Originally posted by: Bowfinger
With all due respect burnedout, I think the "BS" is these continuing attacks on CBS. Did you read their story? What did they get wrong?
CBS mentions that the mass e-mail campaign is worrying parents. The messages may be bogus, but the concern they cause is real. Parents are worried. Does CBS feed that fear? No. They contacted Bush and Kerry, reporting that both camps deny any interest in reinstating the draft.
So what's the problem?
Hi. I have many problems with report. In fact, I read the piece twice and compared the published version with the broadcast version prior to posting the earlier reply. Have you a few moments and an objective mind? Alrighty then, let us proceed.
Firstly, why the difference in the report on the website and the broadcast version? A video of the
original report is available for viewing at various places around the web and strangely, this statement - "Beverly Cocco is so concerned she is involved with the organization 'People Against the Draft'." - is
conspicuously absent from the broadcasted version. Would this statement have changed the overall tone of the report? Maybe, maybe not. However, knowing cause and effect certainly assists the audience in
arriving at a more informed conclusion.
Secondly, why the focus on one single family? Why aren't we presented with an opposing view from those
living under similar circumstances as to whether or not
they actually hold the same belief that selective service could materialize? The audience finds itself provided with only one example. Why such a
narrow focus?
Thirdly, why isn't the viewer presented with opinion effectively
debunking the e-mail myth? Why no detailed analysis of the e-mail messages themselves? Furthermore, why no mention of the bills in congress; both of which were sponsored by Democrats for the apparent sake of symbolism? If I'm not mistaken, reinstatement of the "draft" requires approval by Congress. Why is there no mention of such approval?
Fourthly, both the viewer and reader of both versions can observe many troubling inconsistencies.
And the machinery for a draft is already in place: all men have to register when they turn 18.
Why no mention of the fact that registration for selective service has existed since at least the time when I first enlisted in the Army
twenty-four years ago? And what really irks me the most, why the differences in reality?
From the Selective Service website:
"Almost all male U.S. citizens, and male aliens living in the U.S., who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service."
Yet the report, both in broadcast and print version, flatly states the following:
"This time, Martin says there would be no long deferments for college students and a lot more people could be eligible for the draft than before: men and women ages 18 to 26 could be called up."
Since when are women in this country required to register for selective service? When was the last time our nation conscripted women?
Lastly, from a pragmatic standpoint, is a draft really required? Where are the recruiting statistics? We know some components of the National Guard and Reserves will likely experience a shortfall this fiscal
year. However, active duty components are on glide to meet enlistment goals.
In conclusion, to me, this report amounts to little more than fearmongering, accented by inaccuracies, and projects a half-hearted attempt at critical inquiry. For this reason, one therefore finds my criticism so harsh; particularly in light of this network's most recent history.
In effect, like any other producer of goods and services, "See BS" also assumes the role of a "producer".
The organization purportedly manufactures a product we commonly refer to as "news". And like any other good or service, such as automobiles, fast food, clothing, yard work, house painting, etc., criticism should not only be expected but also encouraged.
We all have our own opinions regarding various individuals or entities. You have your own misgivings about President Bush, which I both respect and and even invite. On the other hand, my current disgust centers around journalism; especially older, more traditional forms of journalism engaging in advocacy while ignoring established policies and widely-published facts.