What Media Credibility? (Page 3 of 3)

He didn’t have to. Within 48 hours, second interesting thing: Bush backed away. “We’re not saying it’s the government of Iran,” he said, finally showing a little capacity for face-saving, “but some factions in Iran.” Of course, we did say it was the government of Iran. Secretary Gates was explicit about that.

Our media let him get by with it, too. They gave him a pass. That’s why I think we need these standards—we need to hold the media accountable so the media will do its job and hold the politicians accountable. We need to expect more of the pretty boys and girls who smile on the nightly news and pass on, unexamined, the verbiage of the politicos who got us into the Iraq mess and have no idea how to get us out.

It was Putin who called Bush on it. That’s what it has come to. We are heading for another Cold War (if we are lucky enough to keep it cold), and it is our own fault. If we don’t hold our leaders accountable, the world is putting us on notice, it will do it.

So, folks, it doesn’t look good. The hawks in the Administration want to take on Iran. Some of them feel they have nothing to lose, and they’re willing to sacrifice the sons and daughters of the country; others have persuaded themselves there are reasons for doing it, and just like in Iraq, they aren’t troubling themselves with any sort of reality check, no what-if planning, no restraint of any kind.

The media appears to be ready to roll over for them, too. The White House spokesman is one of the boys, Tony Snow. Rumsfeld’s arrogance has been replaced by a more genteel warrior, Gates. We’ve got new generals in the field. Give them a chance.

It is a dangerous time. If you love your country, or if you just want to leave a better world for your children, it’s time to get off the couch and do something. Fly your flag upside down. Write to your Senators. Pray for a soldier’s family. Take a pledge of nonviolence. Learn something about Iran. I’m not suggesting you do all of these things—I’m suggesting you start with these things and go on to create your own list. Talk to some friends about what else you can do—together, you’ll come up with even better ideas.

My friend Kevin said last week, “I think back to four years ago and I wish I’d done more to try and stop it.” He was thinking about 60,000+ dead. But Kevin wasn’t wallowing in guilt, he was measuring his resolve to do act. Four years from now, we’ll all be looking back, if we’re lucky. What will you do that you can be proud of?