Why the Media Blackout Over the Gosnell Trial?
Yesterday's USA Today ran a piece by Kirsten Powers, a columnist and political commentator, that questioned why the trial of Kermit Gosnell isn't making front page news.
That's a good question.
Mr. Gosnell is an abortionist who performed illegal and horrific late-term "abortions" in deplorable conditions that, in addition to killing the babies, also cost at least two women their lives. The grand jury report can be accessed here.
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I'm putting the word abortion in quotes because Mr. Gosnell allegedly murdered children after they were born.
Ms. Powers' piece was noticed by other reporters, who, thanks to her, now realize what is going on – or at least are finally compelled to report what was largely only being reported by pro-life-friendly sources.
Some are calling Powers "brave" for taking the risk to write her column. She should be credited for calling out the mainstream press, especially since she may pay something of a price for doing so. As a pro-life Democrat who once worked in the Clinton administration, she'll likely be criticized by those in her party who advocate for abortion.
The fact that people openly acknowledge that a news professional is taking a risk for reporting factual news reveals the depth of the media's bias when it comes to the issue of life.
"Media row" at the trial has been empty. Up until today the trial hasn't been mentioned by most of the main TV and cable news outlets. It's been given only passing mention by a few national papers.
The media may have been largely ignoring the murder of seven infants who were born alive, and the two women killed during abortions, but pro-life advocates haven't.
When it comes to the reporting regarding abortion the bias is nothing new, of course. But the new media is making it more difficult for some to ignore what so many now see on Twitter, Facebook or other social media.
Back in 1999, when Sen. Barbara Boxer refused to acknowledge a newborn's right to life after it had been completely separated from its mother, there was little to no coverage of it. Of course in 1999 there was no such thing as Twitter or Facebook, either.
That members of the traditional media would ignore this important trial and similarly newsworthy items about this issue shows how blindly the majority in their field supports abortion. And to those of us who see things differently it's frustrating, especially given their ability to influence people.
It's not my place to condemn them, but I will tell you this:
It breaks my heart.
How have some hearts grown so cold towards our most innocent and vulnerable?
In the midst of the darkness, though, there is good news when it comes to the growing public opposition to abortion. The press may support it, but more and more people do not. Thankfully, those who would commit, support and hide these atrocious acts are in the minority. Bolstered by ultrasound technology that brings the reality of life within the womb to our eyes, more and more people are holding to a pro-life worldview. The younger generation is more pro-life than the one that preceded it.
You, the advocates of life in all of its stages, are making sure people's minds are swayed. You do this by taking to social media and making sure people know what is happening. You do it by showing love and care to a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. You do it by serving the elderly, taking care of the orphan and highlighting the plight of the vulnerable. You change the hearts of people by being the hands and feet of Jesus, speaking biblical truth with Christ's heart, whenever you get an opportunity.
As we think about what's happening today, let's cling to the good news that truth will ultimately be made known.
Evil will be uncovered.
Eyes will be opened.
Voices will be heard.
And God's heart for innocent children will be known.
