How the GOP tries to discredit the media
I was forwarded this email today from a Republican friend. I'll refrain from posting the full text here, but let me give a quick synopsis.
Fundamentally, it's saying that the media is distorting the 'real' picture in Iraq. That the real story is (and let me quote here):
"...Over 1,500 schools have been renovated and rid of the weapons stored there so education can occur. The port of Uhm Qasar was renovated so grain can be off-loaded from ships faster. The country had its first 2 billion barrel export of oil in August..."
and so on with a bunch of other 'achievements'. Then comes the good part:
"...Don't believe for one second that these people do not want
us there. I have met many, many people from Iraq that want us there, and in
a bad way. They say they will never see the freedoms we talk about but they
hope their children will. We are doing a good job in Iraq and I challenge
anyone, anywhere to dispute me on these facts. So If you happen to run into
John Kerry, be sure to give him my email address and send him to Denison,
Iowa. This soldier will set him straight. If you are like me and very
disgusted with how this period of rebuilding has been portrayed, email this
to a friend and let them know there are good things happening."
So, why is it that I have never heard Rummy or Cheney or even Bush touting these accomplishments?
It's funny that these people are always anonymous and that the 'facts' are sketchy at best. It's also strange that they don't go into the truth of how many civilians are killed daily by US troops and how many US troops and citizens are being sent home in body bags.
The latest debacle illustrates my point precisely. Tami Silicio took that now-famous photograph of the flag-draped coffins in the aircraft cargo bay. It was a powerful photo, and made many people proud of the sacrifice of those serving in Iraq (even those opposed to the war.) The Seattle Times courageously published it, and faced uproar and a clamping down by the Bush Administration. Silicio and her husband were unceremoniously fired from their jobs at Maytag Aircraft.
What the hell are these Bush Administration jokers trying to hide? What the hell are they afraid of? There was no disrespect in the publishing of the photo. It quite reverently showed the care and concern that was taken on behalf of the slain service people. Who was hurt by it?
Oh well, such is the nature of the beast under a totalitarian regime. It will be good to get OUR democracy back in November.