In the News: Boston Bombing Suspect Caught

[rabid1st]

Anyone who knows me knows I'm not a fan of the US 24-hour Media outlets. I try my best not to watch their relentless propaganda extravaganzas. But, I happened to be awake last night at 1:30 am, when news about the shoot-out was breaking and I did get sucked into the drama of it all. As it played out in real time from 1:30 to 4:30, it became obvious that we were looking at crimes committed by the bombers. I must say that MSNBC did a credible job of coverage, controlling most of their speculation. There were one or two guys who had obvious agendas...one that kept going on about Al-Queda connections, and one that kept insisting the police would shoot the suspect in the head with a firestorm of bullets as soon as they found him.

But mostly this was an efficient operation, carried out on two suspects who have, as yet, unknown motives. And mostly, the news shows reported actual news. Due process is going to be circumnavigated briefly, it appears. I am torn about that. On the one hand, I think there could well be reasons to question someone like this without a lawyer present. On the other hand, as an American, I firmly believe in due process for every criminal under the law. Even those criminals that are so warped by evil that they commit horrendous acts. My understanding is that the waiving of Miranda rights is temporary and that everything will be admissible in court, but anytime we try someone in the media, I do lament the loss of American values. And on that point, kudos to the officer at the press conference who said "It is always our goal to take suspects in alive." That, to my way of thinking, is a true American.

Comments

[rabid1st.livejournal.com]

I agree, Suze! The law enforcement agencies did a great job. I admired them even more for the way they all avoided hyperbole and the temptations held out to them by the media to incite hysteria. They kept the media in check, which could have been very important, if it turns out that the suspect had a smart phone of some kind. There are some who say he updated his Facebook while on the run. Of course, I wonder if that IS his Facebook page. But, with today's technology it is easy to monitor what is happening on the news from a mobile device. And, to the credit of law enforcement, every one of them rejected media speculation and instead urged the second suspect to surrender peacefully.

As you say, they definitely want more information, from him. But, I think when the world is watching, it is better for our nation to behave in a civilized fashion. Yes, I am looking at you G.W. Bush!