I thought the way some right wing bloggers and radio talk show hosts reacted to the Jill Carroll release was simply abominable, but I was surprised to see a very similar reaction to the FOX News journalists. I wonder how these Keyboard Kommandos and Limbaughs would act if they were kidnapped. Here's the video that offends them so.
Allahpundit from Malkin's HotAir starts us off:
"Update: He’s been through hell, so of course he gets a pass. But I don’t mind telling you that these photos of Centanni gazing adoringly at Haniyeh are making me ill."
Some comment reactions from HotAir:
I certainly hope that the U.S. Govt. takes appropriate measures to isolate and cut off all external funding to the Hamas thugs who call themselves the Palestinian government. Those murderers need to learn that bad acts have bad consequences.
As for Centanni, he should be immediately fired from Fox News. I base my view not on the video here, but what he has said since his release, under no duress whatsoever. Let him seek employment with the Islamo-Nazi loving BBC or Al Gaziera.
That's a very nice comment, indeed. There's more:
They have a problem now. Those who are thinking that the two can simply go back to the way things were before do not understand Islam. A renounce will be considered a chance to issue the Fatwah on them dontcha know. But then again, as a confirmed Christian, I would likely have to end up beheaded in the same situation. Christ said, “Do not deny me.” Does anybody remember that Italian who told the islamofascists, “Let me show you how an Italian dies!”
The members of our modern Culture of Death are extremely afraid of death when it comes to their own hides. A deal with the devil is a deal with the devil. It appears that the secularists and humanists can only talk the talk, don’t expect them to walk the walk.
So the journalists were supposed to let themselves be beheaded? Others said they need just a little time to be given so "let's give them a pass for now" because Centanni hugged Haniyeh. A pass from what? Since these FOX News journalists can't be used as a propoganda tool they are attacked, their motives questioned, and even their mental health examined:
Debbie Schlussel: "Once a Muslim, Always a . . .: Does FOX News Reporter Have Stockholm Syndrome?"
"Centanni is said to be very pro-Palestinian prior to his kidnapping, and his comments after his captivity don't help: . . . It needs to be repeated that so many Americans captured by Muslims--including Arab and Muslim Americans in Iraq--have met slaughter and beheading. And yet apparently pro-Islamist journalists, like Jill Carroll and reportedly Steve Centanni, are released to freedom. It's troubling that if you have a certain point of view AND job (ie., reporter) that will help support that point of view, only you get to live. The rest meet certain slaughter."
Power Line's post says: What's wrong with this picture? (see above photo)
Among other things, Steve Centanni had this to say upon his release yesterday at the love-in with the Hamas leader and Palestinian Authority Prime Minister [emphasis added]
I just hope this never scares a single journalist away from coming to Gaza to cover this story because the Palestinian people are very beautiful, kind-hearted, loving people who the world need to know more about and so do not be discouraged. Come and tell the story. It's a wonderful story. I'm just happy to be here. Thanks for all your support.
What was he supposed to do in their presence while he was still waiting to be able to go home? Denounce and insult them?
The Corner wasn't pleased either:
Instead, they emphasized how important it is that journalists not be discouraged from covering Gaza from “telling the story of the Palestinian people.” Is the mission of Fox’s London bureau to tell the story of the British people?” Do reporters cover the White House in order to tell President Bush’s story?
RUSH: One more thing about Steve Centanni and Olaf Wiig. I just have to make this observation. They asked for privacy. The moment they were released, they asked for privacy. "No, no, don't ask any questions. Give us time to be with our families. Give us time to regroup," and the media said, "Oh, okay," and backed out of the way. Even during their captivity, the media was saying, do not press this, do not make an issue. Downplay this, we don't want to exacerbate the tensions. Fine, fine. In fact, I happen to agree that's the way to do this, but do you think if I had been the one kidnapped they would have agreed to my requests?
"Hey, you know, don't exacerbate this. Don't start trying to find me. Don't. Just leave me alone. We'll work this out," and then if I happen to be released, or any of us, do you think when we ask for privacy... "Come on! Get the microphones and cameras out of here! I just got out. I want to see my family!" Do you think they would accede to our requests, or anybody else's? Ask John Mark Karr. Of course, that pervert probably wants this kind of attention, but it's just amazing. It's a totally different procedure and behavior when a member of the media happens to be involved in one of these circumstances.
First of all, Roger Ailes of FOX News asked the media to be silent on this abduction:
KURTZ: Right. I'm told that FOX News chairman Roger Ailes initially called the heads of the other networks, the news divisions, and asked them not to overplay the story, so as not to interfere with the quiet negotiations for their release. But in recent days, the relatives of both men had made televised appeals and it became more of a story.
In Limbaugh's world, these journalists are not entitled to any privacy after being terrorized. It's all about him.
Glenn Greenwald says:
But are they really going to continue to provide platforms to people like Hinderaker who explicitly justify violent attacks on journalists due to animosity towards their employers over the content of their journalism?
Unfortunately the media will continue and are glad to give them that platform. Atrios, Greenwald and I constantly point out that these people are not your friends and have no respect for what you do unless you think and act precisely as they feel you should under ALL circumstances.
(written on 8/28/06)
