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Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn. (9th CD), has issued the following news release:
Beginning on November 17, Congressman Steve Cohen offered the following editorial to The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today, respectively. Ultimately it was published in the online version of Roll Call, read primarily by those who work on Capitol Hill -- not by the general public.
In light of the Conspiracy Theory program which misrepresented and maligned Congress in the most malicious and untruthful matter, presented as investigative reporting, Congressman Cohen was gravely concerned that such reckless media action could result in real danger to public officials. While many citizens might realize that the cable program is no more real than pro wrestling, there are people who are susceptible to such suggestion, innuendo and outright falsehoods.
Particularly in light of the tragedy in Arizona today, it is unfortunate that the newspapers contacted did not see fit to print the editorial or follow the story as it is representative of the corruption of information in the media. Lines between truth and fabrication have been blurred, even when facts and figures are readily available to enlighten and educate. The guilt is shared by politicians and the media.
In the press conference in Tucson tonight, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik summed it up best when he repeatedly mentioned the effect of the vitriol spewed by many on talk radio and some on television. Sheriff Dupnik went on to say, "It may be freedom of speech but it has consequences."
Below is the Op-Ed:
http://www.rollcall.com/news/-201224-1.html
Cohen: We Must Hold the Media Accountable
By Rep. Steve Cohen
Special to Roll Call
Dec....