WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

CNN. I've just been watching Anderson Cooper confirm the execution of Saddam. He's explaining how they'll soon have photos showing the death of the Butcher of Baghdad, but that CNN will give advance warning, not wanting to offend the TV audience. He said they'll have a network panel reviewing any images to make sure nothing is too graphic to be shown, not wanting to display anything "too gruesome". What a bunch of bunk. More evidence that they care most about our enemies. This is the same network that claimed it was "news" that had to be shown when they broadcast video showing insurgent snipers killing U.S. troops. They and other outlets have not had a problem showing disfigured, bloated bodies of everyday people killed in situations around the globe. Why the sensitivity about Hussein? Afraid to upset satellite viewers in the Middle East? Good grief. There's no reason to give Saddam any respect. He already had due process in court, something he never afforded his victims in Iraq. Message to CNN and other networks: Show what you have. Send a message the Iraqi people that Saddam is really dead and gone. Other tinhorn dictators will then have to take notice, too. Do it.

THE NUTS ON PARADE: Conspiracy junkies on the left...and some on the right... are claiming that Saddam was killed to shut him up; to keep him from spilling the beans about Bush, the Saudis... the whole works. What are they smoking?

UPDATE ON THE EXECUTION: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6218485.stm