Below we post a selection of recent letters on the firing of journalist Peter Arnett by MSNBC and National Geographic.
Mr. Martin,
Thanks for your good piece about the disciplining of Peter Arnett—heaven forbid we should have the someone report the truth about this awful war.
CB
1 April 2003
* * *Too bad National Geographic and NBC do not have the gumption to support Peter Arnett. His recent actions were out of the box and about the only truthful commentary spoken by the media that is riddled with nothing but spin from the Bush Administration.
Do you think anyone including Iraq does not know what he said to be accurate? The networks and publications are not doing justice to the American people in the reporting of this war. Thank god there is someone like Peter Arnett not intimidated by the political network machines or the administration.
It should be National Geographic and NBC making the apology to him and the country. At least his statements carry a truthful perspective of what is happening.
AM
Arizona
31 March 2003
* * *Peter Arnett is a traitor!!! I would hope he doesn’t show his face in the US again!!! President Bush is the best president this country has ever had. Clinton is also an embarrassment, and I’m all for this war.
31 March 2003
* * *While proud to be an American, I am constantly bemused by the efforts of the American political regimes to denounce those who do not agree with them. Mr. Peter Arnett, a Pulitzer Prize winner, seems to be their latest target. While I am somewhat saddened by his attempt to apologize to the Bush administration, I understand the necessity of self-preservation in the face of the President’s continued struggle to legitimize his invasion of Iraq.
America, by design, only has two political parties of national prominence. It is unfortunate when one of them gains control over both the executive and judiciary branches and the incumbent uses that power to exercise his personal vendettas. However, it is a system which gives the people a chance to correct that mistake every 4 years. Hopefully a few chads on the ballots, in the state of Florida or elsewhere, will not cause a grave mistake like this ever again.
Sincerely,
RW
31 March 2003
* * *Do you know of a central web site or media platform to show support for Peter Arnett let him know he is supported by many of us in the public sector? I was disgusted, but not surprised by the news of his dismissal by National Geographic and NBC this morning.
Sincerely,
MW
31 March 2003
* * *Arnettt claims everything from bias of the government to CNN buckling to “pressure” for his firing. Peter Arnett NEVER gives multi-sided reports on anything. His opinion, and that of Ted Turner, are always anti-American. Peter, and Ted and Jane, are traitors of the United States, and deserve what failures they accomplish.
I will never watch CNN, or MSNBC, again. They have shown their liberal bias over and over again in their programs.
The liberals said that the 1991 Gulf war would be nothing more than a tragedy and a failure. Their obvious bias toward the “enemy” were proven totally false. They have lied to the public by presenting only 1 side of the story.
BT
Texas
27 March 2003
* * *Will anyone come to his defense with his firing from NBC over comments made re war in Iraq?
MF
Texas
* * *Gentlemen:
I enjoyed immensely this column that you were so brave to write. My heart, respect, admiration go out to Mr. Arnett for telling the truth, which is not known by the majority of the citizens of this country. We must find a way, other than the internet, to get this information to the citizens of this country. When we demonstrate against war we demonstrate for the return of the soldiers. People call us traitors because they are not informed. If I were to sit in front of a TV all day and believe all the lies told by all the right-wing new media, I suppose I would believe them too. How can I find the addres for Mr. Arnett so that I can write him personally of my feelings. Thanks for a great newsletter.
H
1 April 2003