NYDN cover on San Bernadino

[Matt1735]

I think this is a wow moment for a newspaper to take a stand like this... It will definitely create a discussion .... I'd hope this thread would stay based on the journalism aspect of this cover, and leave the stuff about the tragedy in the original post.

 

[Mr. Sunshine]

"Journalism"

 

[HejiraHenry]

As has been pointed out, the NYDN Twitter feed didn't mind getting on board #PrayForParis.

 

[DanOregon]

Technically, the cover is incorrect since the prayers aren't for God to fix this, but to provide comfort to the families of the victims. But it is strong and newspapers haven't been shy about editorializing on the front page. Is it a cheap shot? Probably - but it does point out the disconnect. I mean, Congress hasn't even discussed addressing mass shootings since Sandy Hook, be it mental health, improved protections for public buildings, things that don't go near the g word.

 

[BDC99]

Bernardino! ****! Crossthread

 

[Doc Holliday]

I don't call that journalism. I don't know what I call it. But it's not journalism.

 

[gingerbread]

I'd prefer:
God says:
Fix this!

 

[Elliotte Friedman]

I love it

 

[Mr. Sunshine]

Any legitimate journalist should be embarrassed by this cover.

 

[Ace]

Any legitimate journalist should be embarrassed by this cover.

Eh. The NYDN hs covers that embarrass me all the time.

This at least they tried to take a righteous stance. If you can call mocking God righteous.

 

[playthrough]

I have no problem with it. It's jarring, but so is our mass shooting problem. And it's true, the "thoughts and prayers" refrain is so darned tired. That should be a given for a politician, like playing hard for a pro athlete. Doesn't even need mentioning. So when all those Twitter feeds light up with same hollow crap, good for calling 'em out.

 

[MisterCreosote]

So when all those Twitter feeds light up with same hollow crap, good for calling 'em out.

I know I sound like a broken record, but journalists need to do actual reporting and stop trolling Twitter 24/7. A lot of its characteristics are up for debate, but it most certainly is vapid and self-aggrandizing and a frighteningly effective conduit for worthless stupidity.

Also, pet peeve: Not all victims are "innocent." In this case, we don't know much of anything about them, yet.

 

[Mr. Sunshine]

I have no problem with it. It's jarring, but so is our mass shooting problem. And it's true, the "thoughts and prayers" refrain is so darned tired. That should be a given for a politician, like playing hard for a pro athlete. Doesn't even need mentioning. So when all those Twitter feeds light up with same hollow crap, good for calling 'em out.

Shouldn't the paper wait 24 hours out of respect for the victims? Or is it only in bad taste to immediately politicize a tragedy when it happens outside the United States?

 

[playthrough]

Shouldn't the paper wait 24 hours out of respect for the victims? Or is it only in bad taste to immediately politicize a tragedy when it happens outside the United States?

I don't know if the 24-hour rule exists anymore. In 24 hours we could certainly have another mass shooting somewhere else.

 

[playthrough]

I know I sound like a broken record, but journalists need to do actual reporting and stop trolling Twitter 24/7. A lot of its characteristics are up for debate, but it most certainly is vapid and self-aggrandizing and a frighteningly effective conduit for worthless stupidity.

Also, pet peeve: Not all victims are "innocent." In this case, we don't know much of anything about them, yet.

I absolutely agree on trolling Twitter, but in this case that's the place of record for politicians' first reactions. I think it's completely reasonable to expect better. Perhaps one of them will soon say they were going to mention stronger gun control but, golly, that 140-character thing just keeps getting in the way.

 

[Elliotte Friedman]

Any legitimate journalist should be embarrassed by this cover.

Guess I'm not a legitimate journalist.

I think it's great. Stop thinking and praying. Do something about it.

 

[Mr. Sunshine]

Did the Democratic candidates say anything, or are they waiting 24 hours?

A very large cross-section of people offer thoughts and prayers when something like this happens. To pick and choose and highlight that for political purposes on the day of the shooting is irresponsible. If this was a follow-up cover, I'm fine with it, especially given the low bar of the tabloids. But day of, it's bad journalism, bad timing.

 

[Ace]

Also, pet peeve: Not all victims are "innocent." In this case, we don't know much of anything about them, yet.

So if they cheated on their spouse they weren't innocent?

Or if they bullied or antagonized the shooter?

 

[amraeder]

So if they cheated on their spouse they weren't innocent?

Or if they bullied or antagonized the shooter?

I mean, hypothetically, one of them could have been a serial killer. Unlikely, obviously. But I assume that was more what MC was getting at. (Or maybe one of the victims raped and murdered the shooter's daughter, or, well, we could imagine a million abhorrent and unlikely possibilities).

 

[Ace]

Did the Democratic candidates say anything, or are they waiting 24 hours?

A very large cross-section of people offer thoughts and prayers when something like this happens. To pick and choose and highlight that for political purposes on the day of the shooting is irresponsible. If this was a follow-up cover, I'm fine with it, especially given the low bar of the tabloids. But day of, it's bad journalism, bad timing.

Disagree. Politicians do nothing to help combat the problem should not get a pass on their heartfelt tweets.