Although there is some danger of messages being passed in canned video press releases, along with other mis- and/or disinformation, I think this is a risk we should be willing to take, since Al Jazeera is an independent source of information which outflanks the establishment's information management during the current crisis.

As we have seen in the past, the spin put on military action by the brass makes it almost impossible to figure out what is actually going on. Case in point: Scuds vs. Patriots in the Gulf War. Contrast the post-war studies with the real-time press releases. (For those who may not know, the Patriots were almost totally useless against the Scuds.)

While I recognize the obligation of the brass to try to protect American lives, I also recognize the need for an informed citizenry in this country, and I'm wary of attempts to stifle or curtail information. I also keep an ample supply of salt nearby.

In short, the dangers of censorship outweigh the risks of a free and open press.

sp