[okie01]

I have said that the US has the world's worst PR. The US apparently does not care about this. This would be so easy to change but we don't. For example, what would happen if the first relief flight into Thailand had Michael Jordan on board? Yes, it would have created a temporary media circus, but would have done wonders getting the word out that we are there and helping.

My background is in the Advertising/PR industry. And I agree with you in every respect...save one.

As a nation, we're rotten at PR. The Clinton administration was the best practicioner, by far -- though he was more interested in promoting his person than the country. And the Bush administration is, if anything, even worse than the norm.

Michael Jordan (or whoever) accompanying the first shipment of aid would've drawn a media circus and the requisite attention, no doubt.

But to have attempted to put a PR veneer on our efforts would have been unnecessarily costly -- in time and coordination. PR events take time to plan, set up, manipulate and exploit.

And, in my view, even as an ad/PR guy, that's counter-productive to what the mission should be. With all due respect, it's a time for action, not promotion.

[Wolverine]

It wouldn't have to be Jordan.

 

Yeah...It could be Michael Jackson...LOL

[killjoy]

But to have attempted to put a PR veneer on our efforts would have been unnecessarily costly -- in time and coordination. PR events take time to plan, set up, manipulate and exploit.

True, although there is a balance. My example was just that. There are many other things than can be done and given your background, I am sure you know much more than me. I really wish this Administration had even 10% of the previous Administration's gift for spin. It would make the efforts of the US around the world much easier.

[kitkat]

***With all due respect, it's a time for action, not promotion.***

Absolutely! And that's just what Dubya has done. Lives are on the line.