Truth be damned

Every once in awhile a photograph that captures a national moment is destined to become iconic. Recently released was the photo of the president and advisers watching and awaiting the outcome of Seal Team 6's assault on bin laden's compound. The visual is a classic reminiscent of photos from the past often seen in Life magazine. (Life has always been one of my favorites.)

Unfortunately one news organization that published the photo decided to change it. The Hasidic newspaper Der Tzitung decided to edit the image of Hillary Clinton out of the picture as well as another woman due to their religious beliefs. Apparently seeing the image of any woman causes them to have uncontrollable thoughts of infidelity. I applaud them for sticking to their beliefs, however that in itself causes more controversy.

Any newspaper no matter their politics or beliefs can not be alter anything of substance they publish. Der Tzitung has in effect lied to their readers by altering the truth. Well, it's just a photo you say. It is more than that. What else have they altered due to their beliefs? And it's not just this paper. I would have a hard time believing any news organization who 'doctors' news output based on their beliefs. I understand, all news is slanted to some degree depending on who is doing the telling of the tale, so to speak.

In some respects CNN, MSNBC, Fox and all the rest teeter on the brink in what they offer to the public. However in most cases they are mid-stream reporters who stick to the facts and offer a type of interpretation. To go out of your way to photoshop out people in a photograph not only crosses the line but calls into question the credibility of the news organization.

for whatever reason, religious publications always seem to be the most flagrant violators of truth. Likely because they only want their truth to be told, not anyone else's.