Verdict First, Evidence Later The Case for Bobby Garwood Monika Jensen-Stevenson The “Fourth Estate” a phrase coined by Thomas Jefferson in reference to the free press.

Free Press as the Harbinger of Truth  President Eisenhower “Beware the Military-Industrial Complex” The author intimates that the press had climbed into bed with the military-industrial complex as early as the McCarthy witch hunts of the 50’s. The press “meekly mouth the Warren Commission The Washington Post’s attack on Oliver Stone’s JFK in the late 80’s

Private Robert R. Garwood  POW – Court Marshaled for Treason Direct testimony of veterans of all ranks belittled and ignored, if it was not of the government’s position.  The Best and the Brightest – Top News Reporters of the VN war.  “Not the best and the brightest” – a quote from Donna Shalala (Clinton cabinet member)  Slander – easy to believe – see Gen. Tighe accused by one of the “top” journalists of suffering from Alzheimer's.

POWS Alive in Viet Nam  Media believes government line that all are dead.  Threats from the top (NSC and DIA) when reporters were known to be working on POW stories.  1985 “Dead or Alive” airs.  Tighe Commission formed  Garwood’s story would undermine the governments efforts to keep the truth about American POWs from the public.  The media consistently did not report testimony given on behalf of Garwood.  Witnesses pressured by the government to lie.  Can we expect the modern day press to protect the truth?

Mainstream Media The Drug War’s Shills Michael Levine  How big is this story?  $20 Billion a year in Federal funds alone.  1971 – present an increase in 1000% of heroine addiction alone.  The war that was never intended to be won. Why? Turn $2,000 into $1,120,000 with a kilo of pure heroine.  Agencies fight for money! U.S. Customs vs The Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs  CIA protecting major drug dealers. Shipping drugs (Air America) Laundering money Profits from the illegal operations funded the CIA without congressional oversight being necessary.  The media is silent!!  It’s all about the money – job security.

The Mightly Wurlitzer Plays On Gary Webb  The story that shook an investigative reporter’s blissful trust in the free press and how it made life better for Americans and punished the evil doers.  The Contras, a CIA paramilitary group Crack Cocaine dealing to support the war Creating the drug markets in inner city LA, and spreading it across the nation.  Once discredited – Dark Alliance became viewed as an Internet conspiracy theory.