Jennings & Wallace, reporters first, Americans second

This video was obtained from NewsBusters.org. In it you see Peter Jennings and Mike Wallace state that they would not warn American troops of an impending ambush because they serve a higher calling as reporters. This is followed by a Marine Corps Colonel squaring them away.

• Category

  News & Politics

[Kelly Walters]

So basically, if Mike Wallace knew in advance about 911, he wouldn't have wanted to get in the way of the big story. He would have just let it happen so he could report on it.

[kyee7k]

Mike Wallace: I am a robot.

Peter Jennings: Indecisive robot.

[Mojomatrix]

"Marines will die just for a couple of journalists" So true...

[James Greenwood]

That's not an easy question for me to answer when you ask am I kidding. I'm certainly not against you or what you originally stated. My family and their friends are full of vets and people who have served and done so honourably. My dad included. In truth I would say both are hard. All I wished to point out is that not all journalists are cold & about stories first, Just like not all soldiers are dishonourable or unethical. Stories can save as many lives as bullets can.

[James Greenwood]

This isn't personal, but can I ask something? Does that mean you wouldn't expect or want non nazi germans to save german jews just because the jews are german? cause that's effectively saying the Jews and the non Arian's deserved to be murdered on a mass scale.

[hitcharide1]

I hope you're kidding when you say that being a soldier is easier than being a journalist. I certainly think there are more ethics in being a soldier, more honor, more dignity...the responsibility is much greater. A journalist reports on what other people do (or rather, that's the supposed job.) And I doubt any journalist concerns themselves with saving lives, especially as Mr. Wallace expressed himself, it's the story first, last, and always. Fuck him and those like him. FYI, I'm a veteran.

[James Greenwood]

Making a statement like that is easier to say and to judge someone for than it is to decide a course of action. So you tell me this. IF you had witnessed the brutal massacre of 20 people and only your testimonial would put the scum bag away. BUT you knew for certain that if you did testify your wife and kids would die and all you cared about. WOULD you still testify? A war journalist has to weigh these options all the time and decide which is more important. Even reporters have moral obligations

[James Greenwood]

The main reason for war.. is politics - in its most primitive form. A journalist can pick his country first and maybe save 100 - 1000 lives but then he's not actually a journalist he's a spy. Or he can pick his job and if he does his job well maybe he can save 10,000 - 100,000 lives or more by reporting the truth to those that have the power to intervene and stop more soldiers lives being wasted. Being a soldier is far easier than being a journalist. At least a soldier has friends to rescue him.

[hitcharide1]

Hm. Ten years ago I would have agreed with the Col. and gone out to save them. I doubt I'd do it now. When someone picks a JOB over their country or countrymen, they've crossed a line, and I have no use for such people.

[DrZin]

What disgusting pieces of shit. F*** Wallace AND Jennings.