Larry King and CNN coverage of the anniversary of 9/11

I often turn to CNN for my daily dose of news. I think the best way to pay tribute to the anniversary of 9/11 is by treating it like any other day. In my mind, the best revenge is Americans living their lives normally, with little interruption to their daily routines. The goal of terrorists is to make Americans suffer. They have accomplished their goal when all Americans hurt. I personally believe that CNN reminded the whole world how devastated Americans still are by the tragic events of that day; and at the same time, glorified the efforts of extremists around the world.

I believe Larry King made a very touching tribute to the firehouse. On the other hand, his coverage brought back painful memories to Americans around the world, especially the victims’ families and the people who lived in close proximity to the attacks. Obviously, Americans must never forget this day, but I believe it was unnecessary for King to bring back such painful memories in the minds of the firefighters, locals, and victims’ families. One very moving interview struck me as unnecessary. King interviewed two parents who lost their son that day. He was a firefighter who devoted his life to saving others. Therefore, he needs to be remembered. On the other hand, King’s interview of the parents may not have been the best technique for recovery. During the interview the mother was shown sobbing and mourning the loss of her son. In my mind, it was wrong for King to display her pain for the whole world to see. It not only hurts Americans, but glorifies the efforts that the terrorists made on that fateful day.

Another interesting correlation I found during the anniversary of 9/11 was the repeated playing of the videotape of Bin Laden being. It is ironic that on the anniversary of 9/11, Bin Laden made his most recent statements about U.S. politics. Maybe Bin Laden purposely made his statement close to the anniversary to “rub it in.” On the other hand, I think his tape was grossly overplayed on all news stations. Americans did not need anything more to be fearful of; they had enough anxiety as it was.


We must never forget, but we need to move on…