A round-up of ‘rush to judgment,’ ‘kangaroo court’ negative media coverage of the Tariq Mehanna case, from a leftist editorial written for a Baltimore newspaper:
The New York Times headlined, “Mass. Man Arrested in Terrorism Case….The authorities said he had conspired to attack civilians at a shopping mall, American soldiers abroad and two members of the executive branch of the federal government.”
AP called Mehanna “an Incompetent Wannabe” and practically accused him of “plotting to shoot up a mall, kill US troops fighting overseas, and assassinate US officials” here at home;
Fox News highlighted the alleged plot, called Mehanna “Defiant in Court,” and said he was only foiled by being “unable to get into terror camps for training and failed to get access to automatic weapons;”
the Wall Street Journal headlined the “Plots to Shoot Up Mall, Kill Federal Officials” by a man “out on bail (from an earlier unsubstantiated charge and) awaiting trial;”
the Washington Post reported about the: “Massachusetts man arrested on terror charges” (for) conspiring to support terrorists by seeking training from Islamic extremist fighters overseas….”
Time magazine offered a “two-minute bio” about an “Alleged US Terrorist….plann(ing) to carry out a ‘violent jihad’ by killing US politicians, (and) attack(ing) US shopping malls;”
the Christian Science Monitor headlined how the “FBI traced Tarek Mehanna in his quest to become a jihadi” and practically accused him of “try(ing) to become a terrorist for eight years following the 9/11 attacks….”
The editorialist, Stephen Lendman, writes, “Whenever Muslims are charged, the dominant media provides support without ever questioning the legitimacy of accusations. As a result, innocent victims are vilified. They’re presumed guilty unless proved innocent. Fear is instilled in the public, while law enforcement officials are portrayed as public defenders, working to keep us safe from bad guys.”
Buzz and I have been discussing media coverage of the Mehanna case here.
buzz 2:49 pm on October 26, 2009 Permalink |
I am looking on google news at headlines for Mehanna and the words that keep coming up are “alleged,” “suspect” and “accused.” Sounds balanced to me. Typical of accused bank robbers, embezzlers and other criminals.
I don’t think the fringe muslim bunker mentality in the United States is particularly necessary or valid. There are plenty of places to go if you want to hate/fear the government. You shoud show a little gratitude that you can openly practice your faith here instead of complaining.`
buzz 2:56 pm on October 26, 2009 Permalink |
It is a testimony to the greatness of the American system of government that the worst of the worst conditions has come and gone (9-11, fear and hysteria, Bush Administration) and Muslims in America, by and large, have suffered little as a consequence.
Americans have become an increasingly selfish and fragmented population. Everyone wants an award, a tax break and a litany of complaints about how they are oppressed.
Among the freedoms you have is the freedom to leave.
buzz 2:59 pm on October 26, 2009 Permalink |
And no collective responsibility at all. As if this whole country was specifically created for one individual: You. Ironically, that is not far from the truth. But when you steal, or kill or plan to kill and allegedly plan to kill, unfortunately, there have to be consequences.
Even for Muslims.
buzz 3:21 pm on October 26, 2009 Permalink |
“You” in the abstract. Not you specifically John. Sorry. Needed to clarify my rant.