Patrick writes:

> Mr. Simon implies that Mr. Bingham may, as a result of his actions, be a
>  hero. He even asks, "who you would rather sit next to" on a hijacked
flight,
>  the "Righteous Reverends...Or the gay rugby player who lays down his life
to
>  save others?" Assuming the transcript is accurate, the facts as presented
>  invalidate that question, because if Mr. Bingham was on American flight 77,
>  we'll never know if he is any kind of hero because *that* flight crashed
>  into the Pentagon! It was United flight 93 which was downed in PA,
>  presumably due to a passenger revolt against the hijackers. Given that, all
>  we know for sure about Mr. Bingham is that he was another victim on that
>  awful day.
>
>  Now, I could understand this error, under the circumstances, if it wasn't
>  being used to try to make sociological points. But I'm tired of reporters
>  twisting the facts to promote their pet causes. Scott Simon is no slouch;
>  he's a seasoned reporter and commentator. I have a hard time believing he
>  just got confused about the flight numbers. And it's too bad, because as
>  hurtful as the original comments were to some, this kind of response just
>  fans the flames, increases division, and hurts his own credibility as a
>  reporter. And even if it was an honest mistake (for I have no way of
>  knowing), I still think reporters and pundits have an absolute duty to get
>  their facts straight *before* they air their views in public.
>
>  I expect posturing from politicians; it's how they get elected. Scott Simon
>  should know better. I think reporters, particularly those providing news
>  analysis, should be held to a higher standard by their employers as well as
>  the listening public.

Apparently all that Scott Simon got wrong was the flight number, which is
relatively minor error. Everything else I would tend to think is true. See:

     http://www0.mercurycenter.com/front/docs1/memorial0923.htm

Wirt Atmar

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