I would have had two replies:
Reply that would have gotten me canned: "Elizabeth, you are a disgrace to your profession, which is really saying something."
Reply that would have gotten me reprimanded: "Elizabeth, are you suggesting that the only news fit to print, concerning the American military, is negative?"
Reply that would have gotten me canned but provided a nice place in the Senate or House of Reps:
Well, ladies and gentlemen of the press, considering the number of stories in the last twelve months that have turned out to be utter bullsh!t, I would think you might appreciate the help of someone who actually knew what the
h!ll was going on.
I'll pick up my last check tomorrow, thank you.