CNN and the Dangerous Assumption of Rationality

This article is really pissing me off.  Right now it's featured on the front page of CNN under the thought-provoking headline:

"Self-Sufficient Iran a Nuclear Threat?"

The story goes on to describe (very briefly) the uranium enrichment process, and quotes Iranian madman Ahmadinejad as saying that uranium enrichment for a peaceful program is an "inalienable right" that he doesn't plan on giving up.

The farthest CNN will go in condemning Iran is to claim that "The U.S. and its allies say Iran's lack of transparency and its pattern of secrecy are evidence that Iran is using its nuclear program as a cover to build nuclear bombs."

Really, CNN?

This is why so many Americans are misinformed.  Because if you're like I was, you find comfort in CNN's name, prestige, and big-budget interactive touch screens on election day.  Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer will make all your troubles go away with their polished studio and calm demeanor.  You can get all the news from across the world without leaving comfort of your own couch, or your own mental comfort zone.

There's no situation The Situation Room can't handle!

But the world unfortunately isn't aligned with our expectations.

Ahmadinejad is not a rational actor.  He doesn't value freedom, tolerance, or equality of opportunity.  Ahmadinejad wants to spread Shariah law, which he believes is his G-d given duty.  Here are some characteristics of Shariah law:

*Punishment of theft by amputation of hands
*Punishment of adultery by stoning (graphic)
*Prohibition of liquor and gambling
*Women must wear the traditional hijab

I know what you're thinking because I thought it: you know what, it might be a bit different from what we're used to, but live and let live, right?

Sure.

As long as you're ok with giving a nuclear weapon to a man who believes his government is guided by the Messiah, calls the Holocaust a lie, and claims that the US and Israel will soon die.

If you're giving this guy the benefit of the doubt, where are you ever going to draw the line?  Remember, according to a German newspaper, US officials have called Ahmadinejad "Hitler".

Journalism should have a conscience.  It should be a very well-behaved conscience, not the kind that will pop up in the form of biases over what should be (99% of the time) objective reporting.  But it should have enough balls to call out a genocidal maniac instead of giving him just as much credit in a story as, say, the United States government.  This is straight from the CNN story highlights:

Really, CNN?  If I read this article without knowing anything, I'm coming out a supporter of Ahmadinejad.  Why can't their country have peaceful nuclear energy?  

Iran Got Haterz Everywhere!

Shame on you, CNN.  And to the rest of you, I hope this has cracked a bit of that comfortable liberal shell that keeps you from ever having to stand up for your values (harsh words, but I'm speaking from personal experience).  Not everyone is good in this world, and we need to fight the baddies, so we can keep quoting them as if they're legitimate, rational people worthy of our consideration.

You should read that CNN article and realize, this is what makes us awesome.  We are quoting a man who has threatened us with mass murder and giving him equal standing in our own paper.  But whatever you do, don't fool yourself into thinking he's one of us.  He's not.  And remind people that, too.  Because freedom of speech, while protecting our enemies, also empowers us to be well-informed.  Spread the word!