Katrina and the Media

1) Watching the news coverage of Katrina, I found myself counting the number of times reporters used the words 'incredible' and 'amazing.' This makes me harken back to some extremely boring classes in school where I could only stay awake by counting the number of times the teacher said 'uh' or 'um.'

Consequently, I'd like to recommend that journalism schools start teaching a few descriptive adjectives to aspiring media personalities. Pointing out the difference between an adjective and an adverb would also be helpful.

Another weakness in reporting that I have noticed is a blinding lack of familiarity with geography. Some of the info-faces don't know the difference between east and west. Please, give them some maps.

Frankly, I don't really care what the reporters find amazing or incredible. Yet, all too often and over and over, our illustrious conduits of information can only say that everything is incredible and amazing. My take? If all they tell me is information that's unbelievable, why should I listen? I much prefer to be told things I can believe.

2) Despite the level of preparedness and the success of execution of the response to Hurricane Katrina, and even if the results were the best that could be reasonably achieved, I don't believe the MSM would criticize President Bush to any lesser degree. They'd find something.