Posted on 12/23/2004 12:25:09 PM PST by head
Subject: This is how it really was
Secretary Rumsfeld's Iraq Visit (Media Bias)
To All,
This is a shotgun blast response to the media reports on Secretary Rumsfeld's visit to our Camp. I was fortunate enough to be there and even shake the man's hand. When the media reports were released concerning the event, I could not believe what I saw and heard. There are over 12,000 troops on our base. Only 2,000 or so had the opportunity to attend the gathering and I can tell you, those were hotly contested seats.
Not as the media would have you believe, so we could voice our displeasure, but rather to have the opportunity to see and hear the man we admire. Mr. Secretary spoke for 10 minutes or so on the war in Iraq and what freedom meant to the people of Afghanistan. He was there for the recent elections and shared his wonderful insight. After his prepared remarks he opened up the floor for questions and made it very clear that nothing was off limits.
Folks, this is extremely unusual for a dignitary to do. Also, we as leaders, were instructed to not screen our soldiers questions. They were to be honest and from the heart. Mr. Rumsfeld fielded a number of questions, took down notes for the ones he did not have answers to and genuinely enjoyed talking to the soldiers. Afterward, he spent over an hour with the enthusiastic troops who literally mobbed him and would not let him leave. He smiled for all, shook hands and had pictures taken. It ended only when his security forced us away.
He was applauded, he was given a standing ovation and he was loved. He stood there like a professional, like a man, and he took the heat because that's what leaders do. And yet somehow, the American media turned that wonderful event into a "disgruntled troops meet with Secretary Rumsfeld" headline. Incredible.
The morale is high, the equipment is good and improving daily. Disregard what you read and hear from the media and trust in the American fighting men and women to do the right thing. We have excellent leadership and are doing what we signed up to do.
1SG Timmy Rikard S/F... BJ
Sonds like some media types need a good A$$ -kickin' or to be totally shunned.
Welcome to FR.
That was the good kind of "Welcome to FR", right?
God Bless America
God Bless GWB
God Bless Our Troops
Merry Christmas
Shut down the Alphabet Channels (ABJazerra & Her Sister Stations)!
Vote with your Remote!
Christmas Heart
But, I Have A Plan
Zippo Hero
Seven Dead Monkeys Page O Tunes
Thank you for this post!!!
Naw--it has been known a long time. Yet, the Army continues to patronize the media, even when they stab Army personnel in the back-Abu Gharib, Unit refuses to haul supplies,etc.
Welcome to FR, God bless you and keep all who are on the front lines of defending civilization. Our eternal gratitude. We really appreciate the report as well. It is so much more difficult to perpetrate a lie when we can communicate back and forth among ourselves with no media filters.
I didn't see anyone ask to spread this around yet.
Slimeball Media.
Bahbah thanks for the ping.
Excellent Post!
Merry Christmas!
It's just more of the anti-American, left-wing bias in our media. They are going to do everything they can to make Iraq appear as a complete disaster.
While they are doing this, they are going to continuously pump Hillary! puff pieces.
They lost big in November. The media elite hate America as much as do any of America's other enemies.
Thanks for great post and take care.
And that folks is why he will remain Sec of Defense. He is a great leader of men.
Hey, Sarge, How 'bout having your buddies each write THEIR congressman with THEIR support for Rummy? I think that'll carry more weight than any civilian letters they get, doncha think?
THANKS for all you do, and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for your service!!!
We send prayers every day for every one of you that you continue to be safe and return home as soon as possible.
Thank you for your wonderful report on Secretary Rumsfeld's visit to Iraq!! The truth needs to be printed.
TM ping
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.