The CBC focuses on the casualties in their coverage of the death of Pte. Robert Costall, and only hints at the outcome of the firefight;
The Canadians, along with U.S. helicopters and British planes, had been repositioned to a base in the area in response to an incident on Tuesday in which eight Afghan army soldiers were killed. The region is a flashpoint for insurgent activity and the illegal drug trade.
Fraser said Taliban insurgents attacked the base with mortars, grenades and small arms fire early Wednesday.
The firefight lasted for several hours, he said, adding that a “significant number” of Taliban members were killed during the battle. U.S. military reports say as many as 32 insurgents died.
As much as we mourn the loss of any soldier, those killed in combat deserve a media that reports not only on their sacrifice, but on their achievements. This reporting is incomplete, for it fails to directly advise us as to whether the base was successfully defended.
Instead, we are reminded (at the end of the item) of previous Canadian casualties – including those killed in accidents – as though this information is directly relevant.
The liberal-left media has little interest in understanding military culture. Yet, as they do on so many other issues in which they are woefully underinformed, lack of knowledge is no barrier to interjecting their world view into the reporting – in this case, forgoing the outcome of the battle to revisit an incident of a taxi hitting a light armoured vehicle in Kandahar. True to the liberal-left “war wouldn’t happen if we were in charge of the world” ideology, modern war reporting begins and ends with counting the losses.
Pte. Robert Costall was not in Afghanistan to sacrifice his life – he was there to serve his country by accomplishing the missions set before him. To report on only his loss while remaining silent on the achievement (or the failure – after all, we are not told) of his unit in defending their base, is not only journalistic malpractice, it is a disservice to every member of the Canadian Forces.
Upon further reflection – perhaps the time has come to send sports reporters to war zones. It seems to be one of the last refuges of journalism in which a) reporters have basic knowledge of the subject matter they’re assigned to, and b) they’re expected to report the details and outcome of the race, even if a contestant is injured or dies during competition.
It’s astonishing that the same country that still celebrates the envelope pushing performances (and near-death experiences) of the “Crazy Canucks” downhill ski team, hasn’t figured out that covering a war in the context of body counts is the sports journalism equivalent of limiting Olympic coverage to the daily injury reports of the various countries in competition.
Update – Missing details, and more at Defense Link. h/t to Maz2 in the comments.
This is so interesting: One can learn more in terms of details, about the situation surrounding the death of Costall by reading the comments here, than one can by reading the Canadian Socialist Media. Even CNN and the great Euro-snob BBC have more info.
Kate is 300% correct in her assessment of how the CBC, and most of Canada’s MSM will report, focus, and run this story. It will be a self-centered singular look at a soldier’s death; with no context given, no background to why he was a soldier in the first place, and no counter balance to what was achieved in the battles that are still going on as we write, and of what Canadians are doing in Afghanistan beside getting killed and injured. The Canadian MSM, as witnessed by the recent tantrums on the hill, are likely the most elite-minded socialist whiners going.
Every millimeter that the Canadian MSM can be knocked down, either through reduction in sales or outright condemnation, is a millimeter in the right direction. The Canadian MSM needs to be collectively brow-beaten until it regains at least an ounce of humility and begins reporting the facts, not op-ed Masquerading as fact.
OIF 2003.
Chretien/Martin: No.
Liberano$.
agitfact: The liberal party of old is no more. The liberals that fought wars, and won, in the past are no more. Liberals today are banner bearers for modern “progressivism” which is pacifist and anti-military.
Johnny-Cretan got us into Afghanistan, then promplty ignored the needs of the troops; they stumbled around chasing Taliban while depending completely on American “free” aid. Our famed snipers had to get ammo from their American friends… because Liberals wouldn’t supply them properly. Not until this last year, have budgets finally been opened up to begin to bring our forces into the new era. The Afghan force just received its first state of the art battle field intel and communications equipment; what a joke. Your pretty list is worthless, because it is devoid of context, and devoid of the surrounding realities during those conflicts. The modern Liberal Party of Canada is a pacifist, appeasing, hodge-podge of socialists and limpid centrists. The modern Liberal Party has killed the military, and abandoned those serving by putting them years behind in equipment and support. Agitfact: you insult the armed forces by even suggesting that the modern lib. party could fight a war when it is that party that has almost single-handedly (mulroney included) degraded our forces, yet sent them into harms way. Liberal equates with coward. Liberal equates with sending our people into harms way, without the tools to do the deed.
Liberal, equates with anti-Canadian Forces behavior. Liberal equates with running a war based on MSM spin. Liberal means cutting and running if the MSM turns against it.
Liberal means coward!
agitator: you assume that a liberal in 1936 is the same as a liberal in 2006.
What planet did you say you’re from?
i just watched ctv showing a video of private costalls family . less than 24 hours after his death . what happened to a sense of decency ? of respect? i think all of canada knows that his wife and family are experiencing a deep and very real sense of loss and hurt. i don’t think we need to be invading their privacy at this time when they are in a state of shock and sorrow. they interviewed his aunt twice and his brother . i think they are hoping one of them is going to say we shoud not be in afghanistan. this is crass and insulting and does nothing but diminish the sacrifice this brave canadian soldier and his family have made . i have never been so disgusted in my life. there is a line . i believe they have crossed it .
EBD, your comment on Nahla Ayad reporting a hockey game was not only hilarious but also very accurate. Well done!
CJunk and Doug,
and I trust that Harper’s Conservative Party is different from Mulroney’s in more than initials.
Yes, I know that circumstances always differ, but I also know that when push comes to shove, partisan ideology disappears. The big boys, the realists, take over, and the party peanut gallery is reduced to applauding from the sidelines.
The visceral brickbats that are serve here as facts are pretty depressing.
Agitfact: And you are judging Harper on what? … his extensive record of how many weeks?
He’s made specific dollar value promises regarding the forces; and he’s breathed more life into the forces by his “attitude” so far than 20 years of liberals and Mulroney defeatism and slash and burn military budgets.
Harper is the first true conservative to take office in the past 20 years … and by all appearances the people of this country are very pleased.
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=40bc8a42-eb4c-488d-bcec-c576a99eb49d&k=86831
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&pubid=968163964505&cid=1143633248516&col=968705899037&call_page=TS_News&call_pageid=968332188492&call_pagepath=News/News
Time though will tell what he’s made of.
CDN by Birth: Oprah has been very influential here.
Doug: When we entered WW II WLMK was desperate to avoid casualties. He hoped the Canadian war effort would concentrate on the Air Force (mass Bomber Command casualties were not envisaged) and Navy. It was only with great reluctance (because of Quebec) and under strong pressure from English Canada (which then still existed and had not transmogrified into RoC) that a substantial Army commitment was made to the UK in 1939/40 even before the fall of France.
Mark
Ottawa
Agitfact:
You know thats funny, my wife is constantly reminding me, I have taken leave of my senses.
As for frothing at the mouth, this usually happens when my beer stein is too full.
Your point is taken. However, my irritation is with the recent calls to debate Canada’s place in Afghanistan are quite frankly, misplaced and betray a lack of reality by those holding such opinions.
If I inadvertently gave the impression that Canada was spineless when called to arms; this would be a misrepresentation of my comments above. As my father recalls in WWII the “Tommies”, as the Krauts used to refer to them, were always pretty decent chaps to fight against, the Soviets at the time less so. If I could clarify, I would suggest that the recent calls for a second attempt at debate is misplaced, as the facts at hand in the war on terror are pretty clear given Massoui’s recent confession and PM Stephen Harpers ‘cut and run’ commentary.
Its pretty plain after 9/11, Madrid, and London that the “life is cheap gang” of terrorists really don’t give a tinker’s damn about anybody but themselves. How many repetitions does one need before it dawns on the extreme left side of the debate before they stop “Monday morning quarterbacking” on the need to be in Afghanistan.
All the moral relativists in the world pious discussions will not stop the terror organizations. Quite simply, the terror organizations are not interested in discussions but in achieving their objectives by means of violence; which is to bring death and destruction to your doorstep. Hamas has made no secret of its intentions, nor has Al-Quaeda in fact they are quite proud of it. Moreover, Iran’s president is quite content to call the Holocaust into question and secondly to call for its implementation by “wiping Israel off the map” preferrably by means of nuclear weapons.
How many “heads up” messages does one need before the terrorists merely lop your head off?
Perhaps it is time for the left libs to wake from their somnolent slumber. It looks like parts of the Middle East haven’t changed since the time of Herod serving St. John the Baptist’s head on a platter. Oh yeah, Easter is coming up I forgot to get the timber and nails ready.
Alternatively, lets just get Osama Bin Laden to sign nice piece of paper, a la Chamberlain, and “we will have peace in our time.”
Perhaps it is just me, but I haven’t heard any announcements that various organizations long associated with violence calling for sit down negotiations. When I hear the rhetoric from these organizations change please let me know.
But then both my parents families survived a regime which also lasted approximately 12 years.
I think we have a pretty good handle on the viper’s club.
Lastly, Karen Redman’s statement on May 25th, 2005 that the Liberals were “considering not observing confidence votes, between now and the end of the spring session.” earned them a lenghty stay in the political penalty box, for suggestions unbecoming a democracy.
Truly, who the hell do they think they are when they get up in the town square and make provocative statements like that?
In short, the left lib “Weltanschaung” (world view) is simply not believed and doesn’t match the facts at hand. But then why listen to facts when one can instead merely appear to be sincere.
Well one can be sincere in one’s effort and still be dead wrong. Of course if one is merely sincere in dealing with terror, it will likely get you very dead. I have no doubt that Chamberlain was very sincere, history has shown however, that he was in error.
For those still wanting to have a sit down chat, I would recommend wearing a helmet, as recent events have proved once again.
Cjunk, I’m not judging Harper at all. It’s too early to judge him. I merely expressed the hope that this PM and this CPC would be different from Mulroney and his PC.
Like almost every Canadian in 1993, I voted Liberal to get rid of Mulroney and his party, and, like quite a few Canadians, I voted Conservative in 2006 to get rid of Martin and his party. It’s too early to tell how I’ll vote the next time.
Yes, time will tell, but I see no justification to rant either way now, except to rant against unwarranted ranting.
Mark, you could say that same reluctance existed in the US. But look back at history now and what do we remember?
Fifty years from now will not give is that same view. They will definitely be talking about the fifth column: people like bigcityturd and agitator, what Oriana Fallaci calls “rainbow flaggers.”
I think that the biggest problem with Mulroney is that he was really a Liberal trying to pose as a Conservative; or alternatively, a Conservative trying to look like a Liberal.
In short, he didn’t appear to have any fundamental values…deep down he was shallow…
People may not have agreed with Trudeau’s views, but there was no question that he had them, and adhered to them more often than not.
Stephen Harper certainly appears to be someone with strongly-held beliefs and values; attributes that he can measure policy decisions against as a kind of litmus test. He is coming across as an actual leader, rather than someone who will let himself be led by poll results.
Thank you Pte. Costall
Agitfact: I think Harper made the most obviously “different” move today so far … he cut funding to the Palestinian Government because it did not renounce violence. That move alone, is so “un-liberal”, “un-UN”, and “un-Euro-snob”, it makes me smile. Bravo Stephen.
Thursday Morning Links
Sick Building Syndrome exists only in the minds of trial lawyers. Doctors say the "mold" thing is a joke, too, because mold is everywhere. Just look in�my fridge.Women: About cooking for hubbie, and plastic surgery. Ten NapelIs there a War on Ch
Doug,
and precisely what do you suggest I am a fifth column for? Sweet reason?
My condolences to Pte. Robert Costall’s family, friends and fellow soldiers. I did not know him but know many like him who risk their lives every day in defense of this great nation. I can tell you they are some of the finest Canada has to offer and it has been an honour to serve with them.
I believe it is up to all of us as Canadians to ensure his sacrifices never become in vain!
Never forget!
Rest in peace Private Costall!
I frequently watch the Jim Lehr News Report on the Detroit PBS station (if I’m home, that is), or at least listen to it in the background if I’m working on something. Are fairly well balanced news report.
Anyway, today, Canada was mentioned, not once but twice. Once as a coalition partner in Afghanistan and once for cutting off support to the Palestinians. Not often that Canada rates a mention on the U.S. newscasts at the best of times.
Just hought I’d toss that in.
Mike in White Rock, where it’s warm and sunny.
32 Taliban Killed; Afghan Movement Agency Makes First Delivery
American Forces Press Service ^
Posted on 03/29/2006 3:23:03 PM PST by SandRat
WASHINGTON, March 29, 2006 � Coalition forces killed 32 insurgents and destroyed two Taliban headquarters buildings in Afghanistan’s Helmand province today, officials at Bagram Air Base said. The early-morning engagement continued into daylight hours as coalition forces defeated a large enemy element that was attempting to retreat into sanctuaries.
Coalition forces also discovered large caches of munitions as they overran the Taliban compound and the enemy fled. Coalition forces destroyed the munitions, which included weapons and bomb-making materials, causing multiple secondary explosions and destroying the compound and all enemy military equipment inside.
“The capturing of these two compounds with boots on the ground produced significant intelligence and allows us to continue to put pressure on the enemy,” Army Brig. Gen. Anthony J. Tata, deputy commander of Combined Joint Task Force 76, said. “With our coalition partners and the government of Afghanistan, we are committed to continuing offensive operations against the Taliban and other terrorists that are attempting to disrupt the considerable progress of reconstruction and governance in Afghanistan.” + more
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2006/20060329_4644.html
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1605720/posts
Susan Riley went from a reporter, to a spin doctor for a Lib MP, to a backroom person on Politics,for the libs to very unhappy human on Jan 23. Each step in her career has exposed her mental problems. Isn’t she the one who swore on the program. She should be one of the first fired from the cbc. She is just upset she will never be our GG. Cheers for cutting off aid to Hammas, much to the chagrin of all the opposition for making such a hasty decision. Should have waited and debated in the HofC. Other countries are doing the same thing. This message was sent prior to the elections but no one reported it, so the palestinians voted for hammas, not knowing what would happen. I would also cut aid for education until we can control the things that are taught. Why pay for these kids to be brainwashed that the west is bad and to kill all jews. And, to BCL, you are a coward, hidding your name, just like that cpt cdn was a coward by not admitting his homosexuality to his captors, to save his life. So much for the cpt crap of putting their life on the line to help the terrorists. To our soldiers family, my sympathy, but at least he died a hero, doing what he signed up to do. Too bad the cpt doesn’t do the same.
Hans Rupprecht: Thank you for your comment.
Mark
Ottawa
“English Canada(which then still existed and had not transmogrified into RoC)…”
Mark Collins:…I’ve seen this term (RoC) used a lot…I live in Ontario, Canada…not RoC…As I see it, the major portion of the country (outside Quebec) is Canada and Quebec is the RoC until their politics determines something different. Thank you.
Kate
This is one of your best of many excellent posts. Those who have criticized your post, whether in the language employed by decent people or the language used by bcl, are wrong and – in the case of bcl -detached from the reality.
Garry P: I don’t think we really differ. It is simply that non-Quebec Canada no longer has a national identity, as least according to our betters and the chattering classes. We are identified as multicultural, post-national, insanely inclusive and Charter-ridden. And pizza may soon be declared a health threat.
Thank goodness for Timbits; they may soon be all we have left.
And Red River cereal. I may be the last Canadian left who really likes it.
Mark
Ottawa
Mark Collins:…I only make the point that “the rest of” usually denotes the smaller piece…the rest of the issue would take an extremely long post…Quebec is a beautiful province and the people are great…I simply dislike the politics that has played out over the years (the us vs. them variety) which usually had a LPC bend to it. As for any “Charter of Rights”…rights are indigenous. When they are defined and hung out for arbitration they cease to exist (ie. who has the most rights on a particular issue becomes the determining factor, thereby leaving one side with no rights). Once again, too long a post to get into. It suffices to say that Canada was always multi-cultural in nature. It was only when that concept was politicized, to mine votes, that the malise became apparent.
As you said at the beginning of your last post, “I don’t think we really differ”…you are correct…but I would beg to differ on the one point re: the definition of the RoC. Take care.
Foremost, To Pte Costall’s wife, son and family from a serving member of the CF my deepest sympathy. To the blogger who wondered where to buy a Support the Troops magnet for their vehicle any CANEX outlet, ( retail outlet on any base)if your near a base and or as mentioned the Legion should be able to acquire one for you. As for the boys in Afgan I know without a doubt they will grieve, then suck it up and go out perform to a standard that will continue to make us proud, God Bless the Forces, God Bless Canada
The Liberation of Kuwait Medal +
Cdn soldiers receive Kuwait medal
OTTAWA (CP) – Canadian soldiers and veterans have been awarded the Liberation of Kuwait medal by the Kuwaiti government, 15 years after they helped liberate the country from Iraqi occupation in the first Gulf War. +
via canoenews
Description and Symbolism
Obverse
A bronze medallion with enamel, one and nine-sixteenths inches in diameter suspended from a bar by a wreath. The obverse bears the Coat of Arms of the State of Kuwait. The Coat of Arms consists of the shield of the flag design in color superimposed on a falcon with wings displayed. The falcon supports a disk containing a sailing ship with full name of the State written at the top of the disk. At the top of the medal is the inscription 1991 with Arabic letters.
Reverse
The reverse of the medal displays the map of Kuwait on a rayed background. +
http://foxfall.com/fm-klk.htm
Only one thing can be said for the CBC and their news reporting talents……..THEY SUCK
Mark Collins,
Tim Hortons was purchased by an American firm (although Tim’s just went public last week) therefore we don’t even have Timbits as a Cdn icon anymore.
And I eat Red River cereal 2-3 times per week! Sunny Boy is comparable and is truly Canadian though!
Love that pc incorrect language. & it’s Canadian.
Mommy? What’s an Emerson? +
NOT EMERSON HARD-ONS
Author Host …
03/29/06 Wed
THIS is the way government is supposed to work. Actual announcements, actual accountability, actual work being done for all to see.
THE CANADA WE ALL LOVED AND LEARNED ABOUT IN THE HISTORY BOOKS IS BACK, FOLKS. YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!! +
http://www.voy.com/178771/8777.html
I just caught a glimpse on some network (not CBC… outlawed in my house) of a family member of Private Costall (I thought maybe his mom?). Anyways, she said that Private Costall believed strongly in the mission in Afghanistan and was proud to serve there. To the Costall family and friends and our soldiers serving, a humble thank you and my deepest respect.
another suicide attack, no candians injured
7 afghanis injured, attacker toast ctv.ca
Great Post Kate. The MSM is wallowing with barely disguised glee in the nightmare of grief that the Costall family is trying to get through after hearing the news about the death of their brave soldier. My thoughts and prayers to the Costall family. My thanks to this brave man. My disgust to the MSM. The latter have no manners and know no shame.
Jema54:
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing either.
My God, the man isn’t even cold yet and they are sticking the camera in the family’s face.
“How do you feel?”
You could almost hear the reply: “Well considering we just lost a family member, we’re not exactly on the top of our game.”
Pretty poor form on the part of the MSM. A brand new widow and child with no dad. A little common sense and compassion, its not even 24 hours for the family.
QotD: War Reporting
[P]erhaps the time has come to send sports reporters to war zones. It seems to be one of the last refuges of journalism in which a) reporters have basic knowledge of the subject matter they’re assigned to, and b)…
I would hate to think this valliant idealistic young defender of freedom died defending a regime which was prepared to execute a man for his conversion to Christian faith. Hopefully responsible politicians can guide the Afghan government into constitutional civility other wise democracy is just mob rule and in this case the mob is socially and religiously intolerant.
I would hate to think our boys were dying to defend a slightly less despotic government than the one they deposed.
I was mentioning this in a conversation with my father as well that why do they mention our deaths but not the enemies. If we lost 1 soldier and killed off 100 it would still be sad but I would feel much better about it! However, my father reminded me of Vietnamese media in 70s where the South Vietnamese news report would be something like “Today there was a battle at Field A, our military claimed 200 lives and 100 POWs and suffered NO casualties. Biased reporting on the other extreme can be dangerous at well.
Mary T, think that it is Susan Murray who is now working for Scott Brison, but easy to confuse them since they appeared together on CBC so often.
Thank you for your sacrifice for our freedom.
Right wingers, fuck off and die. You don’t deserve what this man did for us.
Attitude
Small Dead Animals perhaps the time has come to send sports reporters to war zones. It seems to be one of the last refuges of journalism in which a) reporters have basic knowledge of the subject matter they’re assigned to, and b) they’re expected to r…