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May 26, 2012

Networks say coverage of Saddam Hussein's execution will be tasteful

by Joel Keller, posted Dec 29th 2006 3:01PM

Saddam and SatanI never thought I'd see the day when the words "Saddam" and "tasteful" were in the same sentence, but that day has arrived. Word is coming from the Iraqi government that Saddam Hussein will be executed by hanging by Saturday at the latest, and they will tape the entire thing. If that happens, the networks are saying that the coverage of the execution will be tasteful, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Now, they're not doing it out of respect to Saddam, of course; they're doing it out of respect for their audience. They won't air the full video if the Iraqi government makes it available for broadcast. "We're very aware that we're coming into people's living rooms and that there could be children watching," Linda Mason, a senior VP for CBS News, told THR. Since the war started, network news executives have considered using graphic video footage on a case-by-case basis, often editing it down to make it more palatable to audiences.

(Update: Embedded below is reportedly a video of Saddam's hanging.)

By the way, in looking for the picture above of South Park's version of Saddam, I came across this funny article from over the summer. Apparently, Matt Stone and Trey Parker were told that Saddam's Marine guards made him watch his scenes from Bigger, Longer and Uncut repeatedly. Remember in the movie, Saddam was the Devil's girlfriend and talked in a high-pitched, squeaky voice. It's too bad the Iraqi government doesn't want to do that for a few more months before the execution; seems like it was a good way to drive the guy nuts.

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Shane Matthews

Stigmata, Saddam fed his political enemies feet-first into industrial shredders, and immolated entire hamlets without mercy. The great majority of the casualties in Iraq have been Iraqi-inflicted. To compare Bush with Saddam shows moral relativity gone mad, along with the worst form of intellectual dishonesty and more than a few delusions thrown in.

Your problem is that you set a higher standard of conduct for Bush than you do for Saddam. That tells us more about you than it does about Bush.

January 09 2007 at 10:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Shane Matthews

Kaja, are you saying those 148 people are the only ones Saddam killed? Last time I checked, it was closer to a million. And frankly, I don't care how many people Bush has to kill. Whatever number he has to kill to make Islamists understand that terrorism will not be tolerated is the right number. And only the Islamists, and to a lesser degree Muslims in general, are in a position to change that number. Ideally it would be zero. Of course, the situation at present is far from ideal.

January 09 2007 at 10:50 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Stigmata

Whilst i agree there is no denying that saddam was a monster and killed many many people, but so is president bush!

The only difference is that bush was elected by the rednecks, oops, american people.

He is a warmonger and has directly and indirectly caused the deaths of thousands. They should both hang from the same gallow.

January 02 2007 at 10:02 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Andrew M.

Does anyone else think the audio of Saddam being hung sounds like a bowling pin strike?

January 02 2007 at 4:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mike h

we are as bad ashim. well at least we are not as bad as bush.

December 31 2006 at 8:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kim

not a very good vid still enjoyed watching the end of a very wicked bastard

December 31 2006 at 5:32 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mike cotie

I want to see the BASTARD swinging, come on net works show us the beef !!!!!!

December 31 2006 at 3:45 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chaim

here's the video

http://one.revver.com/watch/130549

December 30 2006 at 6:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chaim

What has happened to this country. It's horrible. When did liberals take over, how is it that liberals can have more sympathy for a mad man like Saddam, who raped and tortured thousands and thousands of people, but attempt to make Bush into some sort of devilman because they (liberals) are still boo hoo, crying that Gore didn't win in 2000.

Get your priorities and your facts straight. I for one will be watching with glee the video of his execution. There is still some Justice left in this world.

December 30 2006 at 6:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Teresa Knight

I have been searching You Tube for the actual video and have not been able to find the actual video there. I personally think it would be good for our country to have this kind of closure. Yes, this is graphic, yes, this is not suitable for children; however will it have a lasting effect on those watching. The only answer is: Yes

December 30 2006 at 3:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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