What do you think was the biggest news story of this past year?

Question

I was shocked to read on MSNBC.com that most people think the biggest story of this past year was not midterm elections, not Iraq, not North Korea, not the Isreal- Hezbollah conflict, not even John Mark Karr's fake murder confession, but the death of Steve Irwin. In my opinion, he was a good man, but that's entertainment news! So what do you think was the biggest story and what do you think about Steve Irwin being voted the top story?

Answer 1

It's not too surprising that a celebrity-related story is #1 in the US. What was it last year? Scott Peterson? Michael Jackson? Paris Hilton?

It is negligent of the press to sensationalize these types of stories, while under-reporting on world events. The focus on celebrities and their lives has been, in part, responsible for the lack of interest many American citizens have for the outside world.

Answer 2

LOL that is unbelievable. Well, if this doesn't prove that people stick their heads in the sand, than nothing else will. I personally think that the midterm elections were the biggest story of 2006. The Democrats regained control of both Houses of Congress, which is a first in like over 2 or 3 decades. That's a pretty big deal. The Iraq war has also been a significant issue this past year. With all due respect to Irwin's family, I hardly think that the fact that some schmoe from Oz got eaten by an alligator (or however he died) is really all that earth-shattering.

Answer 3

Personally, for me it would be the mid-term elections. That has far-reaching effects on everyone. Steve Irwin? You gotta be kiddin' me!! Are you sure it wasn't some kind of entertainment poll? God, that is so ridiculous. The people who voted that as the top story need to get a life.

Answer 4

I am not sure that everyone else would think the same as me, or if they have even heard, but the sago mine tradgety would hit upon the top 3 at least, & half the reason for that is, is because I live near that mine, & my husband is a miner, that trained with the sole survivor of that mine explosion. I think that it hits top 3 because of the fact that it was january the start of the year, it was thier first night back to work after the christmas vacation, & they all knew that they would die, & left notes to thier loved ones. My heart & prayers still go out to the families as they embark upon the 1 year mark since the accident.

Answer 5

I think that he was a good man also, but I agree that it should not be the biggest story of 2006. I think that the biggest story was the Isreal- Hezbollah conflict. This conflict came at a time when we did not need it.

Answer 6

I can go with that story---Mr. Irwin's life touched many many people over the years, so of course his death came as a huge shock and therefore would get voted biggest story. The other crap has been going on and on for years, it's therefore "O.N."--Old News.
Karr's "confession" wasnt even worth the paper printed on, either in shock value or in reporting value.

Answer 7

I think the biggest news is Sadam Husseins court verdict and the outcomes of that.

Steve Irwin was great

Answer 8

Shiraz & Michelle has got to be in the top ten! But the biggest I'd say was Rummy stepping down

Answer 9

Psychedelic mushrooms might be useful in treating OCD.

Steve Irwin was an amusing nutball.

Answer 10

The biggest story, and covered-up mostly by the News Media, was Sandy Berger stealing and destroying documents intended for the 9/11 commission.
He was trying to cover-up for Clinton's misdeeds that brought about 9/11.
Was Berger under orders?
What did Clinton & Berger know????
And when did they know it????