Independent News and Analysis
08/07/03 - When the Words "No, Sir" Dominate the News

It is August, the President is on vacation, and so is the mainstream media -- well, maybe not the 500 journalists who brought us the earth-shaking coverage of yesterday's Kobe Bryant hearing, but the people making the decisions certainly seem to be. Let's look at the stories currently gaining the most attention--the aforementioned Kobe Bryant case, rumors of terrorist plots, and a new report that says distracted drivers get in more crashes. While focusing on these stories, the media has ignored a number of stories that actually matter. The military has confirmed using firebombs in Iraq, John Ashcroft is going on a tour to promote the Victory Act (Vital Interdiction of Criminal Terrorist Organizations Act) that will increase government surveillance powers, and nobody has reported President Bush's connections to the Saudis in relation to the censored pages in the 9/11 report. There is certainly not a lack of news to report.

Common Dreams: Officials Confirm Dropping Firebombs on Iraqi Troops

Greg Palast: Bush and the Saudis Sittin' in a Tree...

Working for Change: Saudi secrets are safe with Bush

NY Daily News: Ashcroft tour to Plug Terror Bill