Sensationalism and Sensibility

[GAHorn]

I am in receipt of my AOPA "ePilot" this morning, in which it is headlined "Barefoot Bandit may be Eastbound", and I am disgusted by it.

AOPA has traditionally criticized the mass-media for sensationalism of aviation stories, and now has joined the fray!

Colton Harris-Moore is a miscreant-teenager who is now a suspected felon. He should not be lionized/glamourized/sensationalized by the media as "the barefoot bandit" or any other nom-de-guerre. He should be demeaned, castigated, and despised as a common criminal and thief, and potential murderer...for when he kills someone with his antics of aircraft-theft that is exactly what may result from his activities.

I would like to encourage everyone to consider this matter and write a letter to Craig Fuller pointing out that AOPA is now "one of THEM" (the mass media.)

IMO

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

I agree with you George but couldn't put my finger on what was wrong with the story.

The fact this felon has seemed to move east is a story that needs to be reported to AOPA membership so that they can be extra vigilant to stop him and for no other reason. A more suitable headline just as effective would be, FELON MOVES EAST. The real story the media should be following is, WHY HASN"T HE BEEN CAUGHT.

[Brad Brady]

Bruce I agree with you. But from what I have gleaned from the morning news, is that this kid may be getting cover from people, because of his outlaw stature.....Kinda sounds like Jessy James, (Not the idiot that screwed up his life with Sandra Bullock) (what a moron) but the late 19 century outlaw

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Even more reason George is right, AOPA and the rest of the media shouldn't glorify what he has done.