Beating The War Drums
Reported by Deborah - July 4, 2004 -
Rita Cosby opened her show with an urgent report of enemies on the borders of Iraq, immediatly going to Greg Palkot for this breaking story. Palkot's report was not nearly as alarming as Cosby's. (Fox News Live 7/04/04 6PM ET.)
Palkot reported that "Neighbors are not being neighborly. According to various sources, at least, individuals are crossing the border from Iran.There are some
indications that the new Iraqi government would favor a response from coalition forces."
Rita Cosby's breathless report of "enemies" on the border became "at least, individuals" from Palkot. His references to "various sources" and "some indications," further diminished the credibility of this story.
Cosby continues the discussion with two Fox contributors, Mike Baker and Lt. Col. Bill Cowan. Cosby dramatically inquired "how explosive" is this situation with Iraq and Syria. Cowan answered that ,"Once Iraq is settled, we can look at them as potential targets."
Comment: This is an example of a often used tactic by Fox. A story is created that can't be discredited and might have some threads of truth, in it. Yet there are no credible sources cited and no real information given. All that's conveyed is a vague message that prepares the viewers for a future of endless war.
