LA FORUM: Is Afghanistan Already Old News?

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LA FORUM: Is Afghanistan Already Old News?

With the media fixated on President Bush’s pretzel incident, Vice President Cheney’s quail hunting and those ever-popular car chases, Jay Leno asked the question: “Aren’t we supposed to be at war?” Well, yes, but many critics contend that the war against terrorism has detracted from other important issues, such as the Enron bankruptcy and the proposed tax cut. So the Business Journal asks:

Do you think we’re losing interest in the war now that the story has essentially gone underground?

Warren Olney

Host, “Which Way L.A.”, “To the Point”

KCRW

The war has not gone underground for the people over in Afghanistan unless, of course, they’re fighting in the caves. But I think we’ve engaged in a certain amount of wishful thinking with regards to the war on terrorism, and there’s great hope (terrorism) will sort of go away. But there are other important stories out there. So I think it’s sort of good that we step back and do things, like take a look at the integrity of our commercial system and see whether the accounting practices of the Big Five are maintaining that integrity, as they should.

Ken Minyard

Host, “Ken & Co.”

KABC

I don’t think we’re losing interest in the war on terrorism, but interest is heightened as new steps are taken. If we believe what the President says, the war in Afghanistan is just the first part. Obviously, the public’s attention will focus where the action is. We’re already in the Philippines and there’s talk about Iraq, which would be a whole new ballgame. As for Afghanistan, I think people are interested, but I think what they’d really like to see is some resolution in getting bin Laden and Omar. I don’t think we have the same heightened interest we did at one time, but that’s understandable.

Larry Mantle

Host, “AirTalk”

KPCC

I think other important issues are starting to get more attention, as the attacks become more distant. However, given the severity of the attacks and the historic nature of what has occurred since the events of Sept. 11, I think it’s still foremost in the minds of the public. After Sept. 11, it was as if every other issue went away. Other issues are starting to be discussed, but I don’t think anybody has forgotten the attacks.

Michael Jackson

Host, “The Michael Jackson Show”

KLAC

I think Democratic politicians are hoping to be able to divert our attention to domestic issues, with particular focus on the economy, because of the upcoming election. I’m finding that my audience is fascinated by, interested in and concerned about the war, but not with the same passion that they expressed during the first three months subsequent to the terror attack. One area where listeners are expressing concern, and I think this will only heighten in the next few weeks, comes under the heading of “Where to Next?” When we hear stories that potentially involve U.S. forces everywhere from the Philippines to Iraq and North Africa, then I find callers wavering in their support of the President and concerned about where we’re headed.

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