The 'Forgotten' War: As Iraq Improves, Coverage Dries Up
The 'Forgotten' War: As Iraq Improves, Coverage Dries Up
By Ralph Peters
Last weekend's news coverage of our veterans was welcome, but deceptive. The "mainstream media" honored aging heroes and noted the debt we owe to today's wounded warriors - but deftly avoided in-depth coverage from Iraq. Why? Because things are going annoyingly well.
All those reporters, editors and producers who predicted - longed for - an American defeat have moved on to more pressing strategic issues, such as O.J.'s latest shenanigans.
Oh, if you turned to the inner pages of the "leading" newspapers, you found grudging mention of the fact that roadside-bomb attacks are down by half and indirect-fire attacks by three-quarters while the number of suicide bombings has plummeted.
Far fewer Iraqi civilians are dying at the hands of extremists. U.S. and Coalition casualty rates have fallen dramatically. The situation has changed so unmistakably and so swiftly that we should be reading proud headlines daily.
Where are they? Is it really so painful for all those war-porno journos to accept that our military - and the Iraqis - may have turned the situation around? Shouldn't we read and see and hear a bit of praise for today's soldiers and the progress they're making?
The media's new trick is to concentrate coverage on our wounded, mouthing platitudes while using military amputees as props to suggest that, no matter what happens in Iraq, everything's still a disaster.
God knows, I sympathize with - and respect - those who've sacrificed life or limb in our country's service. I just hate to see them used as political tools.
more...
http://www.nypost.com/seven/11132007/postopinion/opedcolumnists/a_forgotten_war_
700971.htm?page=0
posted by VerityINK at 7:07 AM
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8 Comments:
And they say the press isn't biased!
Phandancer
I apologize for being WAY off topic, but I need to talk to friends this morning.
I had to put a cat (19 years old) to sleep today. This was the 3rd cat that died this year and I am in a soul-crushed state.
I cannot stop crying and thinking of all the wonderful years that we had together.
I am a strange person in that I do not relate well to other humans much of the time. Therefore, Animals appeal to my unusual nature. These are the only children that I will ever have.
Sorry to be a wet blanket, but I just needed to write this out and I know there are alot of great people here that I respect.
I miss Mr. Fritzbee with all of my soul.
Thanks for listening....
Stephen
I'm so sorry, Stephen. It's so hard when we lose cats. I hesitate sometimes in getting babies because I think of how hard it is... but then I think how much love and spoiling we can give them, how good a care we take of them--and the lives they might lead if we didn't have them. They bring us so much joy, Stephen...
When I was younger I used to tell my sis that the Great Cat God In the Sky gave cats only about 15 years years on earth, so that we had time to have lots, and lots, and lots of them...
When the time is right, go get you some more--and kiss those peak points between their little furry ears. If you're lucky, he'll have belly-spots!
I am sorry, Stephen, it hurts so much; I know how you feel.
Feel better soon, friend.
Stephen-Donal is right, after a season the love and joy are remembered, and you want it again with a 4 legged friend. Having had pets all my 53 years, the price of sorrow we pay is well overbalanced by the love.
Give yourself time, then one day you will look into a pair of bright, mischevious eyes and will have that fellowship again!
tmw
Phandancer
Thanks, folks.
Actually, we lost two earlier this year and so we adopted three more (2 kittens from one litter and one older, one eyed cat) to help with the loss.
I have been through several generations of cats, but this one was the hardest. The fella that died this morning was the last of our 'Big Five'. It is the end of an era.
I already love the three new ones, but I can never fill the hole left by the others.
Time will make these sharp pains dull. I know that for sure as I rarely cry for Pinot and Roadkill (the boys that died earlier this year) anymore - but sometimes.....
Anyway...I again apologize for the threadjack...
Take care, everyone
I understand what you are going through, as I too, often find myself relating better to my pets than to people.
I am not too often given to crying, but sometimes it can't be helped.
I recently lost a young mastiff of two years. He was really entering his prime as well as becoming my very good buddy.
I was holding him in the doctors office as the medicine was administered, and when he dropped, out of nowhere I began crying uncontrollably. Just couldn't stop.
And I knew it was for all the good times we did not get to have.(I am tearing up badly as I type this.) Whew.
Anyway, I guess I am trying to say be thankful you got to have all those memories, and never stop sharing yourself with your pets. It is always rewarding, and well worth the inevitable sadness.
Pittsburgh Paul
My dearest Phandancer:
I am so terribly sorry for your loss of Mr. Fritzbee. Also for the 2 pussy cats who preceded him. Pets are such wonderful gifts that enrich our lives.
My deepest sympathy, my dear friend. Please know that you are not alone in your grief. Losing anyone who has shared your life, brought you much happiness and love is an extremely sorrowful experience.
Tell me about Mr. Fritzbee. What kind of cat was he? What was his favorite toy? What did he do to express his annoyance with you?
FairestWit (at FPM)
Phandancer, I feel so bad about your lost friend. It's just something that is not easy to deal with.
Donal read me your post when I came home, and I cried with you.
We have had kitties in our home for years, and we miss every one of them.
Goodnight, Mr. Fritzbee, wherever you are.
aka catfleas
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