Photo Fiasco

Tuesday, May 18, 2004

And now some fresh pickings from the grapevine:

Photo Fiasco

The editor of Britain's Daily Mirror has been fired, a day after government officials told Parliament that photographs published in the London paper allegedly showing Iraqi prisoners being abused by British troops were -- "Categorically not taken in Iraq."

Editor Piers Morgan had refused to resign as late as last night, instead calling on the government to crack down on the soldiers involved in the alleged abuse. A statement by the paper, however, apologized for running what it now says were faked photos and said it would be - "inappropriate" for Morgan to continue as editor.

Withdrawal Worries

Spanish troops pulling out of Iraq are denouncing Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's decision to remove them, calling the withdrawal too hasty. Sergeant Manuel Garcia, who recently returned from Iraq, said the soldiers -- "felt used and let down by the politicians," and called removing the troops a decision made  "purely for [Zapatero's] popularity."

Related

What's more, reports the London Telegraph, Spanish soldiers are comparing their return home to that of American troops coming home from Vietnam. According to Sergeant Sergio Peña - "you came back and you could feel the indifference."

Kerry and Communion

Several Catholic bishops have expressed reservations about giving  communion to Democratic Presidential Candidate and Catholic John Kerry, whose pro-choice views put him at odds with church teachings. But one Colorado Bishop says he would ban communion for anyone who even votes for Kerry.

Bishop Michael Sheridan has issued a pastoral letter denying communion to any Catholic who votes for politicians supporting abortion rights, stem cell research, euthanasia, or gay marriage, calling the issues -- "intrinsically evil." Sheridan says that voters would be denied communion until they -- "recant their position and have been reconciled with God and the Church in the Sacrament of Penance."

Radio Woes

Liberal talk radio outlet Air America's short history has been marked by layoffs, the loss of two top affiliate stations in Chicago and Los Angeles, the firing of its two top officers, and an inability to pay many of its employees. Now the Chicago Tribune reports that the left-leaning network deducted the cost of health coverage from the checks of its Chicago employees - but neglected to enroll them in a health insurance plan.

Air America President John Sinton has promised to correct any mistakes that may have been made.

FOX News' Michael Levine contributed to this report

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