The Phil Donahue debate
Reader comment on item: Campus Watch - A Good Idea?

Submitted by Marilyn A. Frith (United States), Oct 1, 2002 at 19:19

Dear Mr. Pipes,

I just read through the transcript of your TV discussion with the Middle Eastern
professor and attempted to be as objective as possible, given my study of
the many issues surrounding the conflict in Israel. I admit to bias, coming down
with a certain prejudice against Palestinian claims to territory and history.

The forum of the TV talk show is woefully remiss in quality of dialogue as well
as most host's pre-show preparation. The lack of sufficient time to adequately address issues of such immediate importance would be laughable, if not so serious.

I am sorry that our media cannot afford you the opportunity to set out your
case clearly without those constraints. Even given an opponent's handicap
perhaps of language and media savvy, I see no reason for hedging, retreating into
a defensive dodge on main points and finally resorting to name calling. This is a sad day for an American public in need of vital information, who must instead, settle for a truncated snippet of debate caught in the trappings of media hype.

I don't have a TV and I thank a member of my online newgroup for forwarding
this transcript. I will visit your website as soon as this e-mail is sent.

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