There are a number of expressions I've learned over the years, some of them too 'colorful' to use here, that apply to some coverage in the mainstream media of the bloggers at Iraq the Model who we know and who we are assisting with Friends of Democracy (see here and here). Since it is getting some attention, we thought we should comment.

Here in So. California there is an expression that applies to the article in question: "No brains, no headaches." Which, in this case, is the nicest way of saying we doubt that those behind the story will ever suffer any sort of discomfort over this.

Jeff Jarvis does a good job of dealing with this article: "Sarah Boxer's story on IraqTheModel in today's New York Times Arts section is irresponsible, sloppy, lazy, inaccurate, incomplete, exploitive, biased, and -- worst of all -- dangerous, putting the lives of its subjects at risk." Read Jeff's thorough discussion here.

There are many, many Iraqis who are risking their lives working for freedom, democracy and peace in their country. They are struggling against the worst kind of enemy.

It's a shame that, in the case of the bloggers at Iraq the Model, the difficult work they are doing with Friends of Democracy gets no attention in the New York Times but quite a bit of ink is devoted to irresponsibly putting their lives at risk.

Don't send aspirin, send in the Scarecrow.

-- Jim Hake

ps: I addressed the question of our (non-existent) ties to politics and government here.