The AP 's lead for the first day of Saddam Hussein's trial is that Saddam says he is "not afraid of execution." Well, that's terrific (and we'll keep it in mind) -- but who asked?
Here, for example, is the lead paragraph at the Yahoo! News site as of mid-day Monday:
"BAGHDAD, Iraq - Saddam Hussein told the judge at his trial Monday that "I am not afraid of execution" during a chaotic court session in which the first witness took the stand and testified that the former president's agents carried out random arrests, torture and killings. The outburst was one of several by Saddam or his co-defendants at the trial that also saw a brief walkout by his defense lawyers. At one point, Saddam appeared to threaten the judge, saying: "When the revolution of the heroic Iraq arrives, you will be held accountable."
The ABC News site has the same lead.
Maybe these site will update their leads as they digest today's trial testimony, but right now the AP lead about Saddam not being afraid of execution is the first thing covered in most news accounts of today's trial.
Why quibble with a minor point like the AP's lead for the story? Here's why.
First of all, the headline and the lead are all that most people read of a news story. So if it's not in the lead or the first few paragraphs, there's a good chance something will be missed.
Second, this lead shifts the focus to what Saddam Hussein wants, thinks, and feels, and away from Saddam Hussein's crimes and his victims. (See also my earlier post: Did Anyone Ask?: "Defense Adviser Says Saddam in Good Spirits").
Why is that a bad thing? Because trials are not about how the defendant is feeling -- good, bad, or indifferent.
If we are going to have daily updates on Saddam Hussein's thoughts and feelings during this trial, where does that leave Saddam Hussein's victims, many of whom are dead because he ordered them killed?
If you want a more complete picture of what went on in Saddam Hussein's trial today, and with a bit more focus on the trial testimony and Saddam Hussein's victims, visit the Gateway Pundit. You'll find it much more interesting than the latest report on Saddam Hussein's feelings.
For more commentary, see A Blog for All, Captain's Quarters and A Ticking Time Blog
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