Is the BBC trying to rig another poll?

On the current home page of the BBC website there is a picture of bin Laden. Under that there is a link to an article with the head line "Italian hostage is killed in Iraq" and a picture of the hostages. Under that there is a picture of a row of American flags with the headline "Ask US journalist Can confidence be restored over Iraq?". The link takes you to a form where you can ask the "US Journalist" a question.

Now, what is wrong with all of this?

First of all, the question is phased in the past tense - restored - saying confidence has been lost. That might be the BBC's opinion but that doesn't make it a fact. I for one have not lost confidence, so, the BBC certainly doesn't speak for me.

Second, by placing the picture of a row of American flags below a picture bin Laden and then a picture of the hostages, the BBC gives the impression that all of the above is America's fault.

Third, who is this "US Journalist"? Answer, American Journalist Gregory Katz; who I believe works for Dallas Morning News. At least that is what is listed on Parliament's Register of Journalists' Interests.

I found a few articles by Katz and none seemed anti-administration or anti-Bush. The most recent editorial by the Dallas Morning News (here) (note you have to register) headlines with this "Admitting Mistakes: Even presidents need to learn from experience" and contains this ending

Mr. Bush especially should understand that point. Ever since he entered politics, he has preached personal accountability. The same principle applies to political figures. That was the point of those questions Tuesday night. And the White House would be wise not to ignore it.

So, according to the Dallas Morning News, Bush made some mistakes, has not admitted to those mistakes but should admit to those mistakes. Why is this paper important in all of this? Remember Dallas is in Texas and Texas is Bush's home state. Which all gives the impression that even Bush's home state thinks he made mistakes and should admit it.

But as usual the BBC doesn't tell you any of this. I wonder why the BBC left that out?

I'm not a journalist or researcher, so maybe some of my readers can shed more light on Katz and his paper.

Update: Two hours after my post the poll is gone or moved. Gee, I'd like to take credit for that but I'm sure the BBC do not read blogs. Otherwise they'd clean up their act.

Update 2: I had to go back to the BBC site for an article and found the poll back up! Weird.