This whole idea of "taking sides" does not or should not be stretched to the point where a false statement is given equal weight with a true statement.
If a person claims that our sun rises in the west should the press "give equal time to them just because they have a different opinion or are they obliged to point out reality? Not all statements are correct. An incorrect statement being called out is taking sides with reality.
If a person's house is burglarized, guess who did the deed? By the very act of using the word burglarized the nature of the perpetrator is defined. It was done by a burglar.
For serious people to actually discuss the validity of Obama's statement in the Rose Garden on Sept. 12, 2012 is beyond wishful thinking.
Acts of terror are done by none other than terrorists. Characterizing the event as an act of terror defines the actors. Splash some cold water in your face and man up to the fact that mittens got nailed. The transcript speaks for itself. Obama called it an act of terror on Sept. 14, not weeks later as Romney was trying to say.
An act of rape is caused by a rapist. An artistic creation is brought into being by an artist, etc.
No acts of terror will ever shake the resolve of this great nation, alter that character or eclipse the light of the values that we stand for. Today we mourn for more Americans who represent the very best of the United States of America. We will not waver in our commitment to see that justice is done for this terrible act. And make no mistake, justice will be done.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2012/09/obama_condemns_libya_killings_.html