Skeptic Project

In the space of about five minutes this morning, Fox News turned a shutdown of the Brooklyn Bridge over a suspicious flashlight into an international terrorist threat before dismissing the whole thing like it never happened. It's a classic example of Fox News fear-mongering -- in this case, based on Fox's own fear-mongery "scoop" that's been a central narrative of the network's broadcast day.

Here's what actually happened, according to reports. The bridge was closed around 9:40 AM after a pedestrian notified police of a flashlight with copper wire sticking out of it on the pedestrian walkway. (The iconic landmark is currently undergoing renovations, which may explain the construction equipment lying around.)

Both sides of the bridge and the walkway were shut down for about an hour while police investigated. The suspicious flashlight turned out to be just a normal flashlight.

On Fox, however, you can go from zero to "be afraid, be very afraid" to zero again in the space of seconds.

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/10/fox_news_five_minute_terrorist_attack_video_1.php?ref=tn

I got in my bunker for nothing again. Thanks a lot Fox.

These poor girls. Why couldn't they choose a decent job, like hooker.