Shortly after 10:00 this morning, as I was watching my usual channel of choice - CNN, a "breaking news" announcement was made. The morning anchors appeared to be perplexed at times, but they were reporting what they were hearing from the police bands and other outlets.The report was that there was a boat on the Potomac River, near the Memorial bridge, being chased by the Coast Guard. Then there was a report of "shots possibly being fired" which led into "10 rounds of ammunition had been fired at this boat."
CNN stated a couple of times, that it was a developing story and they had reporters digging for all information. Calls were made to the Coast Guard and they were told there was "no immediate information." Now, that would make me wonder!!
Turns out this was AN EXERCISE, by the Coast Guard, which they state has been done at least four times a week for quite some time. DUH?!?! I also wonder about that, if so, why weren't there the same questions and reporting on those many days???
To pull such a stunt - and I mean that - on SEPTEMBER 11th - a day of mourning and remembrance goes beyond the pale. Our president travelled over that Memorial Bridge shortly before this "exercise" on his way to a Memorial Service at the Pentagon for those lost on 9/11/01.
The F.B.I., U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, and news agencies were NOT notified of any such activity. Local emergency operations centers were also in the dark. Washington's Reagan Airport was shut down for over 20 minutes. WTF is wrong with those in charge at the Coast Guard.
CNN is taking a lot of flak over the reporting - but in my mind, I would rather be proven wrong than to ignore their stupidity (the Coast Guards).
Yes, we have to be vigilant. I believe CNN was doing just that. As soon as the truth of the situation was made available, it was clarified by the anchors and all was well. But I say this should never have happened in the first place, especially on THIS DAY!
CNN didn't fukk up - the U.S. Coast Guard had the major gaffe on this one!!
Don't forget to pop over to Past The Velvet Rope - and check out this weeks winners and losers!!
Hope everyone has a great weekend, and I shall return.....later.......
4 comments:
The thing is, the CNN journalists have the same responsibility to check the facts before reporting. This jump to film and speculation is not proper news reporting. It is a form of gossip and is irresponsible.
Thus sayeth the Jounalism major!
Another instance of bad timing, first, the fly by the Air Force did to take pictures earlier this year and now the CG having firing practice. But the media needs to take a chill pill in this too! Next, the price of gas will go up because of this. Just jokin, don't panic now.
Yeah, I gotta blame the Coast Guard, too. How the hell do you not take Sept. 11 off?
Another instance of bad timing, first, the fly by the Air Force did to take pictures earlier this year and now the CG having firing practice.
Somebody's got a tin ear/eye, fer sher...
having a terror 'exercise' on 9/11 seems a little dense...
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