Thomas Sowell

About the author: Thomas Sowell is a syndicated columnist.

In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on America, the media should be more cautious about the news and rumors they report. The media frightened their readers by hyping the anthrax attacks, which followed the attacks on September 11. In addition, by treating the ruling Taliban's claims of civilian casualties as fact, the media are undermining America's war efforts in Afghanistan. The media also jeopardize the lives of American soldiers when reporting American military plans. The media must be objective and report only the facts, instead of dangerous speculation.

The media seem to be doing a major part of the terrorists' work for them. What is the point of terrorism, after all? To get the most bang for the buck from...