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Zorro

(15,760 posts)
Mon Jun 4, 2012, 10:50 PM Jun 2012

Shame on You, Dan Rather: Rather’s False Reporting on Venezuela & President Hugo Chavez

Since Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was diagnosed with cancer and a malignant tumor was removed from his pelvic region last June, all kinds of rumors, lies and speculations have circulated about his health. Most of the hype has come from known anti-Chavez media, such as the Miami Herald and several online blogs run by right-wing extremists like Bush’s former Assistant Secretary of State Roger Noriega, who’s been obsessed with Chavez for years. All cite unnamed sources who claim they have “insider information” about the Venezuelan head of state’s health. It’s been unsurprising that those media outlets, known for their decade-long distortions of Venezuela’s reality, would publish such falsities and morbid tales about President Chavez. But that a serious, veteran, investigative journalist, such as Dan Rather, would indulge in the necrophiliac story-telling about the Venezuelan President is truly disappointing.

Rather, who now runs his own show on HDNet, Dan Rather Reports, posted a report on Wednesday, May 30, claiming President Chavez’s health is “dire” and has “entered the end stage”. Rather also claims his unnamed “high-level” source, who he alleges is close to the Venezuelan President, told him Chavez won’t live “more than a couple of months at most”. In his brief report, which he calls an “exclusive”, Rather also bids in with his own biased language, calling the democratically-elected Venezuelan President a “dictator”.

What prompted Dan Rather to write such diatribe? Why would he join the ranks of Roger Noriega, the wretched Miami Herald and a slew of pseudo-journalists drooling over their morbid wet dreams of President Chavez’s failing health?

What is apparent is that Rather was quick to the gun to “break” his “exclusive” story. Just the day before, President Chavez hosted a cabinet meeting broadcast live on television that lasted more than four hours. The Venezuelan head of state appeared energized, optimistic and focused on his duties, and even sang a few heartfelt songs, as is custom for the eclectic and charismatic Chavez. He reaffirmed his candidacy for the October 7th presidential elections. (Yes, Venezuela is a democracy!) That’s a far cry from being on his “death bed”, as Rather implies.

More at: http://www.chavezcode.com/2012/05/shame-on-you-dan-rather-rathers-false.html

It's Dan Rather versus Hugo's favorite go-to propagandist Eva Golinger!

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Shame on You, Dan Rather: Rather’s False Reporting on Venezuela & President Hugo Chavez (Original Post) Zorro Jun 2012 OP
If Chaves dies in a few months UnrepentantLiberal Jun 2012 #1
You new around here? Zorro Jun 2012 #2
Been here for four years. UnrepentantLiberal Jun 2012 #4
Well, just because I have the reputation for being Hugo's #1 fanboy Zorro Jun 2012 #5
I won't. UnrepentantLiberal Jun 2012 #6
well Dan Rather used one source which is not proper, but... hrmjustin Jun 2012 #3
This is the same deal as Fidel's death flamingdem Jun 2012 #7
I think Golinger has it right on this controversy. Peace Patriot Jun 2012 #8

Zorro

(15,760 posts)
5. Well, just because I have the reputation for being Hugo's #1 fanboy
Mon Jun 4, 2012, 11:13 PM
Jun 2012

don't expect me to apologize on Eva Golinger's behalf if Rather is right.

 

hrmjustin

(71,265 posts)
3. well Dan Rather used one source which is not proper, but...
Mon Jun 4, 2012, 11:06 PM
Jun 2012

...Chavez is not looking good so don't be surprised if Rather was right.

flamingdem

(39,342 posts)
7. This is the same deal as Fidel's death
Tue Jun 5, 2012, 12:17 AM
Jun 2012

Just google and you'll see how many "high level reliable contacts" gave tips about Fidel dying that filtered into the media.

Everyone wants the scoop so their reasoning bends.

Peace Patriot

(24,010 posts)
8. I think Golinger has it right on this controversy.
Tue Jun 5, 2012, 03:35 AM
Jun 2012

Rather's skimpy, poorly sourced report reads like some of the anti-Chavez crapola we see here at DU and at "Freeper" sites. If Rather truly wrote it--or okayed it--he should be shamed.

Whether Chavez is at death's door or not, we can't really know. But I also saw a clip of the four hour meeting (that Golinger mentions), that was broadcast live, and in which Chavez looks very well--healthy, happy, energetic--and most certainly not like a a man "in the end stage of cancer" (as the Rather report ghoulishly puts it). I work with people who are actually enduring the end stage of cancer, and, believe me, they don't look like Chavez did and could not conceivably put up a "front" of health and energy for four hours under cameras.

I think this report is just more Rovian type electioneering, so typical of the rightwing in Venezuela and of their tutors in Washington.

It is unfortunate that Rather "bought it"--if he did. I'm still suspecting an actual Rove "dirty trick"--against Rather. That would not be without precedent.

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