You don't really believe these accused Ontario terrorists are innocent, do you?

What kind of person are you? I bet you I know. You're a soft-headed, pea-brained liberal whose infatuation with Canada's multicultural myth has left the "enemy within" to fester unchecked.

How could you? Are you a racist, or what? This bunch of adolescent amateurs couldn't mount a fireworks display if it was Victoria Day. This is Toronto, not Tora Bora. Let's get serious. And you know our cops would cook up anything to get on CNN.

The sound and fury of critics and commentators in Canada's media have been positively ear-shattering since the dramatic arrests in Toronto of 12 men and five teenagers on terror-related charges.

With all this shouting, has anyone invented a collective mute button for circumstances like these?

This is obviously very serious business. But how we in Canada's media are responding to this important case is posing many challenges to us all as journalists and as citizens.

For all of the noise of the past week or so, there is only one thing about which we can be certain:

It isn't that we are once again in the middle of a breathless rush to judgment that ignores past cases — the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 and the Atlanta Summer Olympics in 1996, to name just two — which turned out very differently than they appeared on day one. It is much too early to even suggest this.

And it isn't that we have nearly stumbled into Canada's 9/11 that might have brought terrorism home in truly horrific ways. Or uncovered a massive tear in the frayed multicultural fabric of this country. It is also too early to jump to these conclusions.

Let the truth be told: we simply do not know. The one and only thing we can be certain about in this troubling case is that we simply don't know at this point what is true and what is not. Period. And if this doesn't encourage a bit of media humility, nothing will.

Given this uncertainty, I suspect that historians in the future will look back at the media's coverage of the first 10 days of this incident and conclude that we have been skating very fast and on very thin ice.

Not that we haven't used the appropriate cop-out words. Most media have inserted the word "alleged" whenever they referred to those charged. We're too clever and experienced not to do that. But that doesn't get us off the hook.

A lawyer reminded us of this on Michael Enright's Sunday Edition program on CBC Radio last weekend by referring to a New Yorker cartoon of a man chasing someone who stole his wallet.

Canada's media, including the CBC, may not have convicted this crowd yet but we're certainly not shy about focusing on certain assumptions. Our media have been replete with dramatic stories on the alienation of Muslim youth in Canada, debate about multiculturalism, laws regarding terrorism, parallels with Britain and the rest of Europe, growing public fears about an enemy within, etc.

Such angles are often pursued as possibly true, so it's assumed they merit exhaustive examination.

This may all be fine and good — and might even be regarded as useful journalism — but only to a point. And that point is where the facts leave us, and the political agendas of interest groups and media organizations take over.

Again, it is too early to be certain about where this point actually is. But it's certainly not too early to worry that there are a lot of axes grinding in today's media coverage in the pursuit of personal and political agendas.

What is most admirable, of course, is the hard-nosed, street level news gathering that has also been evident in this story. The leader undoubtedly has been the Toronto Star and its national security reporter, Michelle Shephard, but many other news organizations have been working hard to catch up.

That is where the media emphasis should be — with followup, followup, followup. This is particularly true given the depressing, even painful, predictability involved in these kinds of stories.

Act One is The Incident, and the public's initial readiness to accept things as they appear to be at the beginning.

Then in Act Two, we have The Backlash — from both sides. That's where we are now. This is usually quite vicious and political, as it has been here, and can often become far removed from the actual incident.

Act Three, in this case, won't be known for many months, perhaps longer. It is being written now, and it already has a very simple title:

We need to wait for Act Three to reveal itself. Otherwise, we will hear that most horrible of sounds in any democratic society — minds closing shut before we know the truth.

Your Comments


June 26, 2006 \| 06:01 PDT	Chris Jones	Haida Gwaii, BC
Amen Mr. Burman. If the media had the power to correctly try persons, it could call it's own witnesses. Pay for jury duty etc. We could rerun the French Revolution in 21st Century Media format where victims are publicly guillotined purely for crowd pleasing value and poll the audience for it's opinion? That is not justice. Of course other questions remain: 1. to what extent was there entrapment and provocation to boyish violence voyeurism by so called adults?, but this is more a moral question than a legal one because media violence is the Mars idolatrous religion of this age. 2. how in camera may justice be? etc
June 22, 2006 \| 13:13 EDT	Jim Anastasopoulos	Toronto
Lets see this for what it really is a set up if there is a publication ban because of National Security, then we will never know the truth if these kids have been framed to sway public opinion (Troops in afghanistan stay thier cource, Anti-terrorism bill under review in December, ETC) Media must always dig deep and question our government & security agencies if we are to have a true democracy
June 16, 2006 \| 21:23 MDT	shyamal bagchee	resolute bay, nunavut
a reasonable point by mr. burman; however, the fact that it needs to be made is in itself telling. it was a major news editor, Mencken, who pointed out how difficult it is to think clearly, justly, and in the pursuit of true understanding. he pointed out also that no profession can demand that its members be anti-intellectuals--and then made two exceptions--except, he said, those professions that exist on the fringe of intellectual activity: priesthood and journalism. paranoia does not lead to lead to social health, but i wonder why mr. burman and his colleagues do not investigate the obviously newsworthy issues. say, the fact that in september 2001 even before one person had quite been able to comprehend the impact of events in new york, who or what group initiated and perpetrated the term "conspiracy theory" intended to debunk as yet non-existent disbelievers in the foreign terrorist theory. that, or something comparable in this case, would be the real third act. the truth we need to know is whether or not our security agencies, and politicians of a certain colour, are with us in our necessarily messy democratic adventure--or do they make up the primary weak link in democracies. do they not forever promote ideas that polarize the citizenry: “you are either with us or against us”? and does journalism do its bit by exposing any such nefarious plots, in time and loudly?
June 16, 2006 \| 20:04 PDT	Ryan Warner	Vancouver
I was relieved to find out that the majority of the comments on this article were 'level headed' and cautious. I'm glad that as Harper spouts off about terrorism and such.. people still have the smarts to look at the big picture. as Canadians we generally have the ability to think before we act.. and it would be a shame to treat this incident any different. I hope that people continue to see through Harper's agenda. This government does not speak for me.
June 16, 2006 \| 11:59 MDT	Jeffrey Quinn	Regina, SK
We may be so used to watching news unfold in real time (ie, O.J. Simpson arrest, bombing raids) that there is a lot of pressure on journalists to be the first to break a story, and less emphasis on getting it right. I suppose there is something to be said about the "commodification" of news gathering & reporting. What really strikes me here is that, for at least some of those involved, is that the "alleged" activities are really pretty typical of North American crime: They are copying something they've seen on TV. Myself, I'll be watching the street racing drama unfold. I've already lost a few classmates & friends to that issue. Nobody I know has ever been bombed. As to the bombers, I'll read the books when they come out.
June 16, 2006 \| 13:51 EDT	Robert McIntyre	Ottawa, Ontario
Along with being mindful not to engage in discrimination towards Muslims because of this terrorist plot, we must also confront our nation's growing anti-American and anti-Christian bigotry where people attack and blame the USA for everything. We should start to take notice and challenge people when they use bigotry-laced comments like "Bush-type Christians".
June 16, 2006 \| 12:31 EDT	Nader	Toronto, ON
Islam doesn't embrace war against infidels in back and white. Whoever wants to blame Islam and muslims for what we see in the world doesn't want to see the truth. I believe the road to a world in peace is not a one way road only for Muslims to go. If we don't see all the poverties and dictatorship backed by most of the developed countries we can't make the world a better palce to live for every body.
June 16, 2006 \| 09:34 EDT	Ron Bragdon	Kingston, Ontario
I agree with Tony Burman's article. Canadian agencies must fully investigate and analyze this terrorist plot in a professional non-prejudicial manner. The case facts are important, but equally so are the social conditions that contributed to inspire such shocking activity by young Muslim Canadians. Maybe it is time to review and debate the positives and negatives of a multicultural society. Should we instead embrace a core Canadian culture based on democratic values that recognize the value of separating state and religion?
June 16, 2006 \| 21:23 MDT	shyamal bagchee	resolute bay, nunavut
a reasonable point by mr. burman; however, the fact that it needs to be made is in itself telling. it was a major news editor, Mencken, who pointed out how difficult it is to think clearly, justly, and in the pursuit of true understanding. he pointed out also that no profession can demand that its members be anti-intellectuals--and then made two exceptions--except, he said, those professions that exist on the fringe of intellectual activity: priesthood and journalism. paranoia does not lead to lead to social health, but i wonder why mr. burman and his colleagues do not investigate the obviously newsworthy issues. say, the fact that in september 2001 even before one person had quite been able to comprehend the impact of events in new york, who or what group initiated and perpetrated the term "conspiracy theory" intended to debunk as yet non-existent disbelievers in the foreign terrorist theory. that, or something comparable in this case, would be the real third act. the truth we need to know is whether or not our security agencies, and politicians of a certain colour, are with us in our necessarily messy democratic adventure--or do they make up the primary weak link in democracies. do they not forever promote ideas that polarize the citizenry: “you are either with us or against us”? and does journalism do its bit by exposing any such nefarious plots, in time and loudly?
June 16, 2006 \| 20:04 PDT	Ryan Warner	Vancouver
I was relieved to find out that the majority of the comments on this article were 'level headed' and cautious. I'm glad that as Harper spouts off about terrorism and such.. people still have the smarts to look at the big picture. as Canadians we generally have the ability to think before we act.. and it would be a shame to treat this incident any different. I hope that people continue to see through Harper's agenda. This government does not speak for me.
June 16, 2006 \| 11:59 MDT	Jeffrey Quinn	Regina, SK
We may be so used to watching news unfold in real time (ie, O.J. Simpson arrest, bombing raids) that there is a lot of pressure on journalists to be the first to break a story, and less emphasis on getting it right. I suppose there is something to be said about the "commodification" of news gathering & reporting. What really strikes me here is that, for at least some of those involved, is that the "alleged" activities are really pretty typical of North American crime: They are copying something they've seen on TV. Myself, I'll be watching the street racing drama unfold. I've already lost a few classmates & friends to that issue. Nobody I know has ever been bombed. As to the bombers, I'll read the books when they come out.
June 16, 2006 \| 13:51 EDT	Robert McIntyre	Ottawa, Ontario
Along with being mindful not to engage in discrimination towards Muslims because of this terrorist plot, we must also confront our nation's growing anti-American and anti-Christian bigotry where people attack and blame the USA for everything. We should start to take notice and challenge people when they use bigotry-laced comments like "Bush-type Christians".
June 16, 2006 \| 12:31 EDT	Nader	Toronto, ON
Islam doesn't embrace war against infidels in back and white. Whoever wants to blame Islam and muslims for what we see in the world doesn't want to see the truth. I believe the road to a world in peace is not a one way road only for Muslims to go. If we don't see all the poverties and dictatorship backed by most of the developed countries we can't make the world a better palce to live for every body.
June 16, 2006 \| 09:34 EDT	Ron Bragdon	Kingston, Ontario
I agree with Tony Burman's article. Canadian agencies must fully investigate and analyze this terrorist plot in a professional non-prejudicial manner. The case facts are important, but equally so are the social conditions that contributed to inspire such shocking activity by young Muslim Canadians. Maybe it is time to review and debate the positives and negatives of a multicultural society. Should we instead embrace a core Canadian culture based on democratic values that recognize the value of separating state and religion?
June 16, 2006 \| 01:55 PDT	Dock Currie	Vancouver, BC
I'm sure if I was there, and I was faced, myself, with the plethora of holdups and vagueries that likely exist, then I wouldn't think this . . . but I can never seem to understand how it always takes so long for the facts to come out. s seems right, days seems reasonable, but the month and months of waiting for reliable detail is just bizzare. I mean, what good is information about a possible attack on Canadian soil if the information is confirmed months later?
June 15, 2006 \| 21:13 PDT	Dale Shortliffe	Victoria, BC
What really happened?" Wise words indeed! The OKLAHOMA bombing certainly proved to me that "what really happened?" was quite different from that which was initially suspected. I sincerely hope that the media ... and subsequently the Canadian population... will cling to "what really happened?" as a daily mantra while folllowing the story of these 17 arrested.
June 15, 2006 \| 23:45 EDT	John Doucette	Manotick Ontario
We shall never know the extent of, or seriousness of, this "alleged" terrorist plot. The police, CSIS, the RCMP, the Justice Department and the government will ensure that Canadians remain in the dark, that only part of the story ever surfaces. We will be advised that the entire story cannot be revealed for reasons of national security.
June 15, 2006 \| 21:32 CDT	Evone Monteith	Ponoka, Alberta
Given the way most people react and set their minds on fear-mongering before they have any facts, and then when they do get the facts they won't change their viewpoint because their minds are already set, I think that the media has a responsibility to not sensationalize what facts they do have. Personally, I refuse to follow the American way of fearing that behind every bush lurks a terrorist (terrorism having replaced communism as their object of poaranoia). I lose respect for anyone who does play on and into that fear-mongering of especially ignorant Bush-type Christians.
June 14, 2006 \| 10:26 MDT	Rodd Longstaff	Calgary, AB
I agreee completely with Mr. Burman's reasoning. We cannot draw firm conclusions regarding this incident because there are very few facts yet known that we can draw rational, reasonable conclusions from. We must wait for the facts before we start pointing fingers. Secondly, we cannot allow this incident to turn us into fearful, distrustful people who feel the need to constantly be looking over our shoulders. That is no way to live. Thirdly, we cannot allow this incident to tarnish our perception of Canada's "Cultural Mosaic". After all, the positives of our multicultural society exponentially outnumber the negatives.
June 14, 2006 \| 23:58 PDT	Don	Vancouver
gotta like the article, the Incident, the backlash and what really happened. where is that collective mute button? lets all take a chill pill and mellow out. take a deep breath, in slowly and out slowly. until more news comes out, what can we do ? what we always do, keep living and doing whatever it is that we ordinarily do everyday. buying into the hype of living in fear of terrorism is only giving in to the warmongers. open your mind and relax. you are getting sleepier. visualize the coming of peace of mind. act three
June 14, 2006 \| 13:22 +8	mary-ellen lang	campbell river, bc, canada
Muslims know very well that their religion embraces and condones the concept of holy war against infidels. It is integral to Islam that Allah is pleased with the blood of martyrs, shed while purging non-believers from the earth. It is a short hop from that idea to the terrorist agenda. Until Muslims address this problem from within their community without trying to assasinate opponents (ie: S. Rhusdie), and until we hear a clear, strong declaration of peace and goodwill to all faiths, we can expect a steady increase of terrorism against the Western World, no matter what we do. It's what Muslims do in this situation that is going to count for the most.
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