Debasing words, stripping them of their true meaning, and then twisting them into new definitions, is one of the hallmarks of propaganda.  Devoid of arguments, terrified of opposition that seems to be strengthening, some fling about selected words and phrases irresponsibly. Recently liberals have employed this tactic, invoking the aura of Nazis against their opponents. A prime example is the repellant Bush = Hitler paradigm.  (Tellingly, the horrors of Communism, especially under Stalin, are never mentioned, apparently under the belief that the system and dictator were just fine.) Not only is this shockingly wrong, it trivializes the true evil of Nazism and Hitler.
 
But now this tactic is being used by those who prominently employ words, theoretically accurately —— Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings.   Low key support for their colleague Dan Rather, in public at least, is to be expected. After all, his recent debacle reflects poorly on all anchors.  With viewership down on the evening news broadcasts, as strong competition from all news channels and other sources increases, the godlike influence of all anchors is questioned.
 
As a result, Brokaw and Jennings and their acolytes have lost their cool.  They've accused the truth seekers —— and finders —— of distortion.  Still thinking they control the flow of news, Brokaw accused those who discovered the Rathergate fraud of attempting to "demonize" CBS and poor Dan Rather. To be sure, there has been some harsh criticism leveled. But consider the magnitude of the CBS offense. And consider the magnificent truth—checking capacity developed by the internet bloggers. Since when is discovering and publicizing the truth demonization?  Isn't that the lofty goal of journalists?  Or does he mean only mainstream media can report the truth?
 
Tom, it was Dan Rather and CBS who attempted to demonize the President of the United States using faulty information.  That is, to use your term, "highly inappropriate." Frankly, it is your insecurities that are showing, as you demonize the new media for discovering the truth and doing so in ways you deem "inappropriate."  The bloggers used "factual information," and Rather didn't.  You have a problem with that?
 
Apparently Brokaw does have a problem with it, as he frantically continues to lash out, comparing bloggers' tactics with the worst word he can think of —— jihad.  Jihad!  Jihad is a holy war against infidels, those who are not true believers. Any and all tactics are permissible. And apparently truth telling and disseminating information by non—mainstream media is a form of jihad according to Brokaw.
 
According to this report, Tom Brokaw is leaving his nightly newscast December 1.  Maybe he ought to consider early retirement.

Ethel C. Fenig  10 04 04