The American Spectator

Reader Mail

Why Knot?

11.26.03 @ 12:01AM

(Page 3 of 3)

For the purposes of political calculation, David Brooks is ahead of the curve. In the next 20 years, or, perhaps as early as the next decade, this issue is going to rapidly favor the Dems. The GOP needs to show a little leg here and there while still keeping the dying religious right happy -- not an easy task, but not impossible. As for morality, he is right on the money. Conservatives need to let this one go.
-- Dale R. Mader
Springfield , Missouri

WITHOUT IRONY
Re: William Tucker's Trial Lawyer on Trial:

I thought the author of Profiles In Courage was Theodore Sorensen, not Kennedy.
-- Gwen Itskowitz

FOX HOLES
Re: Paul Beston's Garbage Time:

Finally, a voice of reason that must be read rather than heard. Fox may have been the focal point of Mr. Beston's column, but all of the 24-hour news stations are the iceberg that sank common sense. The gossip rot that once was relegated to the Hedda Hoppers of the world are now front and center. Actually reporting of news and global events are available to those only with computer access.
-- Ellen Weisbord
Havertown, Pennsylvania

Mr. Beston was more than a little unfair in his claim that Fox News lacks coverage of the troops in the Middle East and Asia. Just last week, for example, during prime time the network broadcast Geraldo Rivera interviewing soldiers in Afghanistan, then switched to another Fox correspondent talking with soldiers in Iraq. It may not have been enough coverage in Mr. Beston's estimation, and that's reasonable enough, but it certainly outclasses that of any other television news source.

As to the Fox coverage of the Jackson, Bryant and Peterson cases, I agree with Mr. Beston; it is excessive, although no more than any other cable network. But it is important to remember that at the end of the day Fox is a commercial news organization. It cannot serve as an effective counterweight to the leftist bent of it network and cable competitors if it doesn't earn enough money to stay in business. That is why they have to cover these stories.

I also think that his attack on Sean Hannity was over-the-top. While Mr. Hannity may get a bit confrontational with guests, it is generally not with those who merely disagree with him, but with those who dodge his questions with evasive answers and mealy-mouthed responses. He has no patience with cowardly, dishonest people. Good for him.
-- Paul DeSisto
Cedar Grove, New Jersey

Mr. Beston properly castigates Mr. Hannity, Mr. O'Reilly, and Ms. Van Susteren at FOX News and I concur in his opinion and reasoning. However, he does not go far enough. He fails to include Mr. Cavuto. If Mr. Cavuto were to ever let a guest express a complete thought in more than sound bite form, I would probably have a heart attack. Mr. Cavuto doesn't have the time to give to the guests, since he has to save time for the latest Victoria Secret video and for the e-mails extolling his wonderfulness and sexiness.

Mr. Beston also fails to mention the "panel" that seem to be obligatory on FOX shows. Particularly on the Cavuto and Van Susteren shows. These panels" are a constant dose of supposed experts yelling, screeching, interrupting each other, and generally exhibiting their expertness in being rude and un-civil.

The true shame of it all is that one must either tolerate these insipid traits at FOX or endure the consistent and constant Liberal propaganda on the other networks. I do not wish to go back to the 24/7 war coverage on FOX, but I do wish that there would be a more realistic balance among the varied news items available on any given day. Oh, and where are all the retired military talking heads that I grew to so appreciate on FOX during their 24/7 war coverage. We could do with more of them and fewer "expert panels."
-- Ken Shreve
New Hampshire

Thank you for the critique of Fox news and its lack of coverage. I find its lack of coverage of the 911 commission to be even more egregious, especially on the part of O'Reilly, who initiated that touching crusade on the part of the victims. He evidently doesn't care much about avoiding another 911, as evidenced by his inaction. Hopefully, another opportunity for him to play the pseudo-hero again, will not surface. But if we have yet to determine what failures, if any, led to that tragic day, then there are few assurances that it won't happen again.
-- James D. Willett

Thanks for recognizing shallow and empty reporting. They think by putting a "pretty face" to deliver what could be considered "trash" is Fair and Balanced. Keep up the good work, but what about CNN, MSNBC, and the rest, whom have never questioned why the troops are over there in the first place. I hope this email doesn't put me on the FBI watch list. Peace,
-- unsigned

Well done. Hopefully editors at Fox will do some soul searching.
-- Mike in Alaska

SHAME
Re: James Bovard's My Best $2 Cigar Cutter Ever:

"A gentleman, likely of Middle Eastern origin, asked why the U.S. should not also go after other terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. I answered that these groups have not attacked the U.S."

Startlingly ignorant. Beirut, 1983. Tell it to the Marines, Mr. Bovard.
-- Jed L. Babbin

Letter to the Editor

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