The propensity to conduct observances such as “2-minute silences”, particularly in the face of national tragedies, lies at the root of social evils that depend on nationally familial contradistinctions to exist.
“I am not anti-Islaam or any other religion.”
“I support the free exercise of all religions.”
“For those who have been offended by my statements, I offer a sincere apology.”
Those were Army Lt. Gen. William Boykin’s responses to criticisms of his recent fundamentalist theological commentary.
I’m a former full-time journalist turned journalism professor. I continue to commit occasional acts of journalism, and I retain a deep affection for, and commitment to, the craft and its ideals. That’s why it pains me to say this: The performance of the U.S. corporate commercial news media after 9/11 has been the most profound and dangerous failure of journalism in my lifetime.