Over 24 hours have passed since the video and full transcript of Sibel Edmond’s deposition have been made public, giving even the most stupid and lazy journalist the time to either watch the video or read the transcript. This morning, I decided to check what Google News would find for me. I simply typed “Sibel Edmonds” and hit enter. Here are the results:
Now, I cannot say that I was expecting a tsunami of reports, but still, nothing. Almost nothing at all! Take a look for yourself (click on the pic for a higher resolution). What do you see?
The Brad Blog. Well, yes, since Brad Friedman has been following this story from the very beginning and since his blog is, along with Lukery’s “Let Sibel Speak“, the unofficial “Sibel news” blog.
What else?
Znet, Georgetown News Democrat, kypost, and Antiwar.com.
That’s it. Absolutely nothing from the corporate press. Not a single word, not even on page 23…
Think of some of the possible news headlines which could have legitimately been made with Sibel’s testimony:
or
Surely, if the corporate media is in the business of selling stuff, then such catchy headlines are just any editor’s wet dream, no?
Among the many lessons of the Sibel Edmonds case is the incontrovertible proof that the corporate media is not in the business of selling anything, at least not primarily. Selling news is only a subsidiary goal of the corporate press, but its real mission is to make people stupid and ignorant and, once this goal is reached, to keep them this way. Either that, or it is so terrified of the puppeteers which run the official government in the USA that they rather sacrifice a fantastic marketing opportunity than incur the wrath of the US “deep state” and the Nomenklatura which supports it.
But the silence on the Sibel Edmonds case does not stop with the corporate media. Almost the same picture can be observed in the free press, independent press, blogosphere etc.
Yesterday, Amy Goodman found the time to report about “EPA Fails to Inform Public About Weed Killer in Drinking Water” but not about the Edmonds case, not even in the short news section (It would be interesting to compare the number of stories DemocracyNow had about Sibel Edmonds in, say, the past year or two with the number of stories they had about homosexuals and their “rights”). A quick look at Commondreams.org this morning also shows nothing about Sibel Edmonds.
Frankly, at this point I intended to list all the “alternative” websites which had nothing about Sibel, but I felt so embarrassed for them, that I decided to refrain from doing so. While some are clearly in the “opposition business”, others are the “real thing” and I don’t want to offend anybody for what could be an innocent oversight. But still, the bottom line terrible: Sibel’s truly heroic efforts are almost totally ignored by the free, alternative or independent press.
I don’t believe that it is morally correct to simply accuse everybody of being hypocrites, nor do I believe that nobody really cares. They care, a lot, in fact. No, my explanation for what is going on is very different: the “free, alternative and independent” media is also largely dependent on the corporate press to gather it’s news stories. And that, if true, is really frightening.
This is frightening because that means that the Empire can still “shut down” a story when needed and the so called “free, alternative and independent” media is not truly free, alternative or independent.
There are all sorts of possible explanations for this state of affairs, ranging from the simple laziness of some reporters to the way search engines work. Whatever the true reason(s) for this – the case of Sibel Edmonds should serve as a warning to all of us: the Empire can still has formidable means to prevent us from learning the truth about what is happening behind the scenes.
The Saker
I was thinking the exact same regarding no press coverage when I searched “Sibel Edmonds” on google news and google blog. Here’s a good explanation: http://pakalert.wordpress.com/2009/03/16/six-jewish-companies-own-96-of-the-worlds-media/
After all, AIPAC & the “JIZ” (Xymphora term) is in bed with its Turkish counterparts.
@anonymous: I am not so sure that this is the reason. How hard is it for all the alternative, free or independent media folks to simply check the Brad Blog, or Let Sibel Speak, or 123 Change or Just A Citizen to be informed?
I am not defending Google or any other putatively “Jewish” media – I am only saying that if I can do it, everybody else could too, no?
Why are you using google?
@anonymous2: the reason why I used google was to make a point: that the “biggest” news search engine did not find anything about this deposition.
You should not assume from that that I only use google.
BTW – which search engine do you use and why?
Cheers!
Keep in mind, google whitewashes it’s search results as well, so just because google didn’t find it, doesn’t mean it’s not out there.
In fact, infowars,prisonplanet, and all of the other Alex Jones affiliated media sites have been covering this since day 1, and I’m fairly sure there will be articles linked on the main page of most, if not all, of those sites.
I mention them because they are, like it or lump it, the big players when it comes to information and activism.
Obama Joker posters anyone?
Though I suspect you are correct, most of the “alternative” news sources are in fact bought and paid for by the MsM and only touch on subjects THEY allow them to.
The fact of the matter is simply this: This generation of Americans officially lost their freedom.
The US government cannot and will not be held accountable by this generation short of an armed revolution.
The Globalists have defeated the US from within. They took it over. The run it for their purposes. Obama knows he’s dead if he moves against them on ‘certain issues’.
And now that the American Republic is now their “American” Empire, they rest of the world will fall victim to them as well, which will breed more hate of America because Americans didn’t put a bullet between the globalists’ eyes.
Want to drive NSA crazy?
Get a few million to put in ”I want to kill Obama’ into Google.
I dont use google, I use yahoo search. I inquired years ago about an interview with sibel. I got a negative as I, a mere freelancer, was not considered “big” enough then for The Princess to interview (like Cindy Sheehan who is also now whining about her ‘press blackout’).
So I turned to accessible subjects and am not interested in returning to old news. Wish the bloggers would try to make a living selling stories that bosses wont buy. See how long they last in the profession. Or maybe THEY would be willing to help fund these efforts- not just expecting the alt media to pay it (many times from the reporters own pockets)
You need a viewing/reading public to support that kind of newsgathering. How many here have ever sent some $$ to an independent journalist? Even 10 bucks for ink etc? NONE, I suspect.
Dont expect others to do for you what you wont do yourself.
Amy Goodman – Columbia – need we say more. On 911 Larry Silverstein almost buried brought her and her Democracy Now Staff inside WTC – 7. But listening to Amy, one would think she was off on a Cabala Sabbatical on /11.
To Amy, Obama is indeed the promised Messiah, and facts and honest reporting are not to get in the way of that, now are they.
@anonymous#4: For one thing, I did send money to independent news sources which I supported. Then your characterization of Sibel Edmonds as “The Princess” is vulgar and off the point: you somehow fail to realize that she owes you *nothing*. I would also add that considering what she has done for all of us, you owe *her* many thanks.
BTW – I also wanted to interview her and I was also turned down. That is not a reason to have a hissy fit over it and be offended. If you are truly a professional journalist, then you should be used to that kind of rejection without going ballistic over it.
Wish the bloggers would try to make a living selling stories that bosses wont buy.
Bloggers make their living in all sorts of ways, mostly in activities not related to blogging. Some make some money, others – like myself – do not. It is false to say that you cannot blog without being paid for it.
Dont expect others to do for you what you wont do yourself.
Let me return these words to you since you – not Cindy Sheehan- are the one whining now.
There are a lot of good people out there. In your bitterness you are missing them. I feel sorry for you.
The Saker
I too Googled Ms. Edmonds this mornign and got the same results. I emailed the Cincinnati Enquirer this morning and tried to shame them into reporting on this. Nothing yet.
Annon of 12:24-
You are right. Plenty of independents are busting their backs and it goes completely unacknowledged. Yet this cranky little bitch sets up a rant against the ‘blanket journo’???
Vineyard,
YOU name call others as “bitter”?
After this little snit from your petty poison pen: “giving even the most stupid and lazy journalist the time to either watch the video or read the transcript.”
It is YOUR blog. Your whine. I didnt broach the topic complaining of reporters as “lazy, stupid”. YOU DID. Then I responded.
You seem not to get that WE owe Sibel nothing- nor YOU. If you want to whine about the alternative press’s conduct- PAY THE FEES, Suffer the backlash and TAKE THE RISKS YOURSELF. try to do it as a professional, as you say. Which means you GET PAID for your expenses. Go ahead and try. See how you pay rent.
Dont whine on your blog how few Sibel hits there are or how “journalists are lazy, stupid” etc. Put up or shut up. Do the work yourself and interview her. run to Turkey and the countries to verify the claims, accruing thousands in airline tix. Pay the exorbitant LD phone bills, then to have the sotry rejected. See who pays your kids’ tuition because you tried to “do the right thing.”
If the American people dont give a damn enough to read it, or be informed further – tough luck- what are you going to do? More whining I suppose.
More kvetch of yours- “But still, the bottom line terrible: Sibel’s truly heroic efforts are almost totally ignored by the free, alternative or independent press”
All this whining from a blogster, who in his OWN real PAYING job, would never dare confront his boss and jeapordize his occupation in even a minor way for a small point- much less lose his job for a big issue- but reporters are supposed to be knights of truth’s shining armor.
Do reporting for yourself instead of just bitching and judging and name-calling. Put your money where your mouth is. But dont bend over too far while doing so you ignorant, arrogant nitwit.
The purpose of lamestream media disinfo reports is to keep you occupied until the next crass commercial message. I never wade into the lamestream media cesspool. Even hearing the news in the background at a public place or at an friends makes my stomach churn and I feel sick. Lies make me feel this way. I hope the best for Sibel, she is courageous. May her god or gods go with her.
@Anonymous: All this whining from a blogster, who in his OWN real PAYING job, would never dare confront his boss and jeapordize his occupation in even a minor way for a small point
Interesting that you would say that. I had a rather great career as a military analyst until I lost it all because I confronted my boss and did the right thing. Every since, my family has been struggling just to make ends meet. We also barely pay the rent now. I paid for doing the right thing, dearly.
But hey, a judgemental and arrogant guy like you already knows it all, and does not need facts, now do you?
And yes, I stay by what I wrote. Most reporters are both lazy and stupid. I have spent enough time around them to know that for a fact. No wonder they are hated just about as much as lawyers and doctors…
Do reporting for yourself instead of just bitching and judging and name-calling.
Guess what? I did. I reported about her deposition, I posted links to the original material. None of which, I would add, requiered a single penny of financing (so much for your lame excuse). Doing the same was all that would have been needed from the press to at least deserve a modicum of respect.
Does it exhaust you to be so wrong, so totally wrong, every time?
Now go “cover” Kennedy’s death or American Idol. That will make you feel good about yourself :-)
@Everybody:
Check this out:
Anonymous 12:24:
I inquired years ago about an interview with sibel. I got a negative as I, a mere freelancer
Anonymous 3:37 PM:
Annon of 12:24-
You are right. Plenty of independents are busting their backs and it goes completely unacknowledged
and
I didnt broach the topic complaining of reporters as “lazy, stupid”. YOU DID. Then I responded.
You get it?
The guys is congratulating *himself*
:-))
Boycott Google. Ixquick.com is better, faster, and more private.
Anon @ 1758hrs thanks for new search engine tip it’s way past due for a goog boycott.
I’ve used Ixquick.com for over 2 years and I love it.
Fuck Google.
Agreed, saker.
This is incredible.
Here is a woman testifying UNDER OATH about a closet lesbian American Congresswoman filmed having sex with another woman and then blackmailed by Turkish intelligence agents.
Say, this is better than every Hollywood movie, every thriller book, every… well, you get the idea.
That American media completely ignore this story makes me fear for Sibel’s life…
If I may spam my blog, I just made a new section about Israeli spying in America in 2009 with my articles about Sibel, Jane Harman (there is another outrageous story which beats any Hollywood movie – this woman almost became Intelligence chairwoman due to Israeli agents of influence), and of course the AIPAC treason trial with messrs. Rosen, Weisman and Franklin – all innocent, of course, despite being caught red handed, filmed, taped, observed… innocent anyway.
The thing is, these stories are so unbelievable and so outrageous that if you tell something like that to Joe six pack American you will be called a crazy and the reaction will be a smirk or shrug of shoulders…
And this has just happened – we are talking about a few months ago!
Nice article Saker, and I get your point about google. A small point I want to make is that it is much better to search using http://www.dogpile.com – it returns results from google, Yahoo, and others.
@Lamarr: absolutely – dogpile is a much better option. And this one protects you while you search: http://www.hidemyass.com/anonymous-search/ You can even use hidemyass to make searches on dogpile if you want ;-)
@anonymous: I’ve used Ixquick.com for over 2 years and I love it.
I had never heard about this one. Thanks a lot for the pointer!!
I will write a story on this for Zero Hedge.
This is pure dynamite. Hope the fuse is now lit.
try Mamma.com or Clusty.com as well as dogpile. Clusty saves nothing about you or your computer, while Mamma is great, especially for job searches. I have About 8 sites I look at regularily for weather forecasting jobs, they together might list 40 jobs not including duplicates, one time I tried Mamma search and got nearly 200 job listings. Also a new type of information engine is called wolframalpha.com; just type in a word or phrase and it will define it and give examples. best used for science and math subjects but will also give interesting results for odd words, birthdays and more.
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@Anonymous 03.37 said: “…run to Turkey and the countries to verify the claims, accruing thousands in airline tix. Pay the exorbitant LD phone bills, then to have the sotry rejected. See who pays your kids’ tuition because you tried to “do the right thing”
I guess that’s why reporters considered scavengers. They take jobs they aren’t capable of doing they try to dig up for a while then they decide to fuck it and start looking around for some scrap to sell so it’ll pay for their kids tuition.
Get some job you can do then.
I’ve been doing the same experiment with the Sibel Edmonds story, and the lack of coverage is just so extreme, it makes the whole issue of media control quite blatant. (Not that I deserve to be surprised by that at this point.)
The media outlets probably received something akin to National Security Letters gagging them. The blackout is total, which means there’s something more afoot than your garden variety corporate censorship.
Screw the “distraction media” – I’m with you guys on this!
To the professional reporter: You know you don’t have to travel for everything in this day and age. There is this great invention called the Internet and you can reach quite a few resources/assets to verify certain things. As for the phone… You can find quite cheap alternatives for that too. As for traveling to Turkey, perhaps I am totally missing the point but I don’t think you would have to travel there to verify her claims… Heck, I know nothing about journalism and don’t even consider myself a smart person. What is wrong with you?!
AnonyMouse
Great post VS. I like your description of the function of the mainstream media. May I suggest a book that you may find nteresting.
It’s Propaganda by Jacques Ellul. Ellul claims that educated people are most susceptible to being swayed by propaganda. Education, according to Ellul, instills in an individual the necessary biases that make propaganda seem acceptable and reasonable. The never-ending promotion of free-markets, freedom, and the belief in the redemptive power of military intervention are but a few examples that come readily to mind.
AA
@AA: thanks for the tip. I know who Ellul is, but that is not a book I have read. I will get it.
Many thanks and kind regards,
The Saker