim to please...

 

[USMCDevilDog]

So, what is the big deal if the soldier being shot was your son, your brother, your father or your best friend?

So what is the big deal if by this coverage, they are giving aid and comfort to the enemy?

You miss the point. We know what is going on in Iraq, the thing that upsets us is that news reporter is passively sitting by and practically participating in the killing of our own soldiers. Since he did nothing to stop it, it's a crime of omission rather than one of commission.... comprende?

I really like the tone of moral supremacy in your post, too. You're so anti-war, you don't seem to care if soldiers are being killed with the participation of a CNN journalist. Just so long as the anti-war propaganda agenda is served!!!!

I wonder.... wouldn't it have been a scream if CNN were around during the Holocaust? Yes, they could have filmed the Nazis herding innocent men, women and children to their deaths. And while the showers were going, they'd have to talk a bit louder in the microphone to compensate for all the screaming.

Yes, live from the crematorium!!! It's CNN Live!!!!

Better yet! Wouldn't it be a scream if CNN videotaped a rape while it was being committed or a child molestation? Yes, that would be fun! Or perhaps a wife beating or filming a bunch of skin heads beating up on gays. So what? It's news! It's protected by the First Amendment!

To paraphrase you "Whats so damn bad about seeing whats really going on ? Whats so bad about actually seeing some of the hell these guys are going through ? The criminals already know they are doing it. What the hell is the big deal if we actually know it too ? "

Reporters can participate in any atrocity or jeopardize national security, so long as they're reporting the news they are totally innocent of any wrong doing! Isn't that First Amendment a wonderful thing? It gives reporters total carte blanche!!!

Good shit bro. Nice point. I think it's funny how people can sit here and say it's ok to watch this shit when if we put up a video of someone being raped or molested it'd be way too much for TV and wrong to show. Go back home you hypocritical fuck heads. CNN is such a cock sucking orginization.