As I watched the continuing coverage of Hurricane Katrina last evening, I was struck by the news reporters from the various networks, standing out in the middle of the storm reporting what it felt like. Frankly, I thought they were nuts, but I couldn't turn away. It was amazing to see the power of nature in that way.
Still, I had to wonder if it wasn't a touch of hypocrisy, them telling people to evacuate and get to safety while they were standing outside with a wind gauge telling us what the gusts were reading. You know, guys, that's what the National Weather Service is for. We really don't need you putting yourselves in harm's way just to see that the rain is blowing parallel to the ground. Thus, my guilty feeling over actually watching the broadcasts.
Later, one network (CNN) was talking to one of their reporters by phone and she was in tears, describing hearing the voices of people screaming for help and being passed by. She had lost her composure badly. At this point, she was no longer a "talking head", but a stressed woman with feelings for her fellow human beings. But what did the anchor say to her and to the public? He started defending reporters, saying how they weren't crazy but were dedicated people! Come on, pal! Stop defending your profession while this woman is losing it! (Unbelievable.)
Latest report shows New Orleans 80% underwater, and over 80 dead in just one town in Mississippi. And this guy's defending his profession. Shut up and report.
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