Teach-in: Media and the war in Iraq, Feb. 1

Community Coalition Against War and Terrorism
Teach-in: Media and the war in Iraq, Feb. 1
Pierce Butler
January/February 2004

By now, nearly everyone (except perhaps habitual Fox News viewers) knows that the Bush gang lied about its reasons for invading and conquering Iraq: the alleged links to terrorists, the rumored weapons of mass destruction, the purported concern for Iraqi citizens, and so on.

Long before the war drums began to beat, plenty of evidence was available to show that none of these claims held any truth - but the US mainstream media obediently parroted each White House accusation, not even pausing to mention the inconsistencies from one's week's version to the next.

Those outside the U.S. saw a different picture in their news, as did Americans who closely followed the alternative media. What were those differences, and how do they match up to what we're learning now (and what the major news services continue to tell us, and not to tell us)?

Gainesville's Community Coalition Against War and Terrorism (CCAWT) is sponsoring its first teach-in of 2004 to look at these questions, at the Downtown Library conference room on Sunday, February 1, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The three confirmed panelists (at press time) are recognized media experts, with extensive backgrounds in journalism, documentary production, etc; two have years of experience in the Middle East.

Randi Zimmerman has been Headlines Editor for Free Speech Radio news since it went daily in 2001. In addition to her duties at FSRN, she anchors local headlines for WMNF in Tampa during morning and afternoon drive times, and co-anchors the WMNF Evening News. Randi has traveled around Florida to cover stories for Free Speech Radio News, WMNF news, and Florida Public Radio. Besides her current work in the WMNF newsroom and for Free Speech Radio News, Randi is the originator and executive producer of WMNF's "One Step Forward," a monthly, thirty-minute radio program designed to teach women about all facets of radio production. Randi also teaches in the Communications Department at the University of Tampa.
Tim Wilkerson, a graduate of Southern Illinois University and the University of Texas, has worked as a commercial cinematographer and studied abroad as a Fulbright Fellow. His films (including "Smooth as Jazz", "Red and Yellow Kill a Fellow", the prize-winning "Sallah", and "Suddenly It Rained") have been shown at numerous festivals around the world. He currently teaches cinematography as an assistant professor at the University of Florida.
Rahan el Ewaly, who graduated from the Egyptian Higher Institute of Cinema, has directed programs for Dish Network's Art Satellite Channel, created animated pieces for the PBS series "Life 360", and recently worked as a principal animator on the film "Waking Life" and on the award-winning video for British pop group Zero Seven's song "Destiny". Her 35mm film "That Is Like" has been screened at major film festivals worldwide, and won the National Egyptian Film Festival "Best Animated Film" prize.

The discussion will feature excerpts from media reportage chosen by the presenters, and an in-depth question-and-answer period. Participation is free, and parking is available at and around the library on the corner of E. University Ave and SE 4th Ave.

The local Kucinich for President campaign is planning a series of public forums on issues of importance to the campaign. Each forum will involve a panel of speakers on various aspects of the subject, with a large amount of time devoted to questions and other input from interested members of the audience. Except for the first, which is already scheduled, the time and place of each forum will be advertised in local media and will be posted at the campaign website, www.florida4dennis.org. Anyone wishing to participate as a speaker for one of the forums or wanting other information may call 378-8858.

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