A rank amateur, Elder of Ziyon (together with PT Watch) is actually doing some reporting. He’s going through the fatality list from a leading Palestinian human rights organization and showing how quite a few of the “civilians” listed at PCHR website were in fact active terrorists.
Given how the media uncritically report on casualty figures by “human right groups” shouldn’t they at least vet those organization prior to reporting on their claims? Here’s Elder of Ziyon’s latest, and some of his previous work on the topic.
So terrorist by terrorist, Elder of Ziyon is undermining claims that Israel used disproportionate force or indiscriminately fired upon targets without regards to collateral damage.
This is a reminder that the years spent in journalism school won’t make one into a journalist, unless one realizes where the story is. Believing questionable claims of war crimes was something most journalists seemed all to willing to do. But looking at the actual damage apparently fell outside of the scope of their interest.
Crossposted on Soccer Dad.
Unfortunately due diligence in journalism is a forgotten skill or cast aside in pursuit of sensationalism.
Imagine if the same disregard of proving the truth of a situation were being taught to Medical or Law students.
Why is it acceptable in Journalism, but will have some one expelled or fired in all other schools or professions?
To all those out there who think not verifying facts makes a better story, it will bite you in the behind and wallet later.