The MSNBC poll re Cindy is really bothering me..the choices were false

[xiamiam]

since what she wore was perfectly legal...yet by the way it was phrased, it indicated Cindy was guilty of a crime...which she was not...a lot of people believed the crime part..and voted accordingly....and that is what bothers me....they dont even understand what the 1st amendment is...that poll encouraged mob mentality for a crime not committed ..and msnbc stirred the shit...this must be stopped...I think msnbc is guilty of a crime ..and of misleading and encouraging misinformation ..its not the first time, it happens every day...but in this case, i think they should be held accountable...i hope they are included in the lawsuits which i hope cindy and the aclu and whomever else bring forth...

[ixion]

1. what she wore was perfectly legal.

holy crap... what kind of a place have we become when clothing is outlawed?

I weep for my republic. :cry:

[dufrenne]

2. No offense

but putting them in a lawsuit would be silly. Your arugment about free speech applies just as strongly to the press. In fact, where the press is concerned, even if they are substantially inaccurate, they are given a lot of leeway. By your logic, we should just start shutting down news outlets we don't agree with...and I think that's exactly what you're against.

[xiamiam]

3. its just the bias that infuriates me...the running with misinformation

which everyone ends up believing...its irresponsible when it comes to something as precious as being free to walk around or being jailed...

[JuniperLea]

4. No offense, but if a newspaper

or other media lies about you...

You are assuming too much with your last statement. It sounds to me like the original poster just wants some honesty and no trickery.

[dufrenne]

6. My only point

is that what is considered a "lie" when it comes to the media is liberally construed. In other words, the media is given a lot of deference. That poll, while innaccurate and offensive to people, is not criminal. Perhaps Sheehan might have a defamation action. But for that, she would have to prove malice, which is a big hurdle. I understand your point about honesty...but with a free press, we take the good with the bad.

[xiamiam]

7. is it not malice to suggest someone is a criminal without researching fact

[dufrenne]

8. That could absolutely be the case

It's a high standard. You have to show actual knowledge of the falsity of the statement or reckless disregard for the truth. Those standards are tougher to meet than they sound, especially when the defendant is a news outlet. In any case, this would only be a civil action. There would be no criminal charge here. I would never deny any individual the right to go after anyone else, even a news organization, for defamation. My only point was attributing "criminality" to the press.

[xiamiam]

10. ok..i get it...civil not criminal...thanks

[tocqueville]

5. those polls are not scientific anyway

they are worth zero. The problem is that people take them for granted. Even MSNBC has a warning about the polls being non-scientific.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

9. Media polls are designed to favor right wingers nt

[Innocent Smith]

11. Online polls are meaningless

One person can vote thousands of times.

[Berry Cool]

12. Yeah, and give MSNBC some credit

Olbermann told the truth on his show.