This book is an eye opener and gave me real handy tips in how to evaluate the press releases from government and big corporations. It is well known that they place their own spin on the news. It is a pity that even the news is being filtered by lobbies and we don't ever really get the whole truth and the full story.
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A "classically-trained" journalist who refused to act as sock puppet to any Administration reminds us to "Do your own research. Consult those you trust. Make up your own mind. . . Think for yourself." ( )

√ Fascinating Story by a Veteran Investigative Reporter

This review is from: Stonewalled: My Fight for Truth Against the Forces of Obstruction, Intimidation, and Harassment in Obama's Washington. (Hardcover)
There are a few things that I noticed right away after reading STONEWALLED. My impression is that the author, Sharyl Attkisson, is a very dedicated, sincere reporter. Of course, that doesn't prove that her allegations are necessarily correct, but it does mean that they need to be taken seriously.

♣ The author has a long history of successful investigative reporting. In fact, she has been nominated for, and has won, prestigious awards for her reporting. If not for her extensive background, one might be tempted to dismiss her charges as petty payback of some sort; however, there is nothing in this book to suggest that the author is being petty in any way. Again, her long resume doesn't necessarily mean her claims of bias are true, but her credentials make it clear that these are serious, credible charges that must be addressed in a serious way.

♣ Perhaps the most unusual--and most alarming, suggestion in STONEWALLED is that of her computers being hacked--likely by some federal organization, to delete or change information. She cites multiple, independent forensic computer experts who analyzed her business and personal computers, and agreed that a remote hacker did in fact break into her computers. These experts suggest that the hacking program was so sophisticated that it looks like something from the government.

♣ Ms Attkisson states that she had more liberty to do investigative reporting when she was investigating claims against Republican administrations. Then, she says, when she tried to do similar things against the Obama administration, she was restricted, and her stories got no traction. Her claims could be true, but this strikes me as a judgment call. After all, it's not as though the managers at the Justice Department emailed each other saying "Let's stop that pesky reporter from doing any more of those `Fast and Furious' reports against Obama."

√ All in all, STONEWALLED is a well written, very thorough report of the author's activities at CBS, and what led her to resign in disgust. It will be interesting to see how CBS management responds to these charges. Many of the author's claims ring true, but of course, her book is just one side of the story. On the computer hacking business, there are tons of hacking break-ins all around the world. Many of them are extremely sophisticated by sharp programmers. Short of some confession or "whistle blower," I honestly don't know how anyone could easily figure out who the hackers are.

♫ A Review by Chris Lawson

You should read this book if you are old enough to remember when "objective reporting" was not an oxymoron. You should read this book if you are young enough (or gullible enough) to believe you are getting the whole story, the real story and the real news from your chosen media outlet. You will see "how the sausage gets made" and you will be more discerning as you encounter the "news". Attkisson is smart, tough, and thankfully fearless. Excellent read. ( )