Is the US Press Killing Our Soldiers?

I read today's Washington Post story titled "Pakistan and U.S. Have Tacit Deal On Airstrikes" and was aghast once again about how the press apparently undermines US foreign policy. One should not be surprised about this previously secret
 understanding with Pakistan to root out al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorists. What is surprising is that the press felt compelled to publicize the fact. Actually, one should not be surprised at all since the press has a history of revealing information that at the least is sensitive and at the worst causes significant harm to the United States.

Admittedly, there is a bit of confusion in the story. Information is attributed to "senior officials" of both the US and Pakistani governments. Were they confronted with the story and had little choice but to comment? Were they purposely leaking sensitive information? What benefits, if any, will be conferred upon the the governments of either country? I'd like to think that information was extracted from Pakistani officials prior to any approaches to US sources.

Perhaps I am missing something, but this story makes me angry and tearful as it appears to have no redeeming value, except to highlight the writing of the two left-leaning authors. What benefit does it have? It benefits al-Qaeda and the Taliban. It places another roadblock in the efforts of the United States to fight terrorism. But worst of all, if the program of striking al-Qaeda and the Taliban in areas where they feel safe is derailed or terminated, it will indirectly result in the deaths of our soldiers.

I would love to have these journalists address an audience composed of soldiers and their families. Probably the question to be asked is, why are you doing this?" Why would you want to contribute to the success of our enemies? Is your right to report on this program more important than the life of my husband, wife, father brother or other family member? Do you feel any responsibility for your actions? Do you know you are providing support to our enemies? Do you care? The same could be asked of any "senior officials" that may have taken it upon themselves to leak information.

 
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The questions you pose to the propagandists will fall on deaf ears and empty souls..in their world of moral relativism they are devoid of "care" and values...Americanism and Patriotism are to be scoffed at...I share your sentiment and pain brother.

Posted on 11/20/2008 at 8:11:48 PM

Ditto everyone's remarks so far. Don't even get me started on all the stuff the "mainstream" media is causing!!

Posted on 11/18/2008 at 9:11:55 PM

Clark, The press seems to have one agenda and only one... to tell the story that best paints the picture that they see. We have established that their reporting is oftentimes dishonest. It is that same dishonesty and lack of regard for others that causes them to undermine our troops. 5 stars!

Posted on 11/17/2008 at 8:11:20 AM

I agree that the press shouldn't report secret plots,etc. Remember when Geraldo Rivera blabbed where he was behind enemy lines on Fox News? There was little outrage and that angered me greatly. He should've been fired!

Posted on 11/17/2008 at 3:11:04 AM

yep the press tends to do that everywhere

Posted on 11/16/2008 at 7:11:50 PM

I've come to regard journalism in our mainstream media outlets as agenda-driven, self-serving, myopic fools. The story more and more is about the spin based on shadowy, unnamed sources than facts presented objectively. Journalists these days are nothing more than glorified gossip peddlers. The thought that our soldiers are risking their lives while soft-assed know-nothings scrounge for fame by jeopardizing men and missions is disgusting. Thank you for writing this piece.

Posted on 11/16/2008 at 7:11:56 PM

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