Journalism: The Latest Benghazi Casualty

Lara Logan is not the first, she is simply the latest casualty of the Benghazi scandal which unfolded on 9/11/12. 

 

Over the past year the issues surrounding Benghazi have resulted in the tragic loss of four American lives in Benghazi, Libya.  The tragedy was followed by the resignation of General David Petraeus (allegedly because of an extramarital affair).  Allegations of a CIA cover up also unfolded in the wake of the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi.  The military response became politicized in a presidential campaign, there was finger pointing that filmmakers had incited the attack, then the ultimate acceptance of responsibility by Hilary Clinton, followed up with the acceptance of responsibility by Barack Obama.  Now it is journalism’s and Lara Logan’s turn. 

Lara and the producer of 60 Minutes clearly failed in ensuring journalistic integrity and making sure that the story was told and told right.  She is also the one in front of the television camera which makes her a very convenient target, and easy to eliminate from the focus of attention. 

The public however is now more confused than they were before the story aired.  An accurate accounting of what exactly transpired in Libya on 9/11/12 has yet to be reported in a clear and accurate manner.  This story is not one in which it happened and people totally forgot about, it has had some staying power, which is now, hopefully, rekindled in light of the current controversy. 

In the spirit of journalistic integrity as well as the preservation of their credibility 60 Minutes owes their viewers more than an apology.  For their part 60 Minutes and CBS should take on this issue again and make sure that the facts and discrepancies surrounding Benghazi are brought to light in order to educate and inform their viewers.  Although in fairness to news outlets, this issue is so big, complex, and convoluted it does not lend itself well to a report.  I believe that a documentary needs to be done with all of the facts laid out, and with interviews conducted on key government personnel.