Anthrax, Iraq, and ABC
This column by Glenn Greenwald at Salon about the anthrax attacks of 2001 and the irresponsible press coverage of them (he particularly points to ABC), is just too important to pass up. God knows what's going on, but it certainly looks like more than meets the eye. With news today of the apparent suicide of anthrax scientist Bruce Ivins, this re-cap of recent history is especially welcome, if chilling.
What's especially interesting is that the DOJ quietly settled a libel suit with Steven Hatfill--the first scientist suspected in the case--for $5m+, only a month and three days ago. I pay pretty close attention to the news and I don't recall hearing about the Hatfill settlement--anyone?
So a quiet settlement, then a month later, the other, more recent suspect commits suicide. Probably coincidence, right? A creepy one, though. The whole scare was creepy, from the first attack to this latest twist.
Richard Cohen definitely needs to explain how he knew to take Cipro before anyone else--who told him?
Posted by: litbrit | August 01, 2008 at 12:28 PM
I second Lisa's recommendation to read this column. It's very well done.
Once again, the mainstream media plays by its peculiar set of rules and acts as a conduit for propaganda for those with an agenda and then, when those sources are revealed to be liars, nonetheless allows them to remain comfortably anonymous.
Posted by: Sir Charles | August 01, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Needless to say, I passed it around all over creation. Also needless to say, I'm not holding my breath.
Posted by: Lisa Simeone | August 01, 2008 at 12:36 PM
I suspect the settlement with Hatfill and the suicide are not unrelated. I assume that the payment to Hatfill reflects the understanding that the finger was pointed at the wrong guy and that the government was in deep trouble in its case with him.
Presumably they then focued on Ivins -- based on Greenwald's article it is hard to believe he wasn't the main focus to begin with.
Posted by: Sir Charles | August 01, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Richard Cohen definitely needs to explain how he knew to take Cipro before anyone else
I cannot think of a person - or class of person - less deserving to possess Cipro in the event of widespread anthrax attacks. Nor can I think of anyone who would be less appropriate to carry on America's legacy after such attacks.
And yes, I'm suggesting that Richard Cohen and the rest of the Villager wanker ranks should be left to rot in a disaster like that, given the cure only if the valuable members of society, like welfare queens and people on death row, have access first.
Posted by: Stephen | August 01, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Stephen,
Let 'em eat communion wafers.
Posted by: Sir Charles | August 01, 2008 at 01:40 PM
I like how the Greenwald column maps out a whole bunch of questions that need to be asked.
Posted by: Neil the Ethical Werewolf | August 01, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Greenwald should be the new Hersh. He'd be a great investigative reporter.
Posted by: Joe Klein's conscience | August 01, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Maybe the WaPo will do a 13-part series that tries to answer all of Glenn's questions. And maybe I'll win the lottery tomorrow and retire in luxury.
Posted by: low-tech cyclist | August 02, 2008 at 06:34 AM
Nah, ltc, they're too busy doing 13-part series on the Chandra Levy and Gary Condit scandal.
Greenwald is a gift, though. Thank goodness for him.
Posted by: litbrit | August 02, 2008 at 06:45 AM