The other day I noted that the Albuquerque Journal was, probably unconsciously, hyping the Iraqi elections via headline. It is only fiar to mention that the Albuquerque Tribune does the same today; its headline reads: "A Key Test of Democracy."
Who says so? On what basis?
The CBS Evening News follwoed suit, moments ago, by virtue of having Dan Rather report live from Baghdad. Hey, if Dan is there this must be a big step toward Mideast democracy, right?
That is what the White House wants us to believe. Now, the story is not unimportant. But when the press devotes this much space, time and prominence it becomes the bearer of the White House's tidings. I thought that was Fox's job.
Where is the reminder that elections do not equal democracy? Or that the elections won't end the insurgency? (Fer gosh sakes, President Bush said that on radio today!)
Journalism is a form of show biz these days and it is hard to resist writing headlines that sing, that raise emotions, that purport to put an event in historical context. But resistance would be serve readers and viewers better.