Rants and Ramblings: random commentary about culture, media, politics, technology and whatnot.

live tv war

CNN just ran a field report about a Marine squad in Nasiriya who were trying to recover the bodies of fellow soldiers. A compelling story, to be true. But I wonder about the appropriateness of constant camera shots of covered bodies, and of a small group of Marines saying a prayer over the bodies of their fallen comrades.

Then they ran another odd report about Chris Collins, a Marine pilot in Iraq, and his family back at home. CNN profiled Collins, who had just returned from a mission, then interviewed his parents. They followed the taped segment with a videophone interview between anchor Aaron Brown and Collins, then orchestrated this bizarre “family reunion” via satellite between Collins and his parents. Collins talked into the videophone, while his parents, watching him on television, were filmed by a CNN crew at their home in Connecticut.

On another war-related note, the U.S. government today warned Syria and Iran against giving material support to the Iraqi government. Ever the statesman, it was Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld who delivered the message at a press conference. (Why it was Rumsfeld who made the statement and not someone from the State Department is beyond me.) But at least Rumsfeld is showing a little self-restraint — When asked if this warning was a sign of possible future military action against Syria, Rumsfeld refused to comment.

I am saying exactly what I said. It was carefully phrased.

Ah … the joys of CNN diplomacy.