Re: sniper case... Do you think USA today shows too much information?

[zakatak]

Last time I got offended was when USA today (online) showed how to make a smart-bomb. Ummm... should we be explaining this to people?

Now... they show exactly how the sniper used his car to conceal himself. Call me crazy, but why are we putting simple instructions out on the internet (where the crazies live) on how to conceal yourself and kill people?

I know we have the freedom of speech, but... I do think that the newspapers take this a bit far. I, for one, would have been satisfied as to the fact that he used his car to cover himself when he shot. I'd feel much safer if this information WAS NOT out on the internet so that any other copycat psycho could basically copycat it!

Anyone else feel that the newspapers have gone a tad bit "sensational" and reveal too much information that could harm us?

I like the ones about the airports still not beeing secure. That's comforting to let out! I think that papers should say," The airports are so secure that you terrorists shouldn't even bother!!"

Just some thoughts for a Friday morning,
Karen

 

[snoopy]

Best not to get me started this morning, I've been ranting about this very thing all morning.

I'll just say I agree, Karen.

 

[honeywolf7]

I agree that they've gone too far (even though I also agree that it's their right to do so...just because it's your right doesn't make it RIGHT.)

 

[EROS]

Where's STALIN when we need him???? He wouldn't let any of that trash be printed ........

 

[Dan Murphy]

The media is always looking for viewers, any way it can, at anybody's expense.

 

[EROS]

I "love" the graphics which show the step-by-step procedures for lethal injections. The Hang 'Em High club members just salivate over that stuff ............

 

[AMClvsMKY]

I was thinking the very same thing the other day when they were showing how the sniper used a silencer to minimize the sound and amount of "fire" so he could keep hidden better and keep his location secret. I know alot of people know about silencers but this went into such detail, detail that didn't really need to be shown on t.v.

 

[tedsmom]

Oh EROS, the melodrama in your STALIN response is actually laughable . Do you actually think that there is any remote similarity between the United States and what happened under Stalin? I mean really! If you're going to attempt to make comparisons, at least try and make them remotely plausible for crying out loud!

To try and give a thoughtful reply to initial question...yes, I do think there are times when the media gives out too much information. It is the price we pay for living in a free society, so I guess we have to learn to live with it. I do wish that some of the members of the media would learn to use some common sense and discretion when it came to reporting certain things. Unfortunately common sense isn't so common and discretion is pretty much non-existent in our culture today.

 

[WillyJ]

I haven't seen what they printed so I can't comment on that specific issue. .

But in general let me say we live in a society where we make certain trade-offs. It does seem to me that since the OJ Simpson trial the main stream media has adopted more of a tabloid approach to reporting that at times is highly irresponsible and disgusting. But that kind of stuff is something that's going to happen in a free society, and it's much better then having a government entity telling the media what they can and cannot say. . .

We as consumers do have some control though. . . letters to USA Today and a boycott of their product would get the message across, and once their profit margin is afffected, they would likely be more careful about what they print. .

 

[tedsmom]

Good point willyj...the bottom line gets attention!

 

[Deb in IA]

I'll take the opposite approach.

The specific example cited was the graphic showing how the sniper modified the back seat of the Chevy Caprice to become a "sniper's den". The assertion is that this was TOO MUCH INFORMATION to be put on TV.

I would argue that those person's who are really into this type of activity could certainly find information on other sources -- particularly over the Internet, including similar diagrams and instructions. After all, you can find just about ANYTHING on the Web these days . . .

And also, one could see some of the modifications that were broadcast, and maybe be on the lookout for any other similar cars, perhaps even averting a similar tragedy in the future.

Just another veiwpoint.