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http://www.gulf1.com/columns/pappas/1121a.htm

HITRAP
Honesty, Integrity, Trust, Responsibility, Accountability and People.

by Robert L. Pappas,
Col. USMC (RET)

Media “Liberals” and Combat

The episode of media recording the shooting of an enemy combatant in a fortress masquerading as a Mosque is one of the reasons why military men learn to never trust the “media.” Video footage absent the actual, complete context is analogous to engaging in sex with an aids carrier, without protection…maybe worse. Objective commentators would await the outcome of the investigation, but judging from all the prattle on the subject, it is an understatement that the “media” is awash in a preconceived bias.

It is easy to second guess, Monday morning quarterback, or otherwise prejudge the actions of an individual when pressure is on. One good rule for survival in combat is, “when in doubt, shoot, ask questions later;” stated another way, “if they are willing to die for their cause, oblige them.”

The Marine in question had no way of knowing that the “possum” player was injured, was not about to set off a bomb, or, draw a weapon and begin shooting. Given that the environment was one of intensive combat for a number of days before the event in the “Mosque” there should be a presumption of his having acted in the interest of self-preservation as well as members of his unit; and even the “backstabbing” reporter. But when looking for a story, the media too often comes down on the side of the enemy. One cannot help but wonder, “why?”

It should not come as a surprise that the “liberal” media has begun an inexorable shift to anti-“WOT” and anti-military propaganda now that their “darling,” Kerry, has been crushed. One should take note of the similarity in language used by “liberals” in media and Hollywood, and their “examples” in now defunct Soviet news agencies: “adventurism,” “hegemony,” “cowboy,” “American Imperialism,” and etc. The reader should not be surprised when “liberal” opinion writers begin referring to U.S. servicemen and women as behaving like “blood thirsty mercenaries.” Déjà vu, all over again.

It is evident that “liberals” in the media have “forgotten” that the US was attacked and that thousands of American civilians were killed by ruthless, immoral, moon-god worshiping swine. But, being “smarter” than the rest of us, “liberals” have adopted the line that the U.S. is guilty by its association with and support of Israel, and therefore “deserved” the attacks of 9/11. No wonder there is a sharp divide in this nation!

Nearly all news media reporters are interested in one thing, their own welfare and advancement. Their motivation and objectives are to receive recognition, notoriety, a Pulitzer Prize, status and…more money.

Message for the media: It is not the purpose of the media accompanying US Forces to document whether or not the U.S. is complying with Geneva Conventions. Nor is their approved mission as “embedded” reporters to act as arbiters or to decide whose side viewers should choose. If “embedded” reporters aren’t on “our” side already, someone should seriously consider terminating them.

Semper Fidelis

Copyright © November 20th, 2004, by Robert L. Pappas. With proper attribution, this essay may be quoted and redistributed. It may not be used in any way, in conjunction with any advertisement without the author’s expressed written permission.