From: "Brian Toller", [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tuesdays edition of Drive on Radio 5 The following is self explanatory On Tuesdays program you had an item concerning the NRA of America intending to open a themed restaurant in New York which would also offer a sales service for shooting and hunting accessories. This report was so one sided it was indistinguishable from propaganda. After outlining what you perceived to be the NRA's intention you chose to have a long conversation with a representative for the so called Million Mom March during which the NRA was refered to in much the same terms which used to be reserved for the IRA. Given the size of this organisation it is unlikely that you could pick any job or profession and not find a significant number of members within it. The Doctor treating whatever ails you, the Teacher educating your children even the Plumber fixing your leaking tap are all just as likely to be NRA members. They are not some strange sub species hovering somewhere between Hollywoods idea of a Red neck and a Terrorist. Where was the interview with an NRA representative giving the other side of the argument, or even providing the facts of their intentions which your presenter certainly did not seem aware of. Where was any balance in this article at all? It didn't seem to occur to anyone that even in department stores in this country you can either sit down for a meal or purchase any size and shape of knife intended for butchering meat. Or perhaps if we move to another department a selection of axes and chainsaws might be available. Moving back to the States you wouldn't have to look that far to find hundreds of well dressed men choking on their entrees whilst screaming for one highly paid athlete to knock seven bells out of another. It seems common practice for the BBC to demonise the NRA whilst never giving them the right of reply and I think you owe it to your audience to present both sides in any arguement. Regularly in other reports concerning organisations or government departments in this country you will make a point of stating that they were invited to take part or to read out a statement provided. Whatever the opinion of the editorial staff or presenters I expect better from a broadcasting organisation that used to be the byword for objectivity and balanced reporting. "A golf course is the willful and deliberate misuse of a perfectly good rifle range." -- Bill O'Connor Brian T -- Write to your MP, tell him you want TV licensing to be repealed. Also you can write to the BBC complaints dept., but you won't get much joy there. Steve. -------[Cybershooters contacts]-------- Editor: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website & subscription info: www.cybershooters.org
