Why Rachel Maddow Is Wrong About The Newtown 911 Tapes

[votesparks]

The Associated Press has requested copies of 911 calls from the Newtown, Conneticut school shooting. While it is understandable that officials would want to shield the victims from any more trauma, the principle of open government weighs heavier in this case, as setting a precedent would allow police departments pick and choose which 911 calls or other publicly available documents would or would not be available to the press.

[bbernardini]

1. Whew. When I saw the subject line...

...I was afraid this was going to be one of those "THE NEWTOWN SHOOTINGS DIDN'T REALLY HAPPEN! FALSE FLAG! CRISIS ACTORS!" posts. Sorry about that.

[zipplewrath]

2. Likewise

I thought for sure that's what was afoot here.

We went through some similar discussions down here in Florida after Earnhart died at Daytona. The press ultimately wanted access to the autopsy information, including photos. They wanted them to address issues raised about NASCAR safety. But the government was afraid the photos would be "published" and wanted to stop it. They were considered public records though. I would watch a similar discussion being had years later over the Abu Grahb photos.

I really understood "both sides" (there were actually more than two sides). I don't think too many folks on any side were happy in the end.

[Heather MC]

3. I don't believe she is "wrong" Expressing an Opinion is not "wrong"

You may not "agree" with what she said but She is not wrong.

Just as you are not "wrong" in saying she is "wrong" I just don't "agrees" with you.

As a mother I would be horrified If my child was in that school and I had to hear the 911 tapes of my child and his classmate screaming in terror in the background.

I am sure if this were given a poll many people would "agree" with Rachel and many would I could not handle something like that emotionally. Someone threatened my son with a gun in the back of his school in 2010. I couldn't even bare to hear my 911 call over and over from that day.

[dougolat]

4. Well, sitting on the evidence that might validate the story....

...only strengthens the stance of doubters.

It's not for public entertainment, it's for investigative journalism and the historic record.

[JDPriestly]

5. I agree with David Sparks.

I don't want to hear the tapes, but I see no reason why members of the press should be barred from having them. It might be possible to write articles based on what is on the tapes. The tapes may elucidate the situation in Newtown around the time of the events.

I think they may also give insight about the functioning of the police and other government agencies during the event.

So the tapes should be provided to the press. Newton could ask the members of the press not to "play" the tapes. And the news should use its discretion.

I would not and will not listen to the tapes myself. Just because they are available does not mean that I have to avail myself of them. Same for many things in our society. Let them be available for others. I don't want to hear those tapes.