Posted on 10/19/2006 6:41:05 AM PDT by yoe
( TigerHawk) perceptively looks at President Bush's "acceptance" of the analogy between Vietnam and Iraq. TigerHawk elaborates on the Tet analogy that President Bush drew, which correctly points to the enemy's strategic use of the American media. Daniel Freedman also comments (here).
If journalism were a profession, Peter Braestrup's 1977 book Big Story would be required reading in every journalism school. Braestrup's long subtitle is a little dry: "How the American Press and Television Reported and Interpreted the Crisis of Tet 1968 in Vietnam and Washington." But his analysis was memorable. Braestrup showed that the press blew the story of the Tet offensive, portraying a major American battlefield victory as a disaster.
In the introduction to the 1994 edition of his book, Braestrup characterized the coverage as "an unusual media malfunction," one "on a scale that helped shaped Tet's repercussions in Washington and the Administration's response." Paul Weaver wrote in his Commentary review of Big Story: "A politicized press speaking the language of news is an instrument of propaganda, and such an institution does not foster democracy, but erodes it." It is an observation that bears on the media's treatment of President Bush's comment itself.
Thank God for this President that won't cave to the MSM distortions and purposeful misquotations.
Keeper
I have solved that problem where ever I go!
I refuse to be inflicted with that vile junk. I tell the owner of the shop - either you change the channel - or you can do without my business. And .. I have kept my promise.
If you're a regular at a shop - they will change the channel for you. Now, they may change it back as soon as you leave the shop - but at least a few more people can be introduced to something more than the constant media bias.
Most nauseating is yellow toothed journalists proclaiming the integrity of depraved politicians.
Good article."The press blew the story of the Tet offensive,portraying victory as a disaster..."And let's not forget JKerry testifying before congress regarding "atrocities" he (says he)witnessed in VN,Jane Fonda rubbing elbows with the NVA...all part of a concerted plan to destroy the morale and will of the American people.
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.