Media

Ends vs. Means: The Ethics of Undercover Journalism

Is it ever permissible to lie to get the truth? This is a perennial question of moral philosophy and religious thought, but one that also bites into the very core of undercover journalism–an issue that’s been in the news lately, with the work of the controversial, conservative filmmaker James O’Keefe and pro-life activist Lila Rose making national waves.

Ends vs. Means: The Ethics of Undercover Journalism

You may recall that Lila Rose, right, sent undercover agents to a Planned Parenthood clinic in New Jersey. The agents, posing as a pimp and prostitute couple, taped their interaction with a Planned Parenthood rep who eagerly gave the couple advice about procuring contraceptives and STD tests for underage sex slaves. O’Keefe, below, has been responsible for many undercover ambushes. The most famous one confirmed that certain members of ACORN were legally-challenged. The most recent one exposed that certain executives at NPR are mentally-challenged (which, of course, is not a crime).

Ends vs. Means: The Ethics of Undercover Journalism

These undercover videos beg an important question: can you misrepresent yourself in pursuit of some higher aim? Does the greater good ever allow you to lie?

Before you answer that question, think about this example, some version of which has been debated in many classrooms across the country. The scene is Germany during World War II. You are a German and you are hiding Jews in your attic. Knock, knock, knock on your door: it’s the Nazis. Do you lie to them about who’s inside in order to save the innocent people hiding upstairs?

Pretty obvious answer, right? OK, try this one: you’re an intrepid journalist and you know that your grocery store is selling unsanitary meat to unassuming customers. You want to expose the store–in the name of public health and safety!–so you falsify information about yourself on a job application to the supermarket, you don’t disclose your true profession or aims, you work there for a while, get all of the information you need about the bad meat, and then write up a story that will make national headlines. (This really happened, by the way, a few years ago.)

Or, for a more recent example: how about an atheist journalist infiltrating Jerry Falwell’s church for the purpose of writing a tell-all book about evangelicals? You can watch the author, Gina Welch, discuss the ethical dilemmas of making friends with the churchgoers, while deceiving them, below. “I felt toxic,” she said. “I was so upset about not only what I was doing but the fact that the revelation that it was morally problematic happened so late in the process.” Nonetheless, she eventually wrote “In the Land of Believers: An Outsiders Extraordinary Journey into the Heart of the Evangelical Church.” Ethical?

It‘s a tough issue and here’s why: journalists define themselves–indeed, pride themselves–on being truth tellers and truth seekers. What does it do to their credibility, then, to–lie? Fred Barnes, an editor at The Weekly Standard who has devoted his life to reporting and writing, tells me that “It‘s dishonest for anyone in journalism to pretend to be someone they’re not.”

But this is exactly what Ken Silverstein did in 2007 as a writer for Harper’s magazine. He posed as a fake businessman to reveal that a couple of DC lobbying firms are influential and amoral actors in Beltway politics. At the time, media referee Howard Kurtz threw in a flag: “no matter how good the story, lying to get it raises as many questions about journalists as their subjects.”

Ends vs. Means: The Ethics of Undercover Journalism

Tunku Varadarajan, the editor of Newsweek International and a fellow at the Hoover Institution, concurs. “Any piece of journalism which includes material obtained by a journalist misrepresenting himself to an interviewee, or by pretending to be a person that he is not, is, in my view, ethically suspect.”

Still, Varadarajan can conceive of an exception to the rule, where “information of great public import–or some higher truth–can only be acquired by misrepresentation.” But even then, the undercover journalist “has to be assumed to be guilty of an ethical breach unless he can make a morally convincing–even irrefutable–case to the contrary.”

Journalistic ethics expert Robert Steele of the Poynter Institute has created a set of six rules to help journalists make that morally convincing case. If the journalist fulfills each and every rule, then he is in morally safe waters. The full rules appear here, but they include:  ”the information obtained [must be] of profound importance,“ and undercover reporting is permissible only when ”all other alternatives for obtaining the same information have been exhausted.”

With that in mind, do Lila Rose and James O‘Keefe’s meet that moral bar? Steele says no. Speaking of Rose’s Planned Parenthood sting, he tells me, “it was not journalism. It was an activist-generated hoax that was not credible in motive, technique nor revelations.” Journalists, he tells me, must “seek the truth and report it as fully as possible,“ they must ”minimize harm…be accountable…[and] act independently.” O’Keefe and Rose do not qualify on that last point, it would seem, because “independence means the journalist should not be unduly influenced by other factors including financial interests, competition, personal beliefs, special interest groups, etc.”

Interestingly, Barnes, who took a sterner view of undercover journalism than Steele, is more lax when it comes to Rose and O‘Keefe’s endeavors. “It‘s dishonest for anyone in journalism to pretend to be someone they’re not.  This rule doesn’t apply to folks outside the profession,” he told me in an interview.

Speaking of what Rose did, Barnes says, “I’m okay with it.  This was undercover work done by someone not in journalism but in politics.” And he takes a similar view of O’Keefe, who Barnes says “has succeeded in exposing people that I’m happy to see exposed. Permissible in the NPR case?” Barnes asks. “Yes, for him, but wouldn’t have been for me.  I wouldn’t call it journalism. It was a political hit job and a quite clever and successful one at that.”

Unethical for me, but not thee?

Roger Kimball, the editor of The New Criterion, agrees with the distinction Barnes draws, but notes that “my own practice is to be above board: to tell people who I am and what I want.”

“In my view,” Kimball says, “the method‘s employed by O’Keefe are, so far as I know, legitimate.  In effect, he conceals in order to reveal.” Weighing the moral issues, Kimball adds that “the more destructive deception, in my view, is practiced by his targets [like ] ACORN [which] pretended to be something quite other than it really was.” In other words: the end justifies the means. “People are skittish about the phrase ‘the end justifies the means,’” Kimball tells me, “They shouldn’t be. It all depends on the end. And, of course, the means.”

But this flies in the face of an absolutist morality that prohibits lying always. Aine Donovan, an ethics professor at Dartmouth College, says that it is “never” permissible to lie in pursuit of the truth. We, after all, live in a culture of trust. It would be impossible to live in a culture in which we never knew whether we were being lied to or not. Could there be a distinction between our professional ethics, and our personal morality, though? The Poynter Institute’s Robert Steele doesn’t think so. “Honesty is a universal ethical value that applies to all of us in our personal and professional lives. We should be honest with other people about our identity and our intentions unless,” he adds, “there is a significant, overriding value that trumps honesty.” Think of the German hiding the Jews.

“That is not a sign of moral bankruptcy,” says J.P. Freire, an editor at the conservative Washington Examiner, speaking of O‘Keefe’s videos. Like Steele, he begins with the question of what journalism is, but Freire ends in a different place: “At its core, journalism is about serving an audience with new information in a way they want to consume it. O‘Keefe’s found his formula for it. It’s just not mine.” On his website, O’Keefe describes himself as “an investigative journalist and filmmaker.”

The need for a universal ethic, that guides both journalists and activists in their professional and personal lives, is needed now more than ever as the distinction between journalist and activist blurs. Antony Thomas, a British documentary maker, has spent a lot of time thinking about what he calls “citizen journalists,” and has even created a chilling documentary that explores “citizen journalism.”  This is journalism 2.0. It’s what happens when ordinary citizens with cellphones go out into the world and record what they see. They are not trained reporters, they are beholden to no editors, and yet their amateur footage–think Wisconsin, Egypt, or Iran–makes it onto to YouTube, Twitter, and–eventually–the major national networks and newspapers.

If Lila Rose and James O’Keefe are citizen journalists, shouldn’t they be held to the same rigorous ethical standards as everyone else trying to gain a foothold in the marketplace of ideas and truth?

Comments (163)

1 2 3 ... 5
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:32pm

    it is only a lie if you get caught, then it is a all out lie, but, if you get what you want it is a white lie. no matter, it is a lie, is the punishment less for a white lie, or an all out lie, that is the question?? i know where i stand my grand mother taught me the difference, there is non.and man do i still have flash backs every now and then of some of those little white lies { half truths }

    Report Post »  
  • Patriot
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:29pm

    This is for the record. I’ll do it. I even want to do it. The Truth deserves it.

    Report Post »  
  • Marylou7
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:28pm

    Of course the people who were caught will object. Infiltration has been going forever so exactly where is the difference?

    Report Post » Marylou7  
  • Showtime
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:26pm

    Didn’t the Left themselves say that the end justifies the means?

    Don’t they just hate it when their own tactics are used against them?!

    I love karma!

    Report Post » Showtime  
  • Midwest Blonde
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:26pm

    dumb question — since when does it matter whether a “journalist” is telling the truth or not? Isn’t that one of the biggest problems with the liberal media?? They tell outright lies or tell part of the truth – the part that gives you a different idea than what the story really is.

    I don’t condone lying but is there any other way to get the REAL truth sometimes??

    Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
  • brliantedj
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:25pm

    The point is to get the truth out to the masses and let them decide if it’s behavior that they would support.
    Case in point is the “to Catch a Predator” show, if it’s corrupt or morally wrong sometimes you need to go unercover.

    Report Post »  
    • Restored One
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 6:35pm

      What O’Keefe has done so far is expose organizations that get tax payer money and use is it inappropriately and immorally. There is nothing wrong with that and should be encouraged. Anything that will protect the American People is completely acceptable. We need more O’Keefes out there. However, I hope that he is not on any of Becks affiliates payrolls.

      Report Post »  
  • JimmyT
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:24pm

    “Journalist” criticizing ANYONE on ethics is like China chiding Libya on human rights.

    Report Post »  
  • martnee777
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:18pm

    If we had fair unbiased journalist in the main stream media, we wouldn’t need activist journalists to get the truth.

    Report Post » martnee777  
  • butler180
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:18pm

    It is only unethical when the Liberals are exposed. Proof – The news media crowned the fake caller to the Gov Walker king. Deep Throat reporters reaped millions and 40 years of fame on and on

    Report Post » butler180  
  • Mustangdave
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:17pm

    you know…IF we were leftist liberals there would be no ethical problem here what so ever.

    Report Post » Mustangdave  
    • Mustangdave
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:18pm

      The MSM is just pissed cause they didn’t come up with the idea and have the nads enough to carry it off.

      Report Post » Mustangdave  
  • dealer@678
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:16pm

    The 2 Shillers that were canned are actually brothers

    Report Post »  
  • Joe Camel
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:14pm

    IF the MSM was doing THEIR job and reporting truthfully the facts, instead of either mis-leading the masses or cherry picking what they want you to know, this would not be necessary. Till then, seems to be the only viable option to get the facts out. Do their job, this is not necessary. Don’t do the job, and others will step in to do it for you. So much for professionalism from the MSM.

    Report Post » Joe Camel  
  • leftiesaredangerous
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:13pm

    @THEPATRIOTDAVE

    Yep, I agree.

    Report Post »  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:12pm

    can you misrepresent yourself in pursuit of some higher aim? Does the greater good ever allow you to lie?
    ———–
    Lets ask that libloonidiot who called the WI Gov , pretending to be Koch, and couldn’t get anything objectionable on tape

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
  • calebgs83
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:10pm

    James O’keefe is a hero…I don’t remember this question being asked during msm stings!

    Report Post » calebgs83  
    • encinom
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:40pm

      O’Keefe is a criminal, O’Keefe is not a journalist but a clown, with heavily edit tapes that are proven to be lies. ACORN, not a single person profiled by O’Keefe was arrested, when DA’s viewed the full, unedited tapes they commented that no crimes were committed and some even act in ways that should be applauded.

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    • Dale
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:21pm

      encinom;

      Where is your evidence regarding edited tapes? Oh, I didn’t think you could produce any. Is it any surprise that no one was prosecuted given eric holder’s refusal to indict the black panthers? Get real, and get your facts – I guess you don’t believe in those pesky little details.

      Report Post » Dale  
    • Dale
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:22pm

      encinom;

      It is also interesting to note that O’Keefe was not arrested either – any suggestion as to why?

      Report Post » Dale  
    • Soldiers_Son
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:27pm

      @ENCINOM

      “…they commented that no crimes were committed and some even act in ways that should be applauded.”

      Funny how the Left said those exact same things about Charlie Rangle. But we all know that if he were not in the government then he would be in jail right now for his crimes. But somehow we still have people saying that he did nothing wrong and should be applauded for his actions.

      And O’Keefe is not a criminal, he is a hero in the same way that those that exposed Nixon are held as heroes on the Left. But since it is now the Left’s agenda that is being exposed they are upset. And since you are upset at it also, I must assume it is your agenda as well.

      Report Post »  
    • Country
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 7:05pm

      @encinom, If we had more O’Keefes around the last 50 years, all of ya’ll liberal leaches would not have had all this time to suck this country dry. O’Keefe is da man.

      Report Post »  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on March 10, 2011 at 2:27pm

      Based on their antics, O’Keefe & friends sat in jail, went to trial and were found guilty by real judges; were put on probation and have paid fines & done community service. Here is a recent lead-in to an expose: “James O’Keefe, the man who slew ACORN and on Wednesday toppled the CEO of NPR, is some new kind of journalist – Johnny Knoxville meets Glenn Beck in Michael Cera’s body. His critics call him a sneaky little punk who cheats context to destroy careers and lives.” (Written by By Tim Kenneally & Daniel Frankel)
      The article goes on to explain Andrew Breitbart’s extensive editing and releases of the ACORN series.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on March 10, 2011 at 2:41pm

      DALE
      About the Editing: In the ACORN tape encounters, the activists posed as a prostitute and a pimp and discussed prostitution with the workers. But while footage shot away from the offices shows one activist, James O’Keefe, in a flamboyant pimp costume, there is no indication that he was wearing the costume while talking to the ACORN workers. The costume footage is apparently to add special meaning for the Fox News audience who were exposed to the heavily edited clips, initially on “infotainment” shows.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:08pm

    We should be honest with other people about our identity and our intentions unless,” he adds, “there is a significant, overriding value that trumps honesty.” Think of the German hiding the Jews.
    —————-
    Think Obama going to work “ behind enemy lines” in a private sector law firm ?

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
  • CaptainSpaulding
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:06pm

    The left has used sting tactics and undercover journalism against conservatives for years.

    In fact, just a couple of weeks ago someone faked a phonecall to the governor of Wi. He was hailed a hero by the unbiased media.

    Today now that the heroes of the unbiased media are under attack, suddenly it’s said to be unethical.

    The hypocrisy is showing.

    Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:51pm

      Leftists ARE hypocritical. It’s not difficult for hypocracy to show when hypocracy is their strong point! It would be news if one were actually virtuous.

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • Dale
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:10pm

      The progressives (in one instance atheist) use their undercover efforts to embarrass their ‘targets’. The brave (note the editorial sleight-of-hand) conservative undercover journalists, while embarrassing their ‘targets’ (rightfully so), expose governmental fraud, abuse, lies, and reinforce the ‘public’s right to know’ ideal. I don’t think we can call an apple an orange.

      Report Post » Dale  
  • RECOVERING-LIBERAL-IN-WOODSIDE-CA
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:05pm

    @THEPATRIOTDAVE

    Right on the money… I couldn’t have said it better myself.

    Report Post » RECOVERING-LIBERAL-IN-WOODSIDE-CA  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:05pm

    have to agree with Grandmaof5 on this one, the shadows have been pulled so far and deep over what is truth in regards to the agendas of the left and progressives that these folks have to brave those areas of the night, to bring truth to what monsters are there for all to see.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Obama Bin Lying
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:03pm

    Liberals are only screaming because they got caught. Like when ACORN got handed their butts. But then you had Libbies go into an abortion clinic, and that was ok. Libs are hypocrites, always have been and always will be.

    Report Post » Obama Bin Lying  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:34pm

      They’re screaming about Glenn Beck, too. He’s catching and exposing them right and left!

      Report Post » Showtime  
  • Creestof
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:02pm

    FYI…not on TheBlaze yet, but it is being reported that Illinois just abolished the death penalty and have cleared death row.

    Report Post »  
    • Rowgue
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 6:04pm

      Hasn’t been done yet, but it’s under consideration.

      Report Post »  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:00pm

    If Lila Rose and James O’Keefe are citizen journalists, shouldn’t they be held to the same rigorous ethical standards as everyone else trying to gain a foothold in the marketplace of ideas and truth?
    ——————-
    What should be done about the corruption and illegal acts going on in taxpayer funded groups , which these citizen-journalists expose ? Let the corruption slide because the evidence is
    “ fruit of a poisonous tree ” ?
    I think all these so called high and mighty “ journalists ” are feeling stupid that the things they were coverting up within their own elite socialist groups ( NPR, ACORN, PP etc) for so long are getting exposed and they have no choice but to attack the messenger . Afterall, I never heard a peep when the
    “ jourNOlist” was exposed !!

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 3:57pm

    They are just following the lead of the POTUS, his administration, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid – lead by example. Two sets of books, pass it and then find out what’s in it, and on and on. If the left were playing by a fair set of rules I would be outraged, but if undercover is what it takes to get to the truth, my country and freedom are worth it. The left has been undercover in the shadows of darkness for 2 years – get over it.

    Report Post »  
  • CynicalPublius
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 3:52pm

    lying = immoral is usually a rule utilitarianism idea. In the most common, everyday instances lying = wrong. If lying exposes the truth or saves lives, it’s not unethical.

    Report Post »  
    • EP46
      Posted on March 10, 2011 at 5:52am

      Police are ‘allowed’ to LIE all the time. They can tell people anything when they are questioning and it is legal.

      Report Post »  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on March 9, 2011 at 3:49pm

    The most recent one exposed that certain executives at NPR are mentally-challenged (which, of course, is not a crime).
    —————–
    Beg to differ.
    NPR execs are morally , intellectually and ethically challanged .

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • lovenfl3
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:50pm

      I agree, they have been acting like complete morons ever since the Juan Williams thing came up. This is a network with a clear agenda.

      Report Post » lovenfl3  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 4:58pm

      I am all for this kind of journalism. Catch the idiots on BOTH sides. Get some honest men and women in places of power. If they screw up, they suffer the consequences.

      Bad guys beware I say. If you want to do the jicky mamba, you can get the pole in the a@@!!

      Report Post »  
    • Showtime
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:00pm

      Cheez, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:
      You are SHARP!

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • NSDQ
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:04pm

      If lying and misrepresenting oneself exposes the deceit of another the outcome is only positive, this is not a hard or new concept the greater good is what is at stake. For those that find themselves in a moral quandary about such, they need only ask themselves is appearance or substance more important.

      Report Post » NSDQ  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:26pm

      O’Keefe is, ultimately, lying to YOU when he publishes these faked edited and dishonest scam videos.

      WHY whould you willingly choose to believe a guy who YOU KNOW IS LYING TO YOU???

      talk to a psychiatrist.

       
    • liz77
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:29pm

      and not only that, but if the “state media” would do it’s job, then there wouldn’t be the need for this kind of “journalism.”

      Report Post »  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:41pm

      ‘Journalism” has nothing to do with FABRICATING news.

      Report Post »  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:56pm

      We wouldn’t need to do “undercover” reporting if the media in America was still doing their job of keeping the government in check! This has to be the natural progression of things in order to obtain the truth that WE THE PEOPLE deserve!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • happyboy
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:57pm

      CBS MIKE WALLACE BUILD A NEW EMPIRE ON HIDDEN CAMERAS, MICRAPHONES, AND FAKE NEWS REPORTING.

      Wallace became millionaire reporting lies, half truths, and fabricating exploding Ford gas tanks. Keith report the truth and he is a bad guy. Kieth should receive the US Peace Medal this year and a Nobel Peace Prize.

      Report Post »  
    • wildjoker5
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:58pm

      The “best” news jurnalism in opinion based. No one wants to hear that little thing called the “truth” and “facts” anymore. Just ask anyone at MSNBC or CNN. Those pesky things will not get you what you want anymore. Remember, ALL the top 5 hate groups all come from the right…except that little nagging #3.

      Report Post »  
    • Oil_Robb
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:59pm

      Its OK when that rasin..Mike Wallace did it….but when the GOP does it its just BAD…lolol

      Report Post »  
    • beckwill
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 5:59pm

      And taking my money against my will to further their morally challenged opinions.

      Report Post »  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 6:10pm

      This should be simple. If the end report is professionally edited to make it seem different than the actual truth, it is not journalistically honest. This would be like the airbrushed photos used in pinup magazines – they look like what the targeted viewer wants to see, but they are not the truth. Certain evidence producers have been discredited in the recent past. Professional law enforcement “sting operations” are NOT allowed to edit their evidence for just this reason. Intelligence professionals will not even give their endorsement to edited materials.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • rodamaa
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 6:32pm

      Do not mess with freedom of speech! Trained or not the truth is immutable if the we start censoring on the basis of professionalism, we’re denying what has shown to be true. Censorship of any kind should not be allowed to stand. When someone does not have credibility or puts out bad reporting the court of public opinion will deal with that individual. The recourse for the victim of bad reporting has is the courts. If you’re caught lying–YOU ARE LYING!!–don’t spin it. I think these young reporters represent the sentinels of democracy and must be allowed to do the job. The job the lobotomize media won’t do.

      What you see here is the professional media terrorized by the internet. The want it control and we should fight to make sure that never happens.

      Report Post »  
    • VegasGuy
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 6:32pm

      Silly me. I thought the idea of the 1st amendment was for journalists to expose the truth in order to protect us from those who would mislead us. I must have glossed over the morals clause.

      Kudos to Rose and O’Keefe. I want them to keep shining the light on the cockroaches no matter what their political affiliations are.

      Report Post » VegasGuy  
    • Soros_is_the_Devil
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 6:33pm

      @CaptainKook
      ‘Journalism” has nothing to do with FABRICATING news.

      MSM does it all the time! CNN reporter at the Tea Party protest. ABC soundman at another Tea Party protest. The selective editing by Katie Couric. The selective editing showing a man with a rifle at a Obama Rally.

      I wonder if Steele would have a problem with Dateline’s Catch a Predator series?

      Report Post »  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 7:06pm

      Bottom line, if you are not doing anything illegal or unethical, ets. you don’t have to worry. The minute you try to cover up being shady you deserve to be caught by an undercover sting!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • restorehope
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 7:13pm

      It is unfair to say that O’Keefe is unethical. His targets have acted in an unethical manner and proven themselves to be morally corrupt, and thus are fair game. O’Keefe is not sinking to their level; instead he is trying to spotlight the damage they are doing to all Americans. If it means getting into the sty with the swine, bless him for being willing to do it.

      Report Post »  
    • Marcia
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 8:38pm

      But it’s perfectly ok for 60 minutes to use undercover cameras???? I applaud O’Keefe! God bless young men like him that have the nerve (for lack of a better word) to show the dark side for what it is.

      Report Post »  
    • decendentof56
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 9:21pm

      These undercover videos beg an important question: can you misrepresent yourself in pursuit of some higher aim? Does the greater good ever allow you to lie?

      Are you serious???? You idiot! Ask Obama that same question about Obamacare! .. Ask Pelosi about “you have to pass the bill to see whats in it.” Talk about lying! You dumb a$$! You went to journalism school?

      Report Post »  
    • Tnredneck
      Posted on March 9, 2011 at 10:54pm

      And soon to be financially challenged. Pull the plug on taxpayer funding of NPR. All they have to do is come up with a product that sells. But they are to stupid to figure that out.

      Report Post »  
    • bread and circuses
      Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:16am

      Those of you who do not lie on a daily basis, raise your hands. Put your hand down, you have just lied. “you look great”, “you haven’t changed in 20 years”, every advertisement, “I feel fine”, SOCIETY requires you to lie, maybe you justify it by saying “it’s a white lie”…….it is still a lie.
      O’keefe EXPOSES people and organizations who harm society, if you are not harming anyone then O‘keefe’s “lying” will have no effect on you.
      The question should be: Why is the MSM hiding the truth ?
      It requires a certain amount of bravery to seek and expose the truth.
      Silence can be a form of lying as well, how many times have you kept silent, just to keep the peace ?
      The so-called journalists in this report are terrified of people like O’keefe because they are losing their stranglehold on the masses and their audience has shrunk, in some cases it only includes the other liars surrounding their soapbox.

      Report Post »  
    • bread and circuses
      Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:30am

      Lying is like the old joke;

      MAN: would you go to bed with me for $1 million ?
      WOMAN: Sure
      MAN: would you go to bed with me for ONE dollar ?
      WOMAN: of course not, what do you think I am ?
      MAN: we have already established that, we are just haggling over the price.

      Report Post »  
    • t00nces2
      Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:37am

      Oddly, it seems okay to be something you are not to get money from the gov’t. It seems to be okay to pretend to be trying to help women when you will turn your head and even abet the abuse of children and young women. It seems okay to pretend to be honest and law abiding, yet not notify authorities of and underage prostitution ring. Yet, when someone pretends to be a law breaker to expose this behavior, that crossed the “morality” line.

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