(no subject)

[my_window_seat]

I just heard on NPR that the offices of Al Jazeera, the major independent media outlet in Iraq, have been shut down for the next month because they aren't currently portraying Iraq and it's interim government in a positive light. The shut down is supposed to last for a month, to 'give them time to think about their actions.'

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/A3BF4F15-97CC-4B0B-BAFE-55A1CB3D859F.htm

Am I the only one who feels complete incredulity and a sense of mounting dread at the thought that we are no longer limited to manipulating and twisting our own media, but now have the hubris to extend that kind of - of - nazi-like, revisinistic, bullshit arm-twistting overseas?

Because yeah, I do think we (our government) have something to do with this.

Seriously.

I'm fucking freaked out.

Not that that's a newsflash or anything...

Comments

[ex-feralnerd135.livejournal.com]

This is kind of a tough one... from what I've heard, they were openly praising acts of rebellion against the new government. Even with freedom of the press, encouraging rebels that your nation is officially at war with, isnt going to be accepted by ANY government on the planet.

If Al jazeera could only fucking tone down their rhetoric, they could be an effective force in saving what is left of the culture in Iraq. Instead theyre being so openly hostile that NOONE is going to hear their message.

I get what youre saying though, looks REAL free. Very free speech in that new democracy, yep.

[my-window-seat.livejournal.com]

Interesting.

I hadn't been reading them in the last few weeks.

That's what I get for shooting off my mouth about stuff I'm poorly informed about.

I knew there was a reason why I usually stay under that nice, safe, warm rock...

[ex-feralnerd135.livejournal.com]

My sources were only word of mouth, I could be wrong you know.