Book World Succumbs to White House Propaganda
Press Action
Monday, February 23, 2004
http://www.pressaction.com/news/weblog/full_article/akram02232004/
In a review of a new book on Martin Luther King Jr., David L. Chappell, a professor of history at the University of Arkansas, writes in the Washington Post’s Book World that “not many Americans are likely to accept King’s idea that violence begets only violence.” Press Action contributor Tanweer Akram dissects Chappell’s review in a letter to the Washington Post.
Dear Editor:
David L. Chappell in his review of Stewart Burn’s book on Martin Luther King Jr., (The Power of Peace, Feb. 22, 2004) writes: “They [U.S. occupation soldiers] are there [in Iraq] largely because 19 men with boxcutters showed America that organized self-sacrifice can amplify the power of murderers.” This is a classic example disinformation worthy of Donald Rumsfeld. It perpetuates a lie. Iraq had nothing to do with the terror attacks of 9-11. There is no evidence at all of any connection. Everyone knows that the U.S. war on Iraq had nothing to do with al-Qaeda terrorists and bin Laden. So why does the Washington Post allow its reviewers to reinforce falsehoods? Does not the Post abide by a minimum standard of journalism? What about fact-checking before publishing?
I find it also amazing that Mr. Chappell can shamelessly claim “thousands of brave Americans have brought violence to Iraq with a sincere hope of peace,” ignoring the well documented deaths caused by decades of sanctions, destruction caused by the recent war of invasion, and the present condition of Iraqis. That he does so in a purported review of a book on Martin Luther King Jr., indicates that Mr. Chappell has alas failed to understand King’s message of peace, justice, and equality.
Sincerely,
Tanweer Akram