Talk:September 11 attacks/Archive 51
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| This is an archive of past discussions about September 11 attacks. Do not edit the contents of this page. If you wish to start a new discussion or revive an old one, please do so on the current talk page. |
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Last paragraph in Memorials section?
If American society at large payed their tributes by erecting memorials that showed their sympathy with the victims, the community of creative artists showed differing sensibilities. Although in recent decades art has been politicized, with sociopolitical problems inspiring much artistic activity, the art community was distinctly chary in responding to the September 11 terrorist attacks. According to Commentary, only one significant monumental artistic response to 9/11 was made: Eric Fischl's bronze sculpture Tumbling Woman, which was installed in Rockefeller Center one year later. The figure, however, was stripped of any sense of poignancy or dignity, "showing her landing ridiculously on her head, with all the bathos of an unsightly spill in the tub." The statue gave offense, and it was removed promptly. Most other art that followed 9/11 "suffered from the same moral incoherence". Commentary identifies the reigning political bias among artists as the explanation. It suspects that the lack of noteworthy attempts to humanize the victims may be due to "fear that it might dehumanize their killers".[243]
I don't feel this paragraph fits in with the otherwise high quality of the article. This sounds like the beginnings of a political rant as opposed to reporting verifiable facts.
99.20.251.63 (talk) 05:51, 30 October 2009 (UTC)
- You do have a point. I wonder how we can modify it to fit better. Perhaps it would be better to remove it all together, as it seems to talk a bit too much about one specific monument. --Tarage (talk) 07:47, 30 October 2009 (UTC)
- Scrap it, we should also remove reference about WTC 7 in Attacks paragraph, it is outdated and worthless. InnerParty (talk) 23:08, 30 October 2009 (UTC)
- I'd remove both, have to wait for a bit though, WTC 7 is mentioned in damage section, it's more than enough. InnerParty (talk) 23:37, 30 October 2009 (UTC)
- And since we're working on improvements, I'd suggest we remove reference about Donald Rumsfeld from Military operations following the attacks paragraph, it looks outlandish, I'm not sure why is it there in the first place, President Bush clearly rejected any link between Iraq and 9/11 attacks, it looks like some POV pushing to me. InnerParty (talk) 23:44, 30 October 2009 (UTC)
- Yes, this is blatantly political POV, it should just be removed entirely. 70.192.79.25 (talk) 05:41, 26 November 2009 (UTC)
- Removed Athempel (talk) 12:42, 28 November 2009 (UTC)
FAQ template
The FAQ template is ideological and POV.
- It supports the use of the word "terrorist", which is a strong ideological word instead of neutral words such as hijakers, attackers or whatever.
- It declares that the article is not biased. Essentially dismissing any discussion. It's the most anti-Wikipedian claim I have ever read.
- The NPOV policy of Wikipedia demands all articles to give proportional weight to each reasonable version of the story. Instead this article only follows the official theories and gives absolutely no room for crictical approaches. It is not only extremely POV but also anti-Wikipedian.
Hence I'm removing that horrible template.
--Sugaar (talk) 15:43, 29 November 2009 (UTC)
- I restored it. If there are changes to it you'd like to see please suggest them here, but it's the product of a lot of discussion and has consensus. That's not to say changes can never be made, it's just that they should be talked about first. RxS (talk) 15:54, 29 November 2009 (UTC)
Comment not related to the purpose of this page, which is to improve the article on the September 11 attacks. |
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- My recent edit to this section was not based on any assumptions about the capabilities or motives of other editors. Cs32en 21:18, 30 November 2009 (UTC)
Pager Intercepts
Over the last two days over 500,000 intercepts of what are purported to be pager messages from 9/11 were published by Wikilinks . Most reliable sources seem to think they are real but no definitive proof exists. As of this point there have been no earth shattering revelations. I think this should be considered for the External links section. It is a classic external link in that it adds detail to material in the article. There is a reliability question Edkollin (talk) 08:34, 27 November 2009 (UTC)
- Think you mean wikileaks... This article states that "I spoke to three journalists working on September 11, 2001 whose correspondence appeared in the logs or who were familiar with the messages circulated in their newsrooms that day. All three say the logs appear to be legitimate." - this seems to be the best evidence to show that they are real. Personally I think it does deserve more of than an EL in the article, perhaps one sentence in the "immediate response" section would be the best. Smartse (talk) 16:59, 27 November 2009 (UTC)
- If anything, it is more evidence to pile up against those that believe something other than a terrorist attack occurred that September day. I wonder if the CTs are crying tonight. --Tarage (talk) 09:38, 28 November 2009 (UTC)
- The plain text messages primarily show how much confusion there was on that day, nothing particularly damaging for the official or any other version of the events. Some messages about explosions, but there were numerous eyewitness reports and testimonies to that effect anyway. Don't know about the encrypted messages, there seems to be some progress being made on them -- I'd suggest to wait for a while anyway, until we see how our beloved reliable sources have covered the issue. Cs32en 21:38, 30 November 2009 (UTC)
- The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section. A summary of the conclusions reached follows.
- We're done here. You will not be allowed to soapbox for the sake of soapboxing. Youtube is not, and never shall be, a reliable source. Two people's statements are not even close to being enough to challenge the mountain of consensus that we have obtained, and your continued attacks of existing reliable sources because of your inane theories is laughable. Your request has been requested and rejected numerous times, and I will not allow this farce to continue. --Tarage (talk) 10:30, 6 December 2009 (UTC)
Allegedly carried out by Al Qaeda
Shouldn't it be stated that the attack was allegedly carried out by Al Qaeda? Nobody has been found guilty in court yet. —Preceding unsigned comment added by RussellEngland (talk • contribs) 13:17, 28 November 2009 (UTC)
- This has been discussed and rejected many times. Please check the archives and explain why the reasons in the previous rejections should no longer apply before trying again. (It's not easy to check the archives, so I don't necessarily consider this a bad faith edit.) — Arthur Rubin (talk) 15:56, 28 November 2009 (UTC)
- I looked in Archive # 12, under the heading Evidence of involvement in 9/11. I saw nothing there to justify the removal of the word "allegedly" in the phrase which, according to me, should read "nineteen hijackers allegedly took control of four commercial airliners". To say otherwise is to express a POV which is challenged by numerous people, of which I am. As others have stated, Usama's culpability has never been proven in a court of law. It has also been stated quite clearly that the FBI itself is reluctant to mention 9/11 on Usama's Most Wanted poster. Isn't it common knowledge that "When asked why Osama bin Laden’s wanted poster only mentions his alleged involvement in the East African embassy bombings, but not 9/11, Rex Tomb of the FBI’s public affairs unit says, “The reason why 9/11 is not mentioned on Osama bin Laden’s Most Wanted page is because the FBI has no hard evidence connecting bin Laden to 9/11.”?
- What I found in Archive # 12 were a lot of silly and frankly racist statements from some individuals who insist that the official version promulgated by the President of the United States must be believed — presumably because such a distinguished gentleman would never dare to utter a lie. Until a real investigation examines what happened on 9/11, no one can say with any certainty if Usama bin Laden was involved in orchestrating the attack or not. Others claim that it was mostly the work of Dick Cheney and that the President was merely a puppet who did as he was told but was mostly kept in the dark. Who knows with any certainty what happened on that day? That is why a new investigation has to be launched. Until then, it seems appropriate to restore the word "allegedly" in its proper place and to reflect that reality on every page of Wikipedia that deals with this event.
- There is also an obvious bias on Osama bin Laden's page elsewhere on Wikipedia. It claims "After initial denial, in 2004 Osama bin Laden claimed responsibility for the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States." and it provides a few sources to support the allegation that Usama confessed in one or more videos. But the authenticity of those videos is vigorously contested by an increasing number of people. Some say the actor posing as Usama bears no physical resemblance to the real Usama. Others mention the presence of some jewelry that shouldn't be there, while still others noticed that in one video he is right-handed and in another he is left-handed. Who are we going to ask to settle the dispute? The FBI? The CIA? Those people had a certain level of credibility until recently — but not any more I'm afraid.
- I demand therefore that the word "allegedly" be reinstated in this instance and everywhere else it is appropriate to do so. If anyone objects, please say why. Thank you.Oclupak (talk) 02:07, 4 December 2009 (UTC)
- Oclupak, without making any judgment on your arguments, please don't "demand" anything. Wikipedia is supposed to work by discussion and consensus. Keeping cool and polite on these matters helps in making progress toward accurate and NPOV documentation. Having said that, I agree that "allegedly" is the appropriate term to use in this instance. Wildbear (talk) 02:52, 4 December 2009 (UTC)
- Let's go bullet point by bullet point shall we?
- 1. We don't say allegedly because virtually all of the reliable sources we have say so. Just like we don't say 'allegedly the world is round' or 'allegedly Elvis is dead', inserting that word would be POV towards CTs. As for Osama, Wikipedia is not a court of law, nor is Wikipedia a part of any government, so we can say someone is guilty based on reliable sources, regardless of what a court of law says. Lastly you are going to have to cite that quote. "Common Knowledge" doesn't quite cut it for something that far out.
- 2. Racist? How? Again, reliable sources are what we listen to, not the president of any nation. Do you understand?
- 3. Take it up with that article, not this one. Also, just because you say the FBI and CIA don't have creditability doesn't make it true. And even then, I once again have to state that we don't really care WHAT they think, but what reliable sources think.
- 4. And I request that you come back with reliable sources to back up your 'demands'. Otherwise, you can 'demand' until you are blue in the face, but the changes you want will not happen. Understand? --Tarage (talk) 08:04, 4 December 2009 (UTC)
What are reliable sources? On the morning of Aug. 31, 1939, what were "reliable sources" reporting about the Gleiwitz incident? I did not check but I suspect that "reliable sources" all over Germany reported that Polish soldiers had attacked a radio station on German soil. What credence can be given to the mainstream media in a propaganda war? Especially when the entire media apparatus is owned and controlled by a small clique who have a common interest in presenting a single POV? It would be interesting to find out how that Gleiwitz story was first presented in different parts of the globe and how it has evolved since.
The comparison with 9/11 is a valid one in as much as a growing number of people do now believe that both were false flag operations.
It was probably OK for Wikipedia to assert many years ago that Al-Quaida was solely responsible for 9/11. Even I believed it at one point. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since. Unfortunately the MSM has not followed suite. Why? Because the MSM are owned and controlled by entities that have a vested interest in suppressing the truth. How can I source that? Not in any MSM publication I'm afraid...
There is a nice quote from Gandhi that comes to mind: « First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. »
I believe that the laugh period is almost completely behind us now, in spite of vain attempts by staunch supporters of the Official Version to link truthers to "Elvis is still alive" proponents. We are now somewhere between fighting and winning, I would assume. Just like when Nelson Mandela stopped being primarily characterized as a terrorist. It would be interesting to research at what point in time major news organizations shifted from the terrorist label to a more neutral stance. Same thing for Galileo Galilei; at what point in time did it become politically correct to let it be known that some people questioned the notion that the earth was at the centre of the universe. When did it become OK to say that it was "alleged" that the sun, instead of the earth, was at the center?
Even though they risk ruining their carrers, some people have dared to speak out. Charlie Sheen, for example, has published a series of questions he wishes Obama to respond to. I know. I know. He's an actor. So what? His questions deserve answers none the less. No point in sourcing those questions here. I'm pretty sure that anyone who lands on this page is aware of what I am referring to. The important thing to keep in mind is that Charlie Sheen merely asks questions. He does not pretend to know what happened on 9/11. But he expresses his scepticism, which I share and which would reflect itself by inserting the word "allegedly" everywhere it belongs until such time as it can be removed to make way to a new certainty of who actually was responsible, if such a day does occur.
Other people who's opinion should matter do have impressive credentials. I'm referring here to people like Albert Stubblebine who was the commanding general of the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command from 1981 to 1984 and Francesco Cossiga who was Prime Minister of Italy (1979-1980), President of the Senate (1983-1985), President of the Republic (1985-1992) and Senator for life since 1992. These prominent people are very old and retired, of course. Otherwise, would they foolishly have put their neck out by expressing their views with the risk of compromising their career?
I read somewhere that Wikipedia is based on consensus. OK, how do we check what the consensus is? Do we take a vote or something? Oclupak (talk) 15:24, 4 December 2009 (UTC)
- Reliable sources are defined in Wikipedia:Reliable sources. That page is a guideline, which means that the consensus of editors is that it should be followed. If you don't think this page should be a guideline or that the guideline should be changed then you should try to do that by getting a consensus for that change (do that at Wikipedia talk:Reliable sources, not here). Until the guideline is changed through this process we have to follow it.
- We do not base our articles on popular opinion, or on (completely unsubstantiated) allegations that there is some sort of cover-up to suppress one particular theory. Here we have one viewpoint which is almost universally given by reliable sources, and a fringe viewpoint which has a fair number of adherents amongst the general public. Here our policies say that we should not give the fringe view much weight. (If they didn't we'd have to include geocentricism in articles, because polls indicate large numbers of people still believe in it.) Unless you can address these policy-based issues no amount of rhetoric is going to help you. Hut 8.5 22:36, 4 December 2009 (UTC)
- Know what? You're moving dangerously close to soapboxing, and I don't appreciate it. Regardless of how you personally feel about news sources like MSN, Wikipedia has consensus that it is a reliable source. Likewise all of the other sources that state what this article states. Unless you come back with reliable sources, even a vote would be uncalled for, because you are offering absolute nothing to the table other than WP:Truth, which doesn't cut it. We've had votes before, and the current article is a result of them. Last chance, either realize that Wikipedia relies on Reliable Sources and bring some, or step down from your soapbox. --Tarage (talk) 01:47, 5 December 2009 (UTC)
- Oclupak said "MSM", i.e. "mainstream media", not MSN. Hut 8.5 15:56, 5 December 2009 (UTC)
- I "demand" you get off your soapbox. 87.166.98.234 (talk) 14:38, 5 December 2009 (UTC)
- Ah, apropos goatstaring Stubblebine: LOL. 87.166.98.234 (talk) 14:42, 5 December 2009 (UTC)
Major General Albert Stubblebine
I edited General Stubblebine's wikipedia page to provide a link to the video source where he states that "a Boeing 757 airplane could not have crashed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001". In that video, he goes on to say: "We pride ourselves with a free press. I do not believe the free press is free anymore. It's very expensive. It's very expensive. And the press is saying what they have been told to say about this. Now, do I have proof of that? No. But I believe that what is being... what... certainly the stories that we're told about all about 9/11 were false. I mean you take a look at the buildings falling down. They didn't fall down because airplanes hit'em, they fell down because of explosives went off [inaudible] demolition. Look at building Seven, for God's sake."
The link to the video is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daNr_TrBw6E. I ask you now, isn't he a credible source? He was, after all, responsible for all of the Army's strategic intelligence forces around the world, at one point in his career. Shouldn't his one and only testimony be sufficient to attenuate at least a little bit the assertion that 19 islamist hijackers did it?
About the comment concerning goatstaring, I do admit that it seems, at first glance, to be a frivolous proposition. But so would have been, before the Manhattan Project, the mere notion that the splitting of a particle so small that it is invisible to the human eye could lead to an explosion of unprecedented force, capable of destroying an entire city. I haven't seen the Coen brothers' film based on the book The Men Who Stare at Goats yet, but perhaps there is some serious science behind the research General Stubblebine was involved in and which was funded by the U.S. military. I note however that this element seems to have been brought in this discussion for the sole purpose of discrediting the testimony of a legitimate source. Isn't attacking the messenger a crime on Wikipedia?
Francesco Cossiga
I edited my previous post to add a link to Francesco Cossiga's wikipedia page. On it, there is a quote from an interview he gave to the newspaper Corriere della Sera, which is, if I am not mistaken, a very reputable italian newspaper. The interview is dated Nov. 30, 2007. In the English translation provided on the Wikipedia page, he is reported as having said: "[...] all of the democratic circles of America and of Europe, in the front lines being those of the Italian centre-left, now know well that the disastrous attack was planned and realized by the American CIA and Mossad with the help of the Zionist world to put under accusation the Arabic Countries and to persuade the Western powers to intervene in Iraq and Afghanistan."
As I mentioned earlier, this man was Prime Minister of Italy (1979-1980), President of the Senate (1983-1985), President of the Republic (1985-1992). Isn't that credentials enough? Has Corriere della Sera suddenly fallen into disrepute?
How many more "credible people" quoted in "reliable sources" must I come up with to alter the opening statement of the page which, in my opinion, misleads people into believing that the official theory is the only one out there? If I came up with a thousand, would it help you to budge? Oclupak (talk) 19:21, 5 December 2009 (UTC)
- These would be conspiracy theorists. Please take this discussion to the appropriate article. 78.48.45.45 (talk) 09:25, 6 December 2009 (UTC)
Insider job theory should be given some room, offcial version should be shortened.
This article is extremely POV, including virtually only the official version of events as portrayed by the Bush administration.
It needs clear rebalancing in order to be NPOV.
I'd suggest to:
1. Make the official version shorter (it's extremely long and does not deal with the many doubts that exist in most of each "evidence" items) and detach the rest of contents to a different article.
2. Give some more room to the main alternative theory, which is that 9/11 was an insider job by the security services (references: one, [two http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=theme&themeId=18]- there must be many others).
As the article is it breches totally the NPOV policy and is a horrible symptom of the decay of Wikipedia into the hands of agendas.
--Sugaar (talk) 15:56, 29 November 2009 (UTC)
- That's a common mistake, saying that the events as recorded in the article come only from the Bush administration. The material comes from a wide range of reliable sources and experts working in their field. As to the balance of the article you can read WP:UNDUE for more info....RxS (talk) 16:01, 29 November 2009 (UTC)
- The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section. A summary of the conclusions reached follows.
- Yeah... this too. Enough soapboxing from all sides. The article isn't changing because there is no shift in the reliable sources behind it. We're moving on now. --Tarage (talk) 10:34, 6 December 2009 (UTC)
Proposed Edits
All,
I just wanted to point out that there is a discrepancy in the total number of causalities from the top figure (second paragraph) "In total 2,993 people, including the hijackers, died..." and then under Casualties-- "There were a total of 2,995..."-- there is a discrepancy of 2 casualties (this is not accounted for by the inclusion or exclusion of hijackers...), but I couldn't hunt the reason for the actual discrepancy down from what I read. Thanks, 69.4.36.98 (talk) 17:19, 16 October 2009 (UTC)
Dear all,
Yesterday I proposed changes to this article in light of research undertaken for the delivery of a university course that I teach. The edits were reversed and it was suggested I posted my reasoning for the changes to the discussion page. I have no affiliation to any 9/11 truth organisation, have been to no meeting in support or against 9/11. I have corresponded with only two people active in posting on the subject (one against conspiracy theories, one in favour of them). My proposed contribution to the article is the result of independent research after reading many reports and articles, and reviewing six documentaries produced in both the US and UK. You can check my credentials at http://www.shu.ac.uk/sbs/research/organisational-development/sp_rory_ridley_duff.html and Marquis's Who's Who in the World 2009.
Below is text (approximate) I added to the talkpage of editors who reversed my changes, or supported the reversal.
"Thank you for your comment on my contribution to the September 11 Attacks article. I'm a senior lecturer at a university in the UK. I include a lecture on 9/11 as part of a philosophy course I give to doctoral students (i.e. those studying for a PhD) to illustrate the contested and constructed nature of knowledge and truth. I am well aware of the key issues raised by 9/11, and the contested nature of 'truth' on this subject.
The current Wikipedia article does not provide balanced coverage of key claims about 9/11. It is the lack of awareness about the contested nature of events on September 11 that makes the current article weak. It falls outside Wikipedia's own guidelines for neutrality and censors views that have been accepted into parts of the academic community, and networks of people who have conducted extensive research into 9/11 issues. One of my concerns is that 'facts' are accepted on the basis of news reports, while other contributions based on peer-reviewed journal articles (albeit not of the highest quality), and good quality documentaries from the BBC and independent documentary makers, are rejected.........
One criticism of my contribution is that the views expressed in the article are already 'mainstream', and that the proposed additions would be controversial. I refute both these claims as detailed below. By 2006, at least 1/3 of the US population believed the US government played a conscious role in the 9/11 attacks (see http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/12137). Worldwide, there are countries in which almost one-third of the population believe that either Israel or the US government were as likely, or more likely, than Al Quaida to have perpetrated the attacks (http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-35417520080910). For Wikipedia to be 'balanced', it must include these views in any article on the September 11th attacks and acknowledge international views and research into this matter.
The proposed changes, therefore, counter obvious bias in the September 11th Attack article and ensure that the opinions of large numbers or people, including many credible engineers, physicists, academics, politicians and eye-witnesses, are represented. The proposed changes did not remove any existing material to ensure that the views already expressed remain (there was no attempt to censor others points of view, only an attempt to provide the necessary balance to the article overall). The counter perspectives are well-documented and supported by evidence (including two court cases). Other claims are based on active debates amongst academics. These debates are likely to be closer to the 'truth' that bulletins from news channels and should be included in the article.
There is no 'bias' or 'controversy' in reporting that there are ongoing court cases, mass movements and academic debates that question the version of truth presented in the current article. These are matters of fact, not opinion, and it distorts understanding of the subject to omit these facts from the article. It gives the impression that the statements in the article are uncontested. This is clearly untrue so the omission breaches Wikipedia guidelines to write from a neutral point of view (NPOV). I added no judgement as to which version of the truth is more 'true' - the edits simply balanced the debate."
To the above, I would like to add the follow. In the university sector we discuss the use of Wikipedia by students often. The main weakness of Wikipedia (as viewed by universities) is that its editors are insufficiently schooled in both philosophy and research skills. As a consequence, many struggle to differentiate between issues of editing and censorship. The result is many Wikipedia articles are based on popular prejudices (or popular opinion) rather than evidence-based research. For this reason, many lecturers ban the use of Wikipedia. I'm not one of these lecturers - I make relevant contributions on matters that I have researched or regular give lectures at post-graduate level. I encourage students to use Wikipedia, but also to check out the quality of the sources on which the articles are based. I support the Wikipedia project but do worry about the level of censorship when matters move outside 'popular prejudice' and enter the realm of academic debate.
Providing contributions are backed by credible evidence, editors should always seek to include them and provide guidance to ensure the overall article is balanced. An awareness of 'credible' show encompass knowledge created using varied scientific traditions. This means checking out the sources behind contributions before removing them (too often they are removed instantly without checking the credibility of the sources). It also means that editors need to ensure that debates and controversies are managed not excluded.
At present, this article is heavily biased towards one politicised view rooted in a narrow section of US/UK opinion. At present, this brings Wikipedia itself into international disrepute. The claims made in the article are not backed by a standard of evidence that would warrant their inclusion as 'fact'. For this reason, the article should reflect the alleged nature of matters where they have not been conclusively proved one way or the other (or where there is no consensus). Key issues of academic debate and contested issues in the legal domain are not currently addressed.
Overall, it is my view the article must be amended to stay within Wikipedia's own editing guidelines.
I will leave it one day before restoring the contributions suggested to the article and sincerely hope that editors will ensure the changes remain.
Best wishes
User:Roryridleyduff Dr Rory Ridley-Duff, Sheffield Business School 20:35, 24 August 2009 (UTC)
- At least one of the "on-going court cases" was dismissed and withdrawn by the plaintiff; apparently the attorney filed the case without getting the plaintiff's consent. I don't think there are any present court cases, but I could easily be wrong.
- Your "1/3" above refers to those who think the US government is not telling the whole truth, not those who think the US government was involved in the attack or a cover-up. Read the polls.
- Your comment about "research", international or otherwise, appears (I was going to select a milder word, but none adequately coveys the facts) bogus.
- It's possible that some of your proposed additions are notable and adequately sourced, but much of your rant above is not accurate. — Arthur Rubin (talk) 20:55, 24 August 2009 (UTC)
You are not checking the source I've given. Other polls put the numbers thinking people are not telling the whole truth at 80%. In the quoted article, those believing the US government was in some way complicit was 36% (the question is clear - read the report). I am, therefore, not 'ranting' as you put it - I'm trying to provide properly sources and balanced reports of this matter.
The court cases, incidentally, are ongoing - I checked with a source directly involved in reporting the cases before posting this information.
Dr Rory Ridley-Duff, Sheffield Business School 21:08, 24 August 2009 (UTC)
Dr Rory Ridley-Duff, Sheffield Business School 21:08, 24 August 2009 (UTC)
- (edit conflict with above edit) This article is written according to Wikipedia's policies and guidelines. If you don't like these policies and guidelines you can try to get them changed, but you can't do that here, and if you are going to edit you will have to abide by them. The view of September 11 given in this article is supported by the overwhelming majority of reliable sources, and as such (per WP:UNDUE, please read that link, it is actually part of the NPOV policy) it is the perspective given by the article. The number of Americans (or any other nationality) who accept an idea is irrelevant. As such it is contrary to Wikipedia policy to give conspiracy theories anything other than minimal coverage in this article.
- In your edit you added the following claims:
- The "Journal of 9/11 studies" is a reliable academic publication. In fact it is a forum for conspiracy theorists to publish their ideas where they are reviewed by other conspiracy theorists. It has no reputation for accuracy or credible review processes, and so it fails Wikipedia:Reliable sources.
- A reference to two court cases. Contrary to what you said above the court cases in question are not "ongoing", they were both dismissed. The lawsuits alleged that no planes struck the Twin Towers, and that the collapses were in fact caused by "directed energy weapons", an idea that is considered fringe even in the 9/11 Truth movement.
- Claims that Flight 93 landed in Cleveland and that the coroner found no bodies. This is simply wrong. --Hut 8.5 21:15, 24 August 2009 (UTC)
- I don't think issuing ultimatums is the best way to get your message across. And, just as a note, there is no academic debate about the attacks. The attacks and damage are pretty well understood and almost universally accepted by those who have studied the issue and by those who have the expert knowledge to speak authoritively about it. There is no controversy among mainstream and reliable sources worldwide. There is no evidence based research by experts working in their fields that support any of the theories. There's a lot of unverified and false claims, bad science and outright lies but nothing that would pass muster in a real scientific environment. RxS (talk) 21:51, 24 August 2009 (UTC)
Response ----
At the time of the above posting I had read one article rejected by the 9/11 journal and one accepted. The accepted article seemed solid, the other did not. Following your comments, I have read other articles published there. While I appreciate that the standard of peer-review (and academic theorisation) is less than I would expect in academic journals to which I've contributed, it still appears to be better than journalistic sources that are not subject to any peer-review.
I do not know the current state of the legal case by Dr Morgan Reynolds other than that the initial case was dismissed. As for the legal case by Dr Judy Wood, I checked with the person who issues her press releases in the UK (who works in the Open Univeristy) whether the case would go forward. The response was that an appeal is being considered now. The legal ruling (available at www.drjudywood.com) gives Judy Wood permission to resubmit the case after revisions that would ensure it complies with Fraud Act. The ground for dismissing the case (officially, at least) are that the claim is not set out in the way the Fraud Act requires - the cases have not yet even got to the point of considering any evidence. While the court expressed a lack of sympathy regarding resubmission, it made clear that a decision on resubmission would be for the District Court. The case, therefore, remains open for the time being.
"As such it is contrary to Wikipedia policy to give conspiracy theories anything other than minimal coverage in this article."
The official Wikipedia NPOV policy requires that 'significant minority point of view' are included in articles. The edits ensure that these 'significant minority' views are added to the article.
On this point, you are making a basic epistemological error. The 'official story' is itself a conspiracy theory (it is a theory - unverified - that a group of people conspired to hijack planes and fly them into the World Trade Center and Pentagon). Even the most basic evidence is contradictory (such as the alleged hijackers names not being on flight manifest, and the fires burned for over a month at temperatures that could not possible be due to jet fuel). It is not 'neutral' to suppress contradictions that are available through published thermal scans of the area, eye-witnesses, scientific reports (including government reports).
You are making basic epistemological errors by assuming that 'official' (i.e. government) sources are reliable while academic and professional sources are not. In all 'proper' research, it is necessary to remain sceptical of official (managerial) sources: they are not considered reliable much of the time because of the effects of power within organisational cultures and political systems. A reliable source is one that make evidence-based claims after using a reliable methodology for its investigative process. It can also be based on the application of logic or established theory to known 'facts' using a 'correspondence' theory of truth. Much of the controversy derives from a failure of known facts to correspond with known scientific theory. To be balanced, the article must acknowledge the scale of scientific evidence that the official story is contradictory (not 'false' but contradictory - does not accord to known scientific theory and available evidence).
On the issue of evidencing the scale of the 'significant minority' point of view, see http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/13469. By 2006, it was reported in the New York Times (following a major poll on many issues that I obtained in full) that 81% of the US public question the official story on some level (either withholding or lying). 28% of people (almost 1/3 of the population) believing the government is proactively lying. Only 16% now believe the government is telling the truth.
The Wikipedia guideline require that the views of these significant minorities are included in the article. By omitting them, you are contravening the Wikipedia guidelines. It remains my view - as a neutral academic who is not involved in the 9/11 Truth movement, that the article must be revised to remain within the NPOV guidelines.
The problems in the current article is ones of epistemology (standards and criteria of truth and knowledge), and breach of the Wikipedia guidelines.
Dr Rory Ridley-Duff, Sheffield Business School 15:38, 25 August 2009 (UTC)
- Seeing as you studied Business, not Science or Engineering, I’ll take your evaluations of publications' reliability with a grain of salt. — NRen2k5(TALK), 20:52, 25 August 2009 (UTC)
- Besides, original research is not permitted. Peter Grey (talk) 23:36, 25 August 2009 (UTC)
- My god this one is wordy. I guess the old saying is true, when you have nothing important to say, say as much as you can and hope people don't notice. This is the same frivolous and pointless dribble we're used to. Nothing new, nothing different, therefor nothing will change. Moving along... --Tarage (talk) 00:48, 26 August 2009 (UTC)
- It's not a "significant minority view", it's a "tiny minority view", for the reasons noted by RxS above. Academic sources (i.e. proper peer-reviewed journals) are reliable and nobody here has claimed otherwise. The mainstream view is not presented just because it is the view given by the U.S. government. Hut 8.5 09:51, 26 August 2009 (UTC)
--- Rebuttal of false information given above ---
- I have a PhD in a business related area (organisation cultures / governance practices). These are easily as relevant to the discussion of 9/11 any knowledge of the physical sciences. Nevertheless, I should point out that I previously qualified as a Microsoft Certified Professional (in the field of software engineering) and won a Department of Industry SMART Award in 2002 (for database design). I have therefore, specialist knowledge in more than one area of science. You should not assume to understand a person on the basis of their current occupation and qualifications as this reveal your propensity to be prejudiced.
- On the issue at hand, a 'tiny minority view' is not the finding of the New York Times study. By 2006, the 'official' view in this article to have less fullsome support than the 'unofficial' view you seek to censor (16% believe officials are "telling the truth" v 28% believing officials are "mostly lying"). This is a substantial change from 2002, and this article needs updating to reflect shifts in opinion.
- I make the comments on this article mainly on the basis of expertise leading a course on research philosophy. This is a course that teaches PhD researchers how to establish valid criteria for claiming scientific 'truth' in their writing. This article does not provide the kind of quality peer-reviewed sources needed to claim the government's conspiracy theory as 'fact'. Nor is there any reflection on the link between various philosophical/political interests and the different theories that have emerged regarding the September 11 Attacks. This can only be added once there is acknowledgment of other credible theories about the events of September 11. The article remains too narrowly defined and heavily biased toward one political/ideological perspective. I presume this is for political reasons, and not reasons of education or enlightenment on the subject at hand. If you were seeking to enlighten, you would review all credible theories.
- For the sake of clarify, I state again - to observe the NPOV policy of Wikipedia the article must include all credible and substantial minority theories and explanations regarding the 9/11 Attacks.
Dr Rory Ridley-Duff, Sheffield Business School 10:28, 1 September 2009 (UTC)
- The amount of weight to give to views is not calculated based on opinion polls of the general population. There is no academic controversy about the theories you discuss, for the reasons given by RxS above. Hut 8.5 11:40, 1 September 2009 (UTC)
- September 11 folklore is not the subject matter of this article. Peter Grey (talk) 14:34, 1 September 2009 (UTC)
Indeed, public opinion is only a measure of what is a majority or minority opinion - this is an issue in Wikipedia guidelines if we can to include 'substantial minority' points of view. If we turn to academic opinion, then the presence and size of the Scholars for 9/11 Truth network must be taken into account alongside the size and scale of the Engineers for 9/11 Truth network. I'm not aware of any academic network in support of the 'official' story, but I would be delighted to learn of one because I've search for one to provide balancing opinions on my courses. There are occasional academic articles refered to in various documentaries. What I do consistently detect, however, is an unstated coalition of government and media interests (within NIST, FEMA, the court system, Fox News, New Corporation sources) who are struggling to maintain control over the 'truth' of events surrounding September 11. People allied to these interests are in a constant battle with academics and professional groups who question their right to control determination of 'truth' regarding these events. This 'battle' (if that is the right word) extent to every sphere, including Wikipedia. As an academic, I naturally want to eliminate censorship of views so they can be debated properly in a sober and systematic way. Dr Rory Ridley-Duff, Sheffield Business School 20:01, 2 September 2009 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Roryridleyduff (talk • contribs)
- Hmmm. No, I don't think an organization calling themselves "Scholars for 9/11 Truth" needs to be taken into account as an scholarly source without further verification. Perhaps some of them are scholars, perhaps not. There is still at most one scholarly paper in a real peer-reviewed journal (that is, not one where the "peers" are also Truthers, or one where the editorial policy denies the validity of peer review) which questions the NIST findings. — Arthur Rubin (talk) 20:46, 2 September 2009 (UTC)
- I would like to again state that on Wikipedia, it doesn't matter if you 'have a PhD in a business related area (organisation cultures / governance practices)' or you are some random monkey pounding his fists into a keyboard. Please cease to fill your statements with needless fluff. Not only does it make what you are trying to say incredibly hard to derive, but it it makes you come across as a fool, especially when you can't even be bothered to sign your posts or spell words like 'organisation' and 'refered' correctly. I'll be as brief as I possibly can: You're arguments are recycled, you have yet to provide a single reliable source outside of polls, and you still refuse to go read these talk page archives to see that not only have other people presented the same flawed POV argument before, but that it has been soundly rejected over and over again, as it will this time. The mountain of reliable sources against you is so staggering that I would not even dare to attempt to climb it. So please, stop wasting your time, my time, and every other editor who visits these article's time. We will not insert your POV, we will not dance around the issue, and we will not tolerate any more mindless dribble. Do you understand? Or am we in store for another round of fluff filled nonsense? --Tarage (talk) 23:13, 2 September 2009 (UTC)
- Comment: "Organisation" is correctly spelled according to British English. "Refered" may not be, but then neither is your "You're", Tarage. From this I hope you will gather that it is always better to concentrate on the content of an editor's contributions, rather than the form or making comments that risk showing one's own ignorance. And since your arguments are sound, why not adopt a more collegial tone, to go along with them? --Slp1 (talk) 00:06, 8 September 2009 (UTC)
- Because I have seen far too many editors come in here and completely disregard all of the work put in to maintaining and balancing this article, and push their own POV. Call me ignorant, call me rude, but I have had enough of editors who do not even show good faith by ignoring the archives, ignoring the notices, ignoring the consensus, and even ignoring the Wikipedia standards and practices. I refuse to tolerate such blatant disregard of everything we hold dear. If someone has an issue with me, they are welcome to call me a 'meanie' on my talk page. Roryridleyduff is nothing more than a blowhard. He talks a lot, he says a lot, but in the end, his words mean nothing. He isn't a new editor, he isn't confused, he simply isn't willing to show the rest of us the proper respect, so I will not show him said respect either. That is my stance. --Tarage (talk) 04:50, 9 September 2009 (UTC)
- Comment: "Organisation" is correctly spelled according to British English. "Refered" may not be, but then neither is your "You're", Tarage. From this I hope you will gather that it is always better to concentrate on the content of an editor's contributions, rather than the form or making comments that risk showing one's own ignorance. And since your arguments are sound, why not adopt a more collegial tone, to go along with them? --Slp1 (talk) 00:06, 8 September 2009 (UTC)
Tarage, you're just being rude. Why? Why such a vitriolic response? Why such an aggressive tone? For tis the sport to have the enginer Hoist with his owne petar....me thinks the editor's strong words betray his academic abilities and perhaps rouse his emotive opinions on the matter. Time will tell Tarage, as your editing shows a lack of acceptable balance. Do you really think that when buildings fall don by their own accord, and architects, mathematicians and other academics keep signing up for the 'truthers' side, that you continue to portray a balance. There must be some new usage of the word balance that im not aware of. Your stubborn rebuttals will only fuel the belief there is something to hide....I wish you luck in stopping the tide. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 92.99.96.180 (talk) 08:50, 14 November 2009 (UTC)
- WP:UNDUE says: in determining proper weight, we consider a viewpoint's prevalence in reliable sources. Therefore opinion polls are irrelevant. The reason for this should be obvious - there are plenty of polls out there in which large numbers of Americans express support for discredited notions such as geocentricism or astrology. More than 40% of Americans believe in creationism, but this idea is not given serious consideration in science articles here because it has no scientific support. If Wikipedia gave weight to all these ideas it would rapidly become a laughing stock. Proposing a conspiracy of reliable sources to deny recognition to certain opinions is not going to help you either. Hut 8.5 12:09, 3 September 2009 (UTC)
- Very well stated, Roryridleyduff. As you can see, Wikipedia has a strictly close-minded view on this subject. I'll take credit for the pathetic mention of "conspiracy theories" on the article, as it was my constant pushing that forced them to at least place a mention of the conflicts of opinion as a kiss-off to those interested in the truth. I was told by at least two different mods on this site, literally, that “Wikipedia is not interested in the truth.” It is interested only in following the mainstream perspective. So by its own admission, Wikipedia is a propaganda site and not an informational site. Neurolanis (talk) 19:01, 30 September 2009 (UTC)
- Go cry more. --Tarage (talk) 08:16, 1 October 2009 (UTC)
- I said here before that I strongly agree, Dr Rory Ridley-Duff (but Tarage removed my comment as he so *loves* to do.) I think that it is about time that Wikipedia permits evidence and mainstream sources that contradict with its propagandistic slants on reality. Neurolanis (talk) 02:22, 3 November 2009 (UTC)
- The only propaganda I see here is spread by you and your ilk. InnerParty (talk) 11:09, 3 November 2009 (UTC)
- Very well stated, Roryridleyduff. As you can see, Wikipedia has a strictly close-minded view on this subject. I'll take credit for the pathetic mention of "conspiracy theories" on the article, as it was my constant pushing that forced them to at least place a mention of the conflicts of opinion as a kiss-off to those interested in the truth. I was told by at least two different mods on this site, literally, that “Wikipedia is not interested in the truth.” It is interested only in following the mainstream perspective. So by its own admission, Wikipedia is a propaganda site and not an informational site. Neurolanis (talk) 19:01, 30 September 2009 (UTC)
I believe that the main article should be edited to include the following information: John Farmer, Dean of Rutger Universities' School of Law and former Attorney General of New Jersey, was the Senior Counsel for the 911 Commission, and was responsible for drafting the original 9/11 Commission report. In John Farmer’s book: “The Ground Truth: The Story Behind America’s Defense on 9/11″, Farmer states, “at some level of the government, at some point in time…there was an agreement not to tell the truth about what happened... I was shocked at how different the truth was from the way it was described …. The [Norad air defense] tapes told a radically different story from what had been told to us and the public for two years. This is not spin.” Rickoff (talk) 07:43, 7 November 2009 (UTC)
- It appears that our section on 9/11 Commission fails to reflect some of the well known and well accepted facts, while those are somewhat summarized in Criticism of the 9/11 Commission, we have failed to provide link to that destination. In my opinion our section here is not as informative as it could be. After giving it some thought, I fail to see why we would object to the inclusion of the information about 'difficulties' of the investigation that constitute 'common knowledge, and which are recognised by the commission members and mainstream media. InnerParty (talk) 13:49, 7 November 2009 (UTC)
- There is a link to Criticism of the 9/11 Commission on the page, but it is subtle and easily overlooked. The September 11 attacks page received an average of 12,296 views per day during October 2009.(ref) The Criticism of the 9/11 Commission page received an average of 32 views per day during the same time period.(ref) Thus, the vast majority of readers of the September 11 attacks page (99.7%) are probably not seeing any critical review of the 9/11 Commission on Wikipedia. Given that this material is notable and reliably sourced, I think it is legitimate to argue that the September 11 attacks article is imbalanced in its presentation of the issues - the typical reader is not seeing the full spectrum of issues in a balanced manner. Wildbear (talk) 05:18, 8 November 2009 (UTC)
Tuesday, Or What about the "On this day..." weekday topic of 9/11 Please call it Tuesday September 11, 2001. A newbie. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.83.148.250 (talk) 01:56, 17 December 2009 (UTC)
Proposal to invoke WP:SNOWBALL: US Mainstream Media and Wikipedia overwhelming "Official Theory" consensus is unlikely to change
US Mainstream media is to close to the major political parties. Their is too much completion and therefore there are no budgets for Watergate style investigative reporting. Reporters are forced to rely mainly Republican and Democratic sourcing. Republicans do not want a possible conspiracy exposed for obvious reasons. Democrats do not want it for two reasons. Despite being liberal at heart they have been a scared and uber cautious party for many years. Therefore they will not do anything remotely risky. There are too many reasons for this to list here but a good start is that they think the country is to the right of them and the 24//7 attack dog political atmosphere. The other reason is their common belief that Bush and the Republicans are to stupid to even speak correctly never mind pull off a conspiracy. As for the media as numerous studies have shown that reporters are a largely liberal group so they share the "to stupid" belief. Their coverage of the 9/11 truth movement reflects this. You see a look of people who have been called to go to work just before their participation in an orgy. When the relevant issues are discussed in many cases it has the look of a quick read just before airtime. But most efforts are put into truthers mental state.
Since Wikipedia is about verifiability not truth of course this article will reflect the "official theory" consensus. The reliable source policy remains a good but flawed policy in bringing out the truth. While MSM standards have declined markedly it is still a hell of a lot more reliable on the whole then webpages. There are some great webpages but how does one figure it out without OR?. So wikipedia policy stays with a the sinking ship known as MSM. From the sarcasm that occasionally creeps in these talk pages it becomes clear that the majority of editors especially long time committed ones do not believe in the theories they write about. Not sure why. Maybe most committed Wikipedia editors do come from the academic world where things like citing reliable/expert sources is their life's work. In any case newbie "truther" editors do not stand a chance winning talk page discussions against veterans who know the policies.
America is a forward looking country, 8 years have passed Bush is not president etc. There is conspiracy theory fatigue which has caused almost daily lumping together of all "loony" conspiracy theories and theorists. There is always the "first impression" rule. Three or four years ago conspiracy theorists were limited to individuals on their webpages and professors whom not only knew nothing about physics but came from very unscientific disciplines such as philosophy. While reliable sources still by far agree with the the official theory, this has changed noticeably. How much this has changed is very arguable but the near unanimous reliable sourcing claims made here just are incorrect but they are also the consensus here.
For at least four years there have been attempts to change basic direction of the article to a more "truther" point of view and for four years they have failed. The basic points raised by both sides have not changed. We need to invoke the WP:SNOWBALL clause and just put our efforts into improving the article. 69.114.104.152 (talk) 22:57, 5 December 2009 (UTC)
- Most of this is off-topic conjecture, get off the soapbox. 78.48.45.45 (talk) 09:29, 6 December 2009 (UTC)
- The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section. A summary of the conclusions reached follows.
The Fifth Estate CBC documentary
The Canadian CBC aired a documentary last week as part of their program The Fifth Estate. The episode is called "The Unofficial story". It mentions both the Official and the Unofficial versions in an unusually fair and balanced light —if anything, it has a definite favorable bias towards the Official story as evidenced by the smirky smile when host Bob McKeown mentions the conspiracy theorists.
All the same it is one of the rare occasions when both sides of the story are presented with a certain degree of professionalism and it constitutes one of the best documentaries to have aired on mainstream TV on the subject of 9/11. Would it be OK to post a reference to the Fifth Estate's website which is at:
http://www.cbc.ca/fifth/discussion/2009/11/the_unofficial_story.html
It is possible to view the entire documntary online, but apparently for Canadian viewers only. American and all other foreign viewers are blocked from the streaming video, I am told. But it is available on YouTube.
Unfortunately, it is cut up in 5 ten-minute segments:
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkYlbpS-vVI
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4xhrJyKGQ8
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=femgO-ZYDm0
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjxrGUujXVc
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XcaORNbh4A
The link to the Fifth Estate website, which also contains other elements besides the video documentary, could be added to the Exterior links section at the bottom of the page. Oclupak (talk) 20:23, 7 December 2009 (UTC)
- Once again, I'd suggest you take discussion this over to the appropriate article 87.166.106.43 (talk) 21:46, 7 December 2009 (UTC)
What is the discussion page for if not to discuss the September 11 attacks? That CBC documentary deals specifically with a single subject: The 9/11 attacks. It does not lean one way or the other. Well OK, it is a bit biased in favour of the Official story. But basically, this documentary belongs here more than anywhere else it seems to me. I am baffled by the kind of logic that seems to prevail here. Oclupak (talk) 23:37, 7 December 2009 (UTC)
- This page is not for discussing the September 11 attacks. It's for talking about improving the article on the attacks. See RxS (talk) 02:13, 8 December 2009 (UTC)
Delete the WP:SNOWBALL Proposal Section and this section soon after
That proposal was made by me for the 9/11 Conspiracies Theories Article and was dragged here by another editor without my knowledge. It was never intended for this article. There is no need for this proposal in this article. This article has been written based on the strong editor consensus that the article should reflect the "mainstream account" for years. Edkollin (talk) 16:15, 22 December 2009 (UTC)
This is not at all NPOV
I am baffled by the editors' attitude all through the discussion section. Not only do you remain clearly oblivious to any but your own account of the facts, but the general tone is bullish and alarmingly disrespectful. I would suggest any reading of this article to remain seriously skeptical about the contents being presented, since only one side of an on-going and important debate has weight in the events being described. The editors should bear in mind that they never bother to answer issues being raised with arguments, just dismiss them in a fully self-satisfied way: to any neutral reader, these editors come across as hooligans, sorry to say. You can erase my comment as I am sure you will, but that does not make you any better wikipedians. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Junkyardmusic (talk • contribs) 22:01, 21 January 2010 (UTC)
- It is WP:NPOV; we give opinions weight according to their real-world weights. The 9/11 conspiracy theories are fringe, and should be treated as such in this article, although they do have their own articles and are mentioned here. — Arthur Rubin (talk) 00:14, 22 January 2010 (UTC)
- I can´t agree with that. There are full controversies that put very reasonable question marks on a lot of aspects of the whole issue. I am not saying whether you should believe them or not, but giving the scope of the official story which as some argued is in itself a "conspiracy theory" with total disregard to the controversies arised by this view is in itself wanting in impartiality: just providing a link to "9/11 conspiracy theories" is not enough. You should account for the controversies, give an account of them when they are credible -and many are- and quit acting as an un-oficial loudspeakers to a one sided account of the story. it is your duty. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 213.96.1.140 (talk) 11:44, 22 January 2010 (UTC)
- I'm satisfied that all alternative explanations of the damage and deaths are nonsense. There is no reason to think explosives were used as well as aircraft. Even the 911 A&E petition (architects and engineers) looks less and less credible when you examine it.
- There are some problems, the article should be treating the "conspiracy theories" better, no matter how ridiculous. More mention of Building 7 would be valuable, for sure I'm not the first person to do a search and only find it under "Notes". There's a really big hole treating bin Laden as alive when, by RS, bin Laden is most likely dead.
- And it is not the fault of the writers of this article that none of the conspiracy theorists have studied who might have wanted Americans to think OBL supported John Kerry. Who could have faked a video to influence an election? If you wanted to do something useful you'd do something useful. MalcolmMcDonald (talk) 12:13, 22 January 2010 (UTC)
- I can´t agree with that. There are full controversies that put very reasonable question marks on a lot of aspects of the whole issue. I am not saying whether you should believe them or not, but giving the scope of the official story which as some argued is in itself a "conspiracy theory" with total disregard to the controversies arised by this view is in itself wanting in impartiality: just providing a link to "9/11 conspiracy theories" is not enough. You should account for the controversies, give an account of them when they are credible -and many are- and quit acting as an un-oficial loudspeakers to a one sided account of the story. it is your duty. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 213.96.1.140 (talk) 11:44, 22 January 2010 (UTC)
- Not only do you remain clearly oblivious to any but your own account of the facts This is completely false, but I think the statement is based in a misunderstanding A hint of that is in the phrasing "account of the facts". Facts are facts irrespective of "accounts". The problem is figuring out what the facts are, and for that the editors here do not rely on their own accounts at all, but they rely exclusively on other peoples accounts of the facts. But facts do not become facts just because you say them. Facts can generally be verified. It's not a matter of accounts, but of evidence. --OpenFuture (talk) 17:50, 22 January 2010 (UTC)
- Facts?
- Fact is, there are numerous unanswered questions about 9/11 attacks.
- Fact is, this articles omits verifiable and reliable information and that is not merely a failure in following our policies, it is omission by definition, to serve as an example, editors here marginalize or omit information about 'Able Danger', deliberately failing to provide 'advance knowledge' section insisting that it is better suited in 'shape shifting reptilians article', editors here marginalize or omit information about peculiarities behind unprecedented fall of WTC 7, failing to notice growing controversy surrounding the collapse. If mainstream outlets recognize the weight and notability of such groups as Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth, it is not acceptable for the editors here to ignore or omit such information. This article deceives while it fails to note deception, or give due weight to '9/11 trials', especially so when it comes to the fact that all of the alleged suspects are 'tainted by torture', as 'defined' by the MSM sources. It completely fails to represent or it simply misrepresents the work, findings and controversy surrounding 9/11 Commission.., one could go on and on, yet what needs to be said and what needs to be dealt with if we are to overcome the 'status quo' imposed here are some disturbing underlying issues. To name a few:
- A group of editors here indulges into sticking libellous labels on contributors who are seeking NPOV for the article, it appears that this group of editors has a really hard time discerning between unanswered questions, disturbing facts and conspiracy theories.
- It is notorious fact that at least one of the editors whom hijacked this article works for US Department of Homeland Security; 'conflict of interests', by admission, if not by definition.
- It is a sad, sad fact that this is the umptieth time the neutrality of this article has come to question, and we have seen for umptieth time that we're not dealing with contributors willing to seek consensus, we're dealing with contributors who are trying very hard to spread propaganda, who are doing their very best while trying to establish 2+2=5 as a fact. We have more than 50 pages of searchable history here, it is throughout this history that the failure to establish NPOV was questioned, yet editors involved wouldn't even let the warning tag stand. They'd rather have this article locked for eternity, to serve as a mockery, a spit in the face of whole humanity. So there you have it, some harsh opinions for sure, along with some easily verifiable, well documented facts, carry on. Praxidikai (talk) 15:46, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- To take just one of those points, the "mainstream outlets" article you refer to above seems to be part of a series on conspiracy theories. Even if it were a news article, as opposed to commentary, it just notes the opinion of 9/11 A&E, and not necessarily favorably. Some of the other points possibly could be considered for inclusion, but mentioning the mistakes about the pre-announcement of the collapse of WTC 7 as a serious indication of controlled demolition is <censored> <censored> absurd. See, for example, BBC denies 9/11 conspiracy. — Arthur Rubin (talk) 16:00, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- Your point on the claimed USDHS employee editing the article is a bombshell. Thousands of individuals have edited (or attempted to edit) this article. Among all of these editors, this particular person has a larger count of edits to this article than all but two. Effectively, a self-claimed employee of USDHS has been dominating the editing and content of a controversial article which has significant relevance within the topic of United States security issues. This should qualify as a very serious conflict of interest, and it does raise a significant cause for concern about the neutrality of the article. Wildbear (talk) 23:27, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- There is this lengthy, ongoing call to recognize our failure to meet NPOV. Would you kindly share your opinion? Do you think that article meets NPOV? That is, if there is a will to move on, editors involved should reach consensus and place appropriate warning at the top of the article. If no such effort is to be made, there is little or no need for further discussion. We can discuss possibilities once we recognize there is a (strong) need for improvement. Praxidikai (talk) 16:36, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- There is a continuing statement, usually by at most two editors at a time, that the article fails NPOV. WP:CONSENSUS is that it doesn't, and that it's disruption to add the tag. Although consensus can change, you at least need to provide an argument which hasn't been rejected when last discussed, in order to consider adding the tag. It's a lot of work to go through the 50 archives to find which arguments haven't been rejected, but it seems necessary to avoid edit wars.
- 'Consensus' reached by identifiable group of editors that support each others beliefs is not consensus, see WP:GAME.
- There is a continuing statement, usually by at most two editors at a time, that the article fails NPOV. WP:CONSENSUS is that it doesn't, and that it's disruption to add the tag. Although consensus can change, you at least need to provide an argument which hasn't been rejected when last discussed, in order to consider adding the tag. It's a lot of work to go through the 50 archives to find which arguments haven't been rejected, but it seems necessary to avoid edit wars.
- There is this lengthy, ongoing call to recognize our failure to meet NPOV. Would you kindly share your opinion? Do you think that article meets NPOV? That is, if there is a will to move on, editors involved should reach consensus and place appropriate warning at the top of the article. If no such effort is to be made, there is little or no need for further discussion. We can discuss possibilities once we recognize there is a (strong) need for improvement. Praxidikai (talk) 16:36, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- Regardless, with hope and inclination of being refreshing and with extraordinary amount of good faith, I'll point out that that the narrative of the article is POV itself.
- Example:
- When the north tower collapsed, debris heavily damaged the nearby 7 World Trade Center (7 WTC) building. Its structural integrity was further compromised by fires, which led to the crumbling of the east penthouse at 5:20 p.m. and to the complete collapse of the building at 5:21 p.m.[25] – we say.
- This is simply not a true statement, it is a fallacy; we cannot have such construct, swaying readers into belief we're dealing with well established and undisputed fact. We have whole, substantially sized and well referenced articles that question and dispute such narrative, yet what do we have here? You know, the stunning fact that WTC 7 failed to enter Commission report deserves to be mentioned... To be honest, I'm not sure what some of the editors see, but it is safe to say, what's written in 'our article' is a postulate inaugurated into fact. Instead of controversy and debate surrounding the issue we have – well, we don't have a word about it... and you were asking? Praxidikai (talk) 18:01, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- In the end it's all about if you are a believer or not. Believers are believers and skeptics are skeptics and never will the two understand each other. Ain't nothing we can do about that. --OpenFuture (talk) 18:14, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- Sure we can, we can stick to the facts. Praxidikai (talk) 18:17, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- Which is exactly what we are doing. Read that article I linked to again. --OpenFuture (talk) 18:25, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- The one about cognitive disorder? Just scroll up, read about the editors who are: 'sticking libelous labels on contributors who are seeking NPOV for the article'. You'll also notice something about reptiles… and few more remarks about the usual conduct here. Now, do tell, is it clairvoyance of a sort? Praxidikai (talk) 18:33, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- To be honest, instead of reading about 'cognitive disorders', I'd rather see your opinion on why our article fails to mention any controversy surrounding the collapse of WTC 7? It deserves a section of its own, yet we have - nothing. Why is it so? Praxidikai (talk) 18:39, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- We are sticking to the facts, in spite of OpenFuture's implication of cognitive disorders. There is still enough confusion (mostly spread by the Truthers) that a rational person might not come to the obvious conclusion, that Microsoft is responsible for the attack by encouraging Flight Simulator users to practice crashing into WTC. — Arthur Rubin (talk) 18:46, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- Great, now that we've had exemplary game of wits, can we try and stick to the subject too? How about that POV tag and our shameful one-sided and close-minded narrative? Any thoughts? Praxidikai (talk) 18:53, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- The consensus on the POV issue is already established and clear. OhNoitsJamie Talk 19:01, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- Great, now that we've had exemplary game of wits, can we try and stick to the subject too? How about that POV tag and our shameful one-sided and close-minded narrative? Any thoughts? Praxidikai (talk) 18:53, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- The "controversy" isn't mentioned, because the article sticks to the facts. And you may also note that the article on "True-Believer Syndrome" clearly states that it is not an established psychological term or generally recognized as a cognitive disorder, so they idea that I claim you have a cognitive disorder is overly paranoid. However, there is absolutely no doubt that there are loads of people which will continue to believe things not only without base, but even after having been thoroughly proven wrong. Who you chose to believe does that is irrelevant. The point is that some people involved in this discussion will not care about facts and not be convinced about facts. Therefore discussing the facts is pointless. You may chose to believe that I'm the one who doesn't care about facts if you want. Doesn't matter. You can't convince me, I can't convince you. And that's it. --OpenFuture (talk) 19:00, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- We are sticking to the facts, in spite of OpenFuture's implication of cognitive disorders. There is still enough confusion (mostly spread by the Truthers) that a rational person might not come to the obvious conclusion, that Microsoft is responsible for the attack by encouraging Flight Simulator users to practice crashing into WTC. — Arthur Rubin (talk) 18:46, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- Which is exactly what we are doing. Read that article I linked to again. --OpenFuture (talk) 18:25, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- Sure we can, we can stick to the facts. Praxidikai (talk) 18:17, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- In the end it's all about if you are a believer or not. Believers are believers and skeptics are skeptics and never will the two understand each other. Ain't nothing we can do about that. --OpenFuture (talk) 18:14, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- The consensus on the POV issue is already established and clear. OhNoitsJamie Talk 19:01, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- OpenFuture, facts are true by definition. Of course, you can choose not to believe into... let's say Newton's laws of motion, but such beliefs hold no weight whatsoever, a bit like that link you're constantly pointing too. You can also refuse to use such tools as logic, but please, don't impose such irrationality on the rest of our kind. Consensus is being questioned Jamie, again, could you care to explain why we have mockery instead of NPOV with regards to WTC 7? Praxidikai (talk) 19:20, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- That's my point: People choose to disregard facts, logic and laws of nature. How are we going to convince people like that? Can't be done. Discussing it further is pointless. --OpenFuture (talk) 19:26, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- People can choose whatever they want; we on the other hand have no such luxury. We record the history, if you will; it is plain to see that this particular record is heavily flawed and one-sided, there is really no excuse.., Praxidikai (talk) 19:40, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- Well, I've seen all there was to see here, sad to say, it's same ol', same ol'… I'm signing out, with best wishes to all, as ever. Praxidikai (talk) 20:04, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- That's my point: People choose to disregard facts, logic and laws of nature. How are we going to convince people like that? Can't be done. Discussing it further is pointless. --OpenFuture (talk) 19:26, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- OpenFuture, facts are true by definition. Of course, you can choose not to believe into... let's say Newton's laws of motion, but such beliefs hold no weight whatsoever, a bit like that link you're constantly pointing too. You can also refuse to use such tools as logic, but please, don't impose such irrationality on the rest of our kind. Consensus is being questioned Jamie, again, could you care to explain why we have mockery instead of NPOV with regards to WTC 7? Praxidikai (talk) 19:20, 27 January 2010 (UTC)
- I should have archived this days ago. We all should have. No more soapboxing. --Tarage (talk) 11:12, 28 January 2010 (UTC)
Osama bin Laden is quite possibly dead
There is a considerable section on Osama's videos since 911 - but no apparent mention that huge numbers of people believe him dead - most likely in Dec 2001, 3 or 3.5 months after 911. This would totally invalidate the section on videos, and needs adding. Something like this, or at least a cut down version of it:
Vague reports of the death of bin Laden started circulating in Dec 2001 eg the Pakistan Observer quoted an unnamed Taliban official claiming that he had died of natural causes and was buried in an unmarked grave in Tora Bora on December 15.[1][2] The Egyptian newspaper AlWafd - Daily reported a prominent official of the Afghan Taliban stated that Bin Laden had been buried on or about December 13:[3] A videotape was released on December 27 showing a gaunt, unwell Bin Laden, prompting an unnamed White House aide to comment that it could have been made shortly before his death.[1] On CNN, Dr Sanjay Gupta commented that Bin Laden's left arm never moved during the video, suggesting a recent stroke and possibly a symptom of kidney failure.[4] According to Pakistani President Musharraf, Bin Laden required two dialysis machines, which also suggests kidney failure.[5] "I think now, frankly, he is dead for the reason he is a... kidney patient," Musharraf said.[5] If Bin Laden suffered kidney failure, he would require a sterile environment, electricity, and continuous attention by a team of specialists, Gupta said.[4] FBI Counterterrorism chief Dale Watson and President Karzai of Afghanistan also expressed the opinion that Bin Laden probably died at this time.[6][7] In late 2005 the CIA disbanded "Alec Station", the unit dedicated to Bin Laden.[8]
On 23 September 2006, the French newspaper L'Est Républicain quoted a report from the French secret service (Direction générale de la sécurité extérieure, DGSE) stating that Osama bin Laden had died in Pakistan on 23 August 2006, after contracting a case of typhoid fever that paralyzed his lower limbs.[9] According to the newspaper, Saudi security services first heard of bin Laden's alleged death on 4 September 2006.[10][11][12] though French President Jacques Chirac declared that bin Laden's death had not been confirmed.[13] American authorities also cannot confirm reports of bin Laden's death,[14] In an essay published in The American Spectator in March 2009, international relations professor Angelo Codevilla of Boston University argued that Osama bin Laden had been dead for many years.[15] In April 2009 Pakistan's intelligence agencies were said to believe Osama bin Laden may be dead.[16] and on the 8th anniversary of 911 the UK's Daily Mail said that the theory that Bin Laden died in 2001 "is gaining credence among political commentators, respected academics and even terror experts" and notes that the mounting evidence that supports the claim makes the theory "worthy of examination".[3]
1.^ a b David Ray Griffin, Osama Bin Laden: Dead or Alive?, pp. 3–5.
2.^ "Report: Bin Laden Already Dead", Fox, 2001-12-26.
3.^ a b Reid, Sue (September 11, 2009). "Has Osama Bin Laden been dead for seven years - and are the U.S. and Britain covering it up to continue war on terror?". Daily Mail. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
4.^ a b "Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Bin Laden would need help if on dialysis", CNN, 2002-01-21.
5.^ a b "Musharraf: bin Laden likely dead", CNN, 2002-01-19.
6.^ "Bin Laden 'probably' dead", BBC, 2002-07-18.
7.^ "Karzai: bin Laden 'probably' dead", CNN, 2002-10-07.
8.^ "C.I.A. Closes Unit Focused on Capture of bin Laden.". New York Times. 2006-07-04. Retrieved 2007-08-21. "The Central Intelligence Agency has closed a unit that for a decade had the mission of hunting Osama bin Laden and his top lieutenants, intelligence officials confirmed Monday. The unit, known as Alec Station, was disbanded late last year and its analysts reassigned within the C.I.A. Counterterrorist Center, the officials said."
9.^ "Officials, friends can't confirm Bin Laden death report". CNN. 2006-09-23. Retrieved 2008-04-27.
10.^ "23T075358Z_01_L23801953_RTRUKOC_0_UK-SECURITY-BINLADEN-FRANCE.xml French paper says bin Laden died in Pakistan". Reuters. 2006-09-23.
11.^ Sammari, Laïd (2006-09-23). "Oussama Ben Laden serait mort" (in French). L'Est Républicain. Retrieved 2006-09-23.
12.^ "Chirac says no evidence bin Laden has died". MSNBC.com/AP. 2006-09-23. Retrieved 2006-09-23.
13.^ "Information sur la mort de ben Laden: Washington ne confirme pas" (in French). Le Monde/Agence France-Presse. 2006-09-23.
14.^ Anna Willard and David Morgan (2006-09-23). "France, US, unable to confirm report bin Laden dead". Reuters.
15.^ "Osama bin Elvis". Retrieved 2009-03-15.
16.^ "Pakistan's President says Osama bin Laden could be dead", Telegraph, 2009-04-27.
Clearly, this is not simply a rumour, it's a lot more than a conspiracy theory, and is much more than marginally notable. If true, the whole video section would need re-assessing. In fact, it looks most like something most people recognise but many people are afraid to say. Wikipedia is not censored, some mention of this needs inclusion. MalcolmMcDonald (talk) 19:59, 4 January 2010 (UTC)
- I agree that bin laden most likely is dead. But if he is dead or not is irrelevant for this article. The Videos are mentioned because how they indicate bin Ladens involvement. His likely death doesn't change that. --OpenFuture (talk) 21:28, 4 January 2010 (UTC)
- The section on Osama bin Laden refers to the "October Surprise" Video of 2004, partly because it's the only real admission from Osama that he carried out 911. There are serious doubts about this tape - it's particularly worrying if it's an invention from whole cloth, with some sources convinced that Osama could not have been involved. Not mentioning the possibility of his death leaves doubts and is bound to lead some readers to imagine there is some form of concealment going on. MalcolmMcDonald (talk) 13:53, 5 January 2010 (UTC)
- I don't agree. The doubts about the video is not that strong, and the authenticity of the 2004 video does not make or break that section. The earlier videos also hints at bin Ladens involvements, although he there doesn't claim that he ordered them. I don't see how this invalidates the section or warrants a long discussion about his possible death, which continues to be mostly irrelevant to this article. --OpenFuture (talk) 15:23, 5 January 2010 (UTC)
- I strongly disagree with OpenFuture. The doubts about the videos are much stronger than what is being claimed. For instance, both Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan and Francesco Cossiga, the former Prime Minister and President of Italy, have publicly stated that Ben Laden was dead. It is even mentioned, on Wikipedia's own page on Cossiga, that in an interview with the reputable newspaper Corriere della Sera, he claimed that the Bin Laden tapes were produced in some of Silvio Berlusconi's TV studios in Milan. In fact, the only video that everyone agrees was made by Bin Laden himself is the one of September 16, where Osama stresses that he was not involved in the attacks of 9/11. Therefore, I strongly support Malcolm MacDonald's efforts to bring some objectivity to this article. Oclupak (talk) 13:02, 9 January 2010 (UTC)
- I don't agree. The doubts about the video is not that strong, and the authenticity of the 2004 video does not make or break that section. The earlier videos also hints at bin Ladens involvements, although he there doesn't claim that he ordered them. I don't see how this invalidates the section or warrants a long discussion about his possible death, which continues to be mostly irrelevant to this article. --OpenFuture (talk) 15:23, 5 January 2010 (UTC)
- The section on Osama bin Laden refers to the "October Surprise" Video of 2004, partly because it's the only real admission from Osama that he carried out 911. There are serious doubts about this tape - it's particularly worrying if it's an invention from whole cloth, with some sources convinced that Osama could not have been involved. Not mentioning the possibility of his death leaves doubts and is bound to lead some readers to imagine there is some form of concealment going on. MalcolmMcDonald (talk) 13:53, 5 January 2010 (UTC)
- Up until you claimed the video was made at a Berlusconi studio I took you seriously. Let's keep out of cuckoo-land in this discussion. --OpenFuture (talk) 13:55, 9 January 2010 (UTC)
- I do not claim that the videos were made in Berlusconi's studios. Francesco Cossiga does. I take this opportunity to correct a mistake I made: the September 16 declaration by Bin Laden was not a video but a statement which was broadcast by Al Jazeera. Oclupak (talk) 14:05, 9 January 2010 (UTC)
- Up until you claimed the video was made at a Berlusconi studio I took you seriously. Let's keep out of cuckoo-land in this discussion. --OpenFuture (talk) 13:55, 9 January 2010 (UTC)
- You take that claim seriously. That maes it hard to take your viewpoint seriously. Discussions need to stay in the real world. --OpenFuture (talk) 18:48, 9 January 2010 (UTC)
- Francesco Cossiga was Prime Minister of Italy (1979-1980), President of the Senate (1983-1985), President of the Republic (1985-1992) and has been Senator for life since 1992. If you do not take him seriously, please let me know what are your criteria for reliability "in the real world". Oclupak (talk) 01:58, 10 January 2010 (UTC)
- It is mostly not who says something, but what they say that is relevant. And referring to Zionist world conspiracies is not reliable. --OpenFuture (talk) 04:46, 10 January 2010 (UTC)
- An encyclopedia is supposed to deal with facts. You cannot dismiss facts for the sole reason that they are contrary to your point of vue. The point of view of an article should be neutral. As it stands, the article is one gigantic soapbox for the official version, which is, in itself, a conspiracy theory. As you are aware, the official dogma is challenged by a increasingly large percentage of the world population, if not the majority. You are clearly out of line with your systematic obstruction to any edit that would bring some equilibrium to the subjet. MalcolmMcDonald obviously did some extensive research before proposing his revision of the Videos section and he deserves to be treated with respect. Oclupak (talk) 15:19, 10 January 2010 (UTC)
- There is no fact in what you have written so far, merely speculation. You appear to have a history of pushing fringe POV, though. 78.49.80.209 (talk) 20:22, 10 January 2010 (UTC)
- Yes, Oclupak, you are completely correct. Wikipedia should be fact-based, and NPOV. And that is exactly why you should ignore crazy paranoid fantasies with absolutely no factual basis. --OpenFuture (talk) 22:07, 10 January 2010 (UTC)
- Wikipedians should not insult each other. Your characterization of opposing views as "crazy paranoid fantasies" is undignified and contrary to basic rules of Wikipedia as well as basic rules of human behaviour. The question here is whether the Bin Laden videos are authentic or not. Obviously, if Bin Laden has been dead since December 2001, all ensuing audio and video recordings attributed to him are necessarily fakes. That is what MalcolmMcDonald has painstakingly documented and I feel he should be given an opportunity to enlighten us with his reserach which is based on what seems to be reliable sources. Oclupak (talk) 12:36, 11 January 2010 (UTC)
- Iif you feel that the requirements of factual basis and NPOV standpoints are somehow insulting to you, then I suggest you probably have come to the wrong Wiki. --OpenFuture (talk) 15:09, 11 January 2010 (UTC)
- I worry there is a political element creeping in here. Many "important" people and entire nations believe bin Laden to be dead. Any mention of him must include that fact.
- Many other people are on a man-hunt for Osama (not the CIA, who wound up their team in 2005) - giving them reason to want to censor articles and conceal the fact they're on a wild goose chase. Wikipedia is not censored and (provided we comply with WP:UNDUE, WP:WEIGHT, WP:RS etc) then, by WP:NPOV we must include the fact that some people believe him dead. MalcolmMcDonald (talk) 16:44, 11 January 2010 (UTC)
- Iif you feel that the requirements of factual basis and NPOV standpoints are somehow insulting to you, then I suggest you probably have come to the wrong Wiki. --OpenFuture (talk) 15:09, 11 January 2010 (UTC)
- I think you are right about the political element, but I can guarantee you that there is no political element to this from my side.
- No, every mention of Bin Laden does not have to include a statement that many people (including me) believes that he is dead. It only needs to be mentioned when it's relevant. It is not relevant for this article. Bin Laden has his own article, and that's the place to bring up theories about his eventual death. Many of the videos have their own articles as well, and that's the place to discuss their authenticity. --OpenFuture (talk) 17:00, 11 January 2010 (UTC)
- Every mention of what bin Laden did after December 2001 must note (with link?) that some serious sources believe him to have died in that month. Otherwise, we're deliberately misleading people, leading them to think that bin Laden really did support John Kerry, for instance. MalcolmMcDonald (talk) 18:07, 11 January 2010 (UTC)
May I sugest that you take this up with the bin Laden article itself? --Tarage (talk) 02:54, 12 January 2010 (UTC)
- The Osama bin Laden article correctly reports, in quite some detail, that many people and nations think he's dead. The section is entitled "Conflicting reports of his death vs: his survival since 9/11" and (correctly, in my view) puts reports of his death above the reports of his survival. That's where I got the information I first posted in here, above. MalcolmMcDonald (talk) 16:24, 12 January 2010 (UTC)
- Then we're fine. As OpenFuture pointed out, not every mention of Osama bin Laden needs to contain information about the speculation of his death. It's linked to in this article, and people who are interested can investigate further in his article. Anything further than that would be undue weight. --Tarage (talk) 16:50, 12 January 2010 (UTC)
- It would appear (if the writings above are complete, and I have no reason to think otherwise) that all Middle Eastern leaders and nations who've commented consider Osama bin Laden to be dead, along with many Asians, Africans and some Europeans. The leader of France seems to be the only person prepared to say he's alive. Parts of the USG claims to be still looking for him but can't confirm or deny the possibility of his being dead and parts tasked with finding him abandoned the effort years ago. Under such circumstances a confession of 2004 treated as definitive risks being very misleading. MalcolmMcDonald (talk) 21:29, 19 January 2010 (UTC)
- That's fine, take it up with the appropriate article. Not here. --Tarage (talk) 03:05, 20 January 2010 (UTC)
- This article needs to say that the confession of the alleged perpetrator is contested, and go further. There is a deal of RS to say OLB was dead 3 years earlier, and no RS (?) that says he's still alive (some sources say they're still going after him, but not that he's still alive). The reading public doesn't need more Rumsfeld saying "We know where the WMD are" when he didn't. MalcolmMcDonald (talk) 18:23, 22 January 2010 (UTC)
- That's fine, take it up with the appropriate article. Not here. --Tarage (talk) 03:05, 20 January 2010 (UTC)
- The article takes up the videos as part of the section dealing with Bin Ladens involvement. The videos are linked, and discussions on their authenticity exists on these pages. Discussion on Bin Ladens eventual death is done in his article. The currently article does *not* claim that Bin Laden is a "perpetrator" or that he "confessed" to anything. Therefore, MalcolmMcDonalds wish to have the article not appear as Bin Laden has confessed to be the perpetrator was granted even before he asked for a change. --OpenFuture (talk) 19:04, 2 February 2010 (UTC)
- (unindent) A general note concerning the User Oclupak, I'd like to point out that he has a history of unconstructive edits and criticism in topics concerning 9/11 (or conspiracy theories, for that matter). But what I really find disturbing are his accusations towards other editors as "thugs", "gatekeepers" and "moronic" as he does here ([]) and here. He has (repeatedly) been advised on his tone, to no avail. 95.157.3.4 (talk) 20:44, 2 February 2010 (UTC)
- And who, may I ask, are you, 95.157.3.4? As far as I can tell your existence on Wikipedia does not go further than an hour or two ago and it seems you have spent your entire time on Wikipedia doing absolutely nothing but to respond to my posts. I find that a little bit bizarre. My aim is to bring some accuracy to this article. What is yours? Oclupak (talk) 21:04, 2 February 2010 (UTC)
Animated gif
The archive of this talk page has some discussion about this topic already. The animated gif is really annoying and detracts from reading the article. It doesn't add to the reader's understanding of the topic. A good quality still image would be better. It should be changed. Bendav (talk) 15:54, 3 February 2010 (UTC)
- I agree. Any suggestions for replacements that we know can be used? --OpenFuture (talk) 17:08, 3 February 2010 (UTC)
- I agree that the animated gif image of Flight 175 should be removed, mostly because it is, on the whole, rather uninteresting and also aesthetically unpleasing —at least, to me. I do not agree however that we should refrain from using any animated image on the grounds that it is merely distracting. In some instances, an animated image may advantageously be used in a way that no still image can. Such an image is the amazing sequence of the collapse of wtc7.
- As I do not know how to deal with the copyright issue, I have not uploaded the animation to Wkimedia Commons yet, if indeed that is where it belongs. I would assume that the provisions of Fair Use would apply but being unfamiliar with these issues, I would appreciate it if a more experienced editor would help me with this matter. In the meantime, I will redirect to the page where I found a reasonably good version of the animation. It is about halfway down the page at this address: .
- I feel that adding this animation to the article would ensure that many visitors to the page will get acquainted with the spectacular phenomenon of that demolition that most people, still today, are apparently unaware ever occurred. Seeing the eerie collapse might just stir their curiosity into finding out more about what happened on 9/11. And spreading knowledge is what Wikipedia is all about, isn't it? Oclupak (talk) 21:52, 3 February 2010 (UTC)
- What about picking the animation apart and posting some of the more important stills in a film strip sort of manner? I think that's how they were before they were animated. Maybe I'm senile. --Tarage (talk) 17:30, 5 February 2010 (UTC)
Stratesec
I've found this orphan, it asks if it can be introduced to related articles. What do you folks think, is it applicable? Praxidikai (talk) 21:42, 5 February 2010 (UTC)
a campaign by the name of "War on Terrorism"
See the WP:ALLEGED section of WP:WTA concerning the use of words that introduce bias and the use of "scare quotes". There's nothing wrong with the old language, which merely used the phrase "War on Terrorism", defined in its article as "the common term for what the George W. Bush administration perceived or presented as the military, political, legal and ideological conflict ..." — Malik Shabazz Talk/Stalk 19:04, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- What exactly is the word that I'm using and I should be avoiding? Can you point it to me? :--JokerXtreme (talk) 21:05, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- You replaced the phrase "War on Terrorism" with the expression "a campaign by the name of 'War on Terrorism'". I think the whole expression is contrary to WP:ALLEGED and should be restored to "War on Terrorism". — Malik Shabazz Talk/Stalk 21:22, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- That policy is meant for words that should be avoided, non of which I used. In any case, I assume that you mean that by using that phrase, I insert the insinuation that it was not actually a war against terrorism, which is not the case. "War on terrorism" is the name of the campaign, that was launched by the Bush administration in response to the 9/11 attacks. To assume that it was or was not an actual war on terrorism and write the article by that assumption, is what in fact consists a POV. What exactly is your objection here? --JokerXtreme (talk) 21:30, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- Agree can't see anything in the addition that violate WTA. BigDunc 21:35, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- That policy is meant for words that should be avoided, non of which I used. In any case, I assume that you mean that by using that phrase, I insert the insinuation that it was not actually a war against terrorism, which is not the case. "War on terrorism" is the name of the campaign, that was launched by the Bush administration in response to the 9/11 attacks. To assume that it was or was not an actual war on terrorism and write the article by that assumption, is what in fact consists a POV. What exactly is your objection here? --JokerXtreme (talk) 21:30, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- The problem is that the phrase, with its use of scare quotes, conveyed exactly the meaning you describe: the Bush administration launched something it falsely labeled a War on Terrorism. (And if you can see what the potential problem is, that's a good sign there's a problem.) You might as well have written "an alleged War on Terrorism". BigDunc fixed part of the problem by removing the scare quotes, but I think the language is still POV. But if other editors don't agree, I'm not going to beat a dead horse. — Malik Shabazz Talk/Stalk 21:43, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- I used the scare quotes to specify the name with clarity. Like saying, a movie named "Men in Black". It seems a bit fuzzy without the scare quotes, but anyway I'll make a compromise as well. I can see the potential problem, because I'm used in "walking in other people's shoes" :)
- (Noticed the scare quotes? :P) --JokerXtreme (talk) 21:54, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- Make that quotation marks not scare quotes. Being a foreign English speaker, I just realized the difference. --JokerXtreme (talk) 22:00, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- It's awkward and meaningless. Not to mention a clear attempt at POV pushing. I'll remove it until you can show consensus for the change. Right now there isn't any. RxS (talk) 22:38, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- How is it POV??? BigDunc 22:40, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- By putting a qualifier on what is obviously a real and commonly understood fact. They very clearly wars. RxS (talk) 22:47, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- RxS, you must explain what exactly consists a POV in that phrase. If you fail to do that, your edit is going to be reverted. --JokerXtreme (talk) 22:52, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- Agree, I don't understand your reply, could you expand or explain better, this term is no longer used by the Obama administration. BigDunc 22:54, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- By putting a qualifier in front of a fact (what it was called at the time), you put doubt into whether it's a fact or not. I think it' pretty clear. The Obama administration wasn't in power at the time the sentence refers to. Get consensus for the change, it's the way Wikipedia works. RxS (talk) 23:06, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- What is a fact? Find reliable sources that support what you are saying. So far the consensus in leaning towards the new phrase. --JokerXtreme (talk) 23:09, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- Reliable sources for calling it a war on terror? You're kidding right, there's thousands of them.. You're not even close yet. RxS (talk) 23:35, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- I'm calling it a war on terror, as well. That's what it was named and that is not disputed. You need sources that actually state that it was indeed what Bush declared it to be. Can you find any?--JokerXtreme (talk) 23:42, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- Excuse me what? You've completely lost me. Why does this name need quotes when the reliable sources don't? --Tarage (talk) 04:01, 7 February 2010 (UTC)
- Tarage, the phrase we are talking about is 'a campaign by the name of "War on Terrorism"'. Nothing to do with the current version. The quotes are there to make the name distinguishable. But whatever if others think they are not needed, I won't insist. --JokerXtreme (talk) 09:13, 7 February 2010 (UTC)
- RxS,the burden of proof is on you know, so unless you find reliable sources that support that what Bush declared about the campaign is true, then the edit will be reverted. --JokerXtreme (talk) 16:03, 7 February 2010 (UTC)
- Tarage, the phrase we are talking about is 'a campaign by the name of "War on Terrorism"'. Nothing to do with the current version. The quotes are there to make the name distinguishable. But whatever if others think they are not needed, I won't insist. --JokerXtreme (talk) 09:13, 7 February 2010 (UTC)
- Excuse me what? You've completely lost me. Why does this name need quotes when the reliable sources don't? --Tarage (talk) 04:01, 7 February 2010 (UTC)
- I'm calling it a war on terror, as well. That's what it was named and that is not disputed. You need sources that actually state that it was indeed what Bush declared it to be. Can you find any?--JokerXtreme (talk) 23:42, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- Reliable sources for calling it a war on terror? You're kidding right, there's thousands of them.. You're not even close yet. RxS (talk) 23:35, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- What is a fact? Find reliable sources that support what you are saying. So far the consensus in leaning towards the new phrase. --JokerXtreme (talk) 23:09, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- By putting a qualifier in front of a fact (what it was called at the time), you put doubt into whether it's a fact or not. I think it' pretty clear. The Obama administration wasn't in power at the time the sentence refers to. Get consensus for the change, it's the way Wikipedia works. RxS (talk) 23:06, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- Agree, I don't understand your reply, could you expand or explain better, this term is no longer used by the Obama administration. BigDunc 22:54, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- RxS, you must explain what exactly consists a POV in that phrase. If you fail to do that, your edit is going to be reverted. --JokerXtreme (talk) 22:52, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- By putting a qualifier on what is obviously a real and commonly understood fact. They very clearly wars. RxS (talk) 22:47, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
- How is it POV??? BigDunc 22:40, 6 February 2010 (UTC)
Simple question what is POV about calling it a campaign? BigDunc 19:09, 7 February 2010 (UTC)
- I requested mediation. Not sure if I did that right:
- Wikipedia:Mediation_Cabal/Cases/2010-02-07/September_11_attacks
- --JokerXtreme (talk) 19:38, 7 February 2010 (UTC)
Call for vote in in favor of original wording
- Support- RxS is right in each of his points. My guess is that JokerXtreme's lack of familiarity with English is preventing him from understanding the subtle yet significant difference. JokerXtreme's wording supports the point of view that there is doubt regarding common acceptance of this term. There isn't. Rklawton (talk) 01:12, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- Oppose- Rklawton, first of all, there is a third party in this debate. Now, to the point: The reason that makes this phrasing a necessity, is to disambiguate the name of the campaign from the notion that the campaign is what it actually is declared to be (i.e. an actual war on terrorism). Hence, the way it was phrased before consisted a POV and the version I'm suggesting eliminates it. --JokerXtreme (talk) 01:53, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- Without references to suggest that it isn't what it says it is, you're just expressing your own point of view - and that's highly inappropriate here. Rklawton (talk) 02:10, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- "War on terrorism" is used as a name. Reliable sources are needed to support the claim that it is what it is supposed to be. The phrase I'm using assumes NPOV, while simple "war on terrorism" denotes acceptance of Bush's administration POV. --JokerXtreme (talk) 02:32, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- But, since you want it. There is your source. Quoting Rklawton, "there is doubt regarding common acceptance of this term". Therefore, the previous phrasing assumes POV and must be changed. --JokerXtreme (talk) 02:49, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- Malik have these in mind: Wikipedia:Polling_is_not_a_substitute_for_discussion
- What_Wikipedia_is_not#Wikipedia_is_not_a_democracy
- --JokerXtreme (talk) 03:19, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- There was a discussion on the matter. Now we're checking to see where the consensus leads us. And that is how we do things here. Rklawton (talk) 03:31, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- I don't know how you do things here, but the policies are quite specific. We are building consensus, not voting the most popular opinion. --JokerXtreme (talk) 03:37, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- There was a discussion on the matter. Now we're checking to see where the consensus leads us. And that is how we do things here. Rklawton (talk) 03:31, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- No, Joker, what I have in mind is that I already explained myself in the preceding section and I don't see the need to repeat myself. If you look, you'll see that I initiated this discussion. — Malik Shabazz Talk/Stalk 03:45, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- Point taken. Then I'm just stating the obvious about decision making procedures in WP. --JokerXtreme (talk) 03:58, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- Comment - But War on Terrorism is a name, no ? It doesn't need any qualification. It's like Operation Cast Lead is Israel's name for a military campaign that has various other descriptors by other sources. Operation Enduring Freedom is the name of a set of things that form part of a set of things identified by some using the name War on Terrorism. Whether it is or it isn't an actual war of terrorism or whether OEF will produce actual enduring freedom or whether OCL involved actually making small toys out of lead for example isn't relevant is it ? It doesn't have any bearing on the usage of the names. They're just the common names used by RS that can be used as names without qualification....or am I missing something ? Sean.hoyland - talk 05:25, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- Support. Quotes are unnecessary, and I think it should be "the War on Terrorism not "a War on Terrorism", but these are minor points compared to sticking in a completely superfluous "campaign" in there. --OpenFuture (talk) 07:40, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- Wikipedia is not a democracy and this vote means nothing, we are here to build an encyclopedia through consensus, now I have asked twice with no reply and I will ask again, What is POV about calling the WOT a campaign? BigDunc 10:10, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- I don't think there is anything POV about calling it a campaign, assuming of course that there are RS that say it is a "campaign". It's just that I don't see any point. What's wrong with "the War on Terrorism" (note that it's capitalized). Saying campaign is like saying "the war World War I" (which certainly wasn't literally a world war, not that it matters). Sean.hoyland - talk 10:28, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- Support. Joker's original wording implies incorrectly that it's sometimes called something other than the War on Terrorism. If he can find a WP:RS which calls it the War on Terrorism campaign, it might be added. — Arthur Rubin (talk) 10:23, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- Anyway, I'm tired of this and willing to let that go. I don't know if BigDunc, wants to continue the debate. I'm in favor of "the War on Terrorism" phrasing. Makes more sense than the original, if it is indeed used as a name. --JokerXtreme (talk) 11:27, 8 February 2010 (UTC)
- Support I see no reason to change it. --Tarage (talk) 07:48, 9 February 2010 (UTC)
- Support The proposed addition is both POV-pushing and awkward such that it reads like it was written by a five-year-old. Quit wasting everyone's time with this moronic drivel. Ice Cold Beer (talk) 09:12, 9 February 2010 (UTC)
- Could you back up your moronic drivel, Ice Cold Beer, and tell me what is POV about the sentence not one editor has explained it yet or will I be ignored again. BigDunc 09:49, 9 February 2010 (UTC)
- It has been explained, but you're choosing not to acknowledge it.. Ice Cold Beer (talk) 20:06, 9 February 2010 (UTC)
- Are you serious with those diffs? No where does either explain how calling it a campaign is POV, perhaps for the sake of clarity you could spell it out for me. BigDunc 20:29, 9 February 2010 (UTC)
- They are weasel words. The wording you're trying to add conveys the idea that the WoT should be called something else. Ice Cold Beer (talk) 20:09, 10 February 2010 (UTC)
- Are you serious with those diffs? No where does either explain how calling it a campaign is POV, perhaps for the sake of clarity you could spell it out for me. BigDunc 20:29, 9 February 2010 (UTC)
- It has been explained, but you're choosing not to acknowledge it.. Ice Cold Beer (talk) 20:06, 9 February 2010 (UTC)
I just want to add that since "war on terrorism" is used as a name, it is typical to place it inside quotation marks, as seen here: ,,. --JokerXtreme (talk) 10:55, 9 February 2010 (UTC)
Enough now, there is a clear consensus for the original wording. The end. --OpenFuture (talk) 11:56, 9 February 2010 (UTC)