Behind TV Analysts, Pentagon’s Hidden Hand
Catchy, ain't it?Here's my response -- I figured it deserved a chance to be read by someone other than Sig Splichal...
--The underlying point of this report is that the government is essentially embedding Pentagon war analysts to preach “the good news” to the public. Not only does this go against the entire notion of democracy, but it is quite offensive to find out we’re being duped. As journalists, we desire the truth (or at least we should). As citizens of the United States of America, we expect the truth. But to be fair, you would have to be deaf, dumb and blind to think the media accurately and fairly portrays what is currently going on.
The legal issues that arise in this article deal with freedom of information (FOIA) and access to public records. I found it interesting that the New York Times successfully sued the Defense Department for 8,000 pages of previously unreleased documents. We, as part of the media and the public, have the ability (if you have the $) to retrieve what is rightfully ours. Thankfully we let NYT reach into their own pocket and not ours.
As journalism students, we know the media is an active watchdog over government. We trust this -- otherwise we may as well be an aristocracy. Possibly the most disturbing fact provided by David Barstow’s reporting is that there is a reciprocal relationship between the war journalists and government officials. The exchange of [sometimes classified] information is treated as a gift instead of an expectation. Journalists feel compelled to please these information donors by giving them good press.
The questions is whether or not these journalists will recite the journalistic code of ethics before preaching something that may very well be nonsense. “Several analysts acknowledged they suppressed doubts because they feared jeopardizing their access,” Bartow said. And there is no doubt in my mind that this form of bribery has occurred during every war.
Now, what is the solution? Can we ensure that all future war analysts are actually reporters and not public servants? Is it possible to fight back in hopes of obtaining the truth? Maybe we, as Americans, simply CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH (circa ’92-A Few Good Men)! The truth is a frightening, my friends. We should enjoy the fresh air while we can.--
Summer is here, and it is here to stay...as I will try, I hope we (whoever "we" may be) stay in touch.
