CBS News decided to run an article attacking the new documentary, “Homegrown Jihad: Terrorist Camps Around the U.S.” on Wednesday, February 11; an article which would have been given an “F” if graded by a high school journalism teacher. As part of the Christian Action Network that released the documentary, I feel compelled to explain why I thank CBS News for making a journalism career seem a possibility to the least capable among us.

Let’s revew this part-by-part.

“CBS News has obtained a copy of the trailer to the documentary “Homegrown Jihad: The Terrorist Camps Around the U.S.” The film was produced by PRB films, in association with The Christian Action Network. “

Obtained a copy of the trailer? Apparently, CBS’ impressive investigative prowess consists of going to YouTube.com and typing in “Homegrown Jihad” and then criticizing it without viewing the government-funded reports cited in the film, or really anything in the film for that matter.

“The film also includes clips from a “secret” training tape in which American Muslims are recruited into what is considered one of the most advanced courses in Islamic military warfare. “

CBS slickly uses the quotation marks, obviously attempting to indicate the tape isn’t so secret. If it isn’t secret, then why does Sheikh Gilani specifically tell those watching the tape to make sure it doesn’t fall into the hands of non-Muslims? And why isn’t it on YouTube–CBS’ repository for secret information–if it isn’t secret? Surely someone would post a terrorist training tape intended for Muslims in America if it wasn’t secret.

“Officials describe the film to CBS News as “sensationalistic” and without any real foundation. According to one official, it is strictly designed to upset and inflame people and does not present a true picture of any so-called “homegrown Jihad” danger. No current intelligence exists to suggest any threat connected with this group, which officials describe as “wannabes” and not terrorists. “

How dare the Christian Action Network try to provoke people! If the most we can be faulted for is stirring up emotions, which I wasn’t aware was a bad thing when trying to warn of a legitimate threat, then I thank CBS News for the compliment. Too bad they didn’t bother to call us for an interview before publishing the article, or I would have gladly informed them of my flattery.

Then, of course, comes the inevitable, anonymous official with an anonymous background and an anonymous agenda. And based on ONE official, CBS says that “no current intelligence exists” to suggest a threat from this group. Forget the arrests of Fuqra members involved in criminal and terrorist activity. Forget the blatantly anti-Semitic and extremist writings and videotape of Gilani, their leader. ONE official says to forget it. After all, they are wanna-be terrorists, not actual terrorists, so you can sleep well at night knowing they have only the intention, not the capability, to launch attacks. Apparently, CBS does more research using YouTube than using documents by think tanks and governments and police reports.

Posted by Ryan Mauro at 5:57 pm
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