Why Can't Everybody Just Shut Up?

About the Beltway Sniper, I mean.

About a half-hour ago, I sat down for a few minutes in front of the TV, while I ate a bowl of cereal. I was watching FOX News, and all the news, of course, was the latest attack by the Beltway Sniper about 6:00 this morning. (God have mercy on the victim and bless those caring for him now.)

Apparently, nothing else is happening anywhere in the Solar System that's newsworthy.

I gather that the authorities received what may be some kind of note from the perpetrator(s). FOX News presented the obligatory commentary from experts. Two experts, one after the other. The first thought the attack this morning was some kind of "message" from the sniper indicating that he was serious about the demands he supposedly made in the alleged note. The second thought the attack this morning was some kind of "message" from the sniper indicating that he had nothing to do with the alleged note supposedly from him.

Within the space of five minutes, two "experts" gave opinions diametrically opposed to each other. I suppose one could call that "fair and balanced". One could also call it "useless".

And there's something I have been wondering about: would the media be so obsessed with these shootings if they had happened in the vicinity of, say, Lower Groundhog Burrow, Montana? Or is this news more "important" because the shootings are happening in the 'Burbs?

Lane Core Jr. CIW P — Tue. 10/22/02 10:03:41 AM
Categorized as Media.