So Why are Reporters Being So Damn STUPID?
What I'm wondering is - why are these news organizations putting these correspondents in the middle of hurricanes? I find this totally irresponsible. How many people think "oh, well if CNN is here, then I don't have to evacuate. If they can weather the storm, so can I." So we have the new TV Special - All Hurricane Katrina All The Time - Starring Hurricane Katrina and a Cast of 10,000 Morons.
We all know that hurricanes are nasty, windy, wet, and have lots of storm surge. We don't need Anderson Cooper being Mr. Macho Man standing up to the wind and showing us how manly he is. We don't need Rob Marciano standing there while pieces of roof fall off and land near him. And for each "manly reporter" there's at least one camera person, and likely a producer. So how many people does CNN send into harm's way for mere sensationalism? And how many people feel that it's a cool idea to copy them?
While I certainly hope for the safety of everyone who is in harm's way in the hurricane, I'm afraid it's going to take the injury or death of media personnel before the outlets "get religion" and perhaps follow their own advice and keep away from these areas. Nature does not differentiate between people with cameras and microphones and those without when she hits.
Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in the effected areas. May the Gods protect you. Just don't hang out with the CNN guys.
Update Yep, the idiots are out trying to see/hang out with Anderson Cooper in Baton Rouge. How brilliant can you get? Perhaps CNN is helping with social Darwinism by showing us a live demonstration.