The media seems to portray the SNIPER as some kind of demon with a rifle, i my mind a Sniper is a very well disciplined soldier, would anyone like to share there views on the current misuse of the word sniper which is being more associated with the criminal world than the military world.

SGT: A Johnstown

-- Arnold (fotue@yahoo.com), November 21, 2003

Answers

The media isn't concerned with whether or not the term "Sniper" fits, just so long as it catches the attention of the masses. One bit of ironic trivia, the term "Terrorist" according to Webster's is: (The use of force or threats to intimidate or cause fear.) The media lives off the cold sweat of it's viewers, everything from shark attacks to mad cow diesease, they want to make us feel threatened. What better way to make us tune in every night? Guess they could just be honest and not put a neck breaking spin on every story, but what the hell fun would that be....?

-- Spc. R.B.Rees (GunslingerInd@aol.com), December 29, 2003.

Sergeant Johnstown, you and I know the training required to create a bona-fide Military Sniper, a true professional. To the people being fired upon, a sniper IS a demon with a rifle. That is one of the psychological effects upon personnel as such stated in the sniper training manual, "demoralization". Anyone prosecuting aimed fire from a concealed position at unsuspecting targets is technically "sniping". However, a Sniper, as you and I know them are professional marksmen. These idiots were taking pot-shots at innocent civilians with no remorse. Gee, doesn't that fit the clinical profile of "psychopath"!?

-- SGT. S Diaz (stdi@caplogistics.com), December 11, 2003.

I think the media is ruining the term 'Sniper.' Like in D.C., that guy wasn't even a sharpshooter, just a driveby shooter with a scope. But you can't stop the media. I think you'd know more about world events by drinking a gallon of wiskey than watching the news.

-- Steve Leo (Steve@steveleo.com), November 21, 2003.