Posted on 03/15/2021 7:17:51 AM PDT by Kaslin
The federal government just used its publicly employed career professionals to target a working journalist for professional destruction.
After a cable news host irresponsibly attacked the U.S. military for aiding in the “death of the republic” by taking to the streets of the U.S. capital for use against the American people, the coordinated response from the Department of Defense through its public affairs channels was swift and unforgiving.
The headline in the Defense.gov news article said it all: “Press Spokesman Destroys Host for Despicable Suggestion about US Military Use.” This was a response to an MSNBC cable show host using her show to denigrate the contributions of the U.S. military in quelling riots and potential insurrection on the streets and to imply that their actions are contributing to the “death of the republic.”
“Let me be clear,” the spokesman angrily replied. “The U.S. military’s mission is to defend the nation against all threats, foreign and domestic. At the same time, it guarantees the people’s liberties to peacefully protest and to petition the government for redress of their grievances. We would never use them to squash First Amendment-guaranteed liberties. Any suggestion by this cable news host to the contrary is scurrilous and an absolutely outrage.”
Senior uniformed military leaders were quick to join the chorus of condemnation. “I’ll remind everyone that her [Rachel Maddow’s] opinion — which she has a right to — is based off of actually zero days of service in the armed forces,” said the command senior enlisted leader of a U.S. Combatant Command in a video posted to his official military Twitter account.
A service chief said in his 38 years of military service, he had never heard such a despicable calumny about how the U.S. military operates: “To suggest we would ever employ our brave men and women in uniform to suppress peaceful protest is disreputable and an insult to our fighting force.”
After nearly 40 years in and around this career field, I have never seen such an unprecedented display by the Department of Defense to rhetorically firebomb a member of the Fourth Estate for disagreeing with the U.S. military. Through news articles, Twitter feeds, public affairs talking points, and messages to senior military leaders, the department weaponized its public affairs arm to launch an unprecedented PR offensive to denigrate a journalist and perhaps cancel her for her views.
Wait—the Trump Department of Defense never did any of this in response to those actual words of Rachel Maddow linked above: No spokesman denunciation, no coordinated reaction by senior military leaders, no complaint that she should keep her mouth shut because she never served a single day in uniform.
The Trump DoD never did any of this. But Joe Biden’s DoD just did.
Drama TV – my response to Mr. Carlson’s comments on women in the Armed Forces. @TuckerCarlson pic.twitter.com/acix7CFLO9
— U.S. Space Command, Command Senior Enlisted Leader (@US_SpaceComCSEL) March 11, 2021
Last week, Fox cable host Tucker Carlson called out DoD for introducing a flight suit for visibly pregnant women. Flight suits are worn by pilots to wage our nation’s wars. It seemed incongruous that the military would issue flight suits to pregnant women, who most assuredly do not fight our nation’s wars.
When the unit I served with in Iraq learned that two of our female soldiers were pregnant, the U.S. military put them on the highest priority to be evacuated back to the United States. Within 24 hours, they were sent home. They wanted to stay—God bless them!—but the DoD would not hear of having pregnant women in a war zone.
Whether Carlson was right or wrong or presented his views in a strident manner is immaterial. He had an absolute right to say it. The Department of Defense’s leaders disagreed. What should have been a one-line refutation in a run-of-the-mill daily press briefing became an all-hands public affairs campaign to destroy Carlson.
Defense.gov posted an article celebrating how “Press Secretary Smites Host that Dissed Diversity in the U.S. Military.” Carlson did nothing of the kind. He took issue with sending pregnant women to war, which is what is implied by designing flight suits for pregnant women.
Press Spokesman John Kirby, who knows better as a retired public affairs Navy admiral, could have issued a simple correction saying, “No, the U.S. military does not send pregnant women to war. Pilots may wear flight suits in day-to-day duties stateside and this does not imply we send pregnant women to war.” Instead, he chose to excoriate Carlson for what Carlson did not say, which was that women should not be sent to fight our nation’s wars.
Defense.gov is a DoD tool for commanders to inform the troops and the American public about what is going on in the military, as they have an obligation to do. “The mission of Defense.gov is to support the overall mission of the Department of Defense by providing official, timely and accurate information about defense policies, organizations, functions and operations. Defense.gov is the single, unified starting point for finding military information online” (emphasis added). Or, in this case, for finding military disinformation and misinformation online.
Reporter Jim Garamone’s article noted that Kirby remarked a “Fox cable show host used his show to denigrate the contributions of women in the military and to say the Chinese military is catching up to the U.S. military because it does not allow women to serve in the percentage the United States does.”
Is that what Carlson did and, even if it was, is it the DoD’s responsibility to find fault with him for that opinion? It is not. Remember, Defense.gov is run by the government. Garamone is a federal career civil servant, not a political appointee as Kirby is. The federal government just used its career professionals to target a working journalist for destruction.
It is unseemly, of course, for a DoD spokesman to so venomously misrepresent what an opinion journalist said and then to question why the journalist dared to say it. This is even worse than that. It is an atrocious assault on the operation of a free press to then coordinate a department-wide propaganda campaign to smear a journalist for saying things he didn’t and to dissent from DoD policies with words he did say.
The military's social media attack against Tucker Carlson was coordinated. https://t.co/80RpjHO0dd
— Max (@MaxNordau) March 14, 2021
Kirby runs the DoD public affairs operation. He ordered his staff to issue public affairs guidance in the form of messages and talking points that were disseminated throughout all the services within the Department of Defense. These encouraged senior military leaders to publicly call out Carlson for what he did not say. We call this disinformation, misdirection, and misinformation.
This is a gross violation of DoD’s own Principles of Information against engaging in propaganda. Congress specifically prohibits military public affairs from functioning as a public relations firm for the DoD. That is why it is called public affairs and not public relations. Despite this, the DoD has just abused its public affairs resources to arguably violate statutes and DoD regulations. It unarguably violated longstanding norms of propriety and its own principles of information.
There is a hierarchy of credibility when service members speak to the press. To the news media, the most credible member of the Armed Forces the foot soldier. He speaks his mind. The problem with that comes when he speaks his mind about things that he is not informed about, such as DoD policies.
He can give a reporter his opinion, whether it is uninformed or not. But public affairs’ job is to remind him he should stay in his lane, and to speak honestly and frankly only about things he knows about or for which he is responsible.
The higher up the military chain of command one goes, the more likely reporters are to find military people who don’t speak their mind, but only state what their command, service, or the DoD wants them to say. And that’s OK. They are not being paid to give out personal opinions, but to speak out on behalf of and in support of the institution.
They are often the most informed about the institution, so are highly credible in speaking about its policies. They are not to lie or dissemble, but may explain why they might be constrained in answering a question directly.
When a flag officer (general or admiral) speaks, you can be assured he is not freelancing his views. They have much more important and reputable things to do with their time. If they are speaking out, it is because they are giving the DoD position on an issue.
In this case, they ought to have recognized that their place is not to share their personal views on a spat between an opinion journalist and the Department of Defense. But they have. By echoing and supplementing political views, they’ve let themselves become a tool of the political appointees at DoD.
Let’s not be coy about this, either. Gen. Paul E. Funk III may think he is being clever in his tweet against Carlson below. Instead, he is damaging his own credibility and that of the military service he has dedicated his adult life to. His troops who see this campaign for what it is—a campaign to silence a critic—will have much less respect for him for letting himself be played.
Although it is usually not advisable, civilian political appointees may engage in a war of words with someone who figuratively buys “ink by the barrel.” But Kirby did more than that here. He engineered a propaganda campaign to slam down the full weight of the DoD to silence one opinion journalist for daring to utter his, well, opinion.
This is more than disturbing. It is downright scary.
Carlson is a big enough cable news host that he can survive this onslaught. But what of lesser-established journalists? They have bills to pay and families to feed. They are not going to risk that when they witness this awesome destructive display of organized vitriol by the DoD.
In addition, does anyone think this is a one-off? It is a proverbial “shot across the bow” by the Biden DoD: Oppose us and we will destroy you. If not vehemently opposed, it will become precedent-setting.
Plenty of journalists utter views contrary to what Biden’s DoD prefers. Is it prepared to go after all of them? Or will it just target journalists on the right? For all the cries of fascism regarding Donald Trump’s government and his many ill-advised tweets, his DoD, for instance, never attempted to destroy Maddow for speaking her mind, even when she questioned DoD policies or campaigns. That may change now.
Why does it matter? Military folks pride themselves as being the ones who fight our nation’s adversaries to ensure all Americans can speak freely and the news media can publish without fear of government retribution, as in repressive societies.
This week, our military knowingly spoke out to destroy a journalist for exercising his free speech right. If let to stand, it will serve as an existential threat to our republic and to our military.
There must be fallout from this. Reporters of all stripes need to apply maximum outrage and pressure upon the DoD for this, lest it become standard operating practice. Senators must use all the tools at their disposal to demand accountability.
Soon senior military leaders will be testifying on the DoD and individual services budget requests. Senators must put them on the hot seat. “General, what other strident opinions do you think you should comment upon?” Senators can then list a compilation of strident comments from reporters against whom the DoD did not launch a campaign of verbal and written destruction.
“Sounds like they ‘disrespected’ the military there. Shouldn’t you have called them out? How about this one? And this one? Oh, I see, you don’t think so. Would you characterize this as more inflammatory and strident than Carlson’s opinions? If his opinion was less egregious, why did you lead a coordinated effort to destroy him and not these other journalists? Is it because those journalists’ views seem more in line with the present administration? General, you military guys like to say that we enjoy First Amendment speech and a free press because you military folks fight enemies of those hallowed freedoms. Was that what you were doing when you sought to destroy this opinion journalist for uttering opinions? Could you draw me up a list of other ‘enemies of the DoD’ that you would approve destroying?”
I am not a fan of retired military people speaking out on political issues, unless they are running for political office, which they are entitled to do, as any citizen is. When they speak out on military issues, even when they include “retired” next to their name, they are still lending the prestige of their former rank to a given issue.
Yet there are times actions taken by leaders in the military are so disgusting that retired military leaders must speak out. They rightly condemned the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, which was an assault on our government. Now they must speak out again in no uncertain terms to denounce the government’s attack on a free press.
Without carefully weighing the consequences, DoD may have just unleashed a whirlwind against itself this week. This will harm the institution, the public’s support, and our service members’ ability to do the jobs our nation calls them to do.
In a just climate, on Monday Kirby would admit the abuse, apologize, promise DoD public affairs will never do this again, and promptly resign. Falling on his sword would protect the true instigators and enablers at the highest levels of DoD and the White House.
I don’t make many predictions but mark my words on this gloomy one: there will come a time when you will wish you hadn’t blown up the last institution with bipartisan credibility in the US to score cheap Twitter points on Tucker Carlson.
— Inez Stepman ⚪️🔴⚪️ (@InezFeltscher) March 14, 2021
The military’s reputation has suffered a tremendous self-inflicted hit. We must use our voices to ensure those running it understand this is never to be repeated.
Politicized military? (well, more politicized senior leadership)
Blame both Obama and Swinging Bill.
When the military starts protecting the government FROM the people, you know the Republic is over and the Dictatorship has begun.............
How long can journalists keep smiling at Biden White House?
Journos given scoop of a lifetime: Press Secy Psaki reveals Biden’s favorite ice cream is chocolate chip.
NOQ | January 29, 2021 | January 29, 2021
FR Posted on 1/29/2021, 6:50:28 AM by george76
The sweet and fluffy coverage can’t last forever.
Before President Joe Biden was sworn in to the Oval Office, the American people received a glimpse of what hard-hitting journalism would look like for the next four years. From staying mum on the Hunter Biden story to having “chills” over watching Biden’s plane land at Joint Base Andrews, the pro-Biden “why are you so wonderful” reportage has been embarrassing.
But the Fourth Estate suspending its pearl-clutching journalism and hanging a “gone fishin’” sign on the front door was as expected as a newsroom wishing everything was worse than Watergate – at least for Republicans. With its reputation in tatters and the public increasingly distrustful of the media, how much longer can journalists keep grinning behind their face masks to appease the Biden administration and advance progressivism?
The Scoop Of A Lifetime.....The mainstream press and the American people were given a scoop of a lifetime when White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki revealed that Biden’s favorite ice cream is chocolate chip. There has been no confirmation yet if the White House maintains a large freezer full of cold treats. But what is the deal with the Swamp and the frozen dessert? Four years ago, CNN made a big deal about then-President Donald Trump receiving an additional scoop of ice cream over his dinner companions. Perhaps Q has a conspiratorial answer involving a storm and a Kraken.
During the first day of the new administration’s White House press briefing, a reporter asked Psaki if Biden intends to alter Air Force One’s color scheme. Psaki was ebullient over the question, but she could not respond, promising to offer an answer to the pesky journalist’s inquiry at a later time.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good chyron? CNN certainly has a fun time with this text banner at the bottom of the screen, using it as a gaslighting tactic, a fake news instrument, or a bias revelation. On a recent episode of Reliable Sources, the program streamed this chyron when discussing the first set of press briefings from the new administration:
“PSAKI PROMISES TO SHARE ‘ACCURATE INFO’ (HOW REFRESHING).”
One of the funniest developments in the early days of the Biden era has been the president’s violation of his federal mask mandate. As part of his executive action, everyone must wear a face mask when they set foot on federal property, like the Lincoln Memorial or the White House. Since enacting the measure, Biden has routinely violated the order, going as far as coughing into his hands while talking.
When Psaki was asked about this by a Fox News reporter, she said that Biden has “bigger issues to worry about.” Remember when former President Donald Trump stood 100 feet away from people outside at the White House without a mask, and the cable news channels had the footage on replay for an entire week?
The fact-checkers are working overtime to come to Biden’s defense, it seems. For example, TC Energy stated that 11,000 jobs would be lost due to Biden revoking a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. Politifact labeled this as “half true” because these positions would be temporary. How can this be partly accurate when the company says thousands of jobs will be tossed in the trash receptacle?
Liberty Nation’s Jeff Charles recently penned:
“Members of the activist media have already indicated that they intend to take a softer approach to reporting on the White House now that they have a friendly face in office. Their gushing over Biden during the inauguration is only a sneak peek of what the American people have coming.”
So far, Charles’ suspicion has been verified.
Edelman’s annual survey, shared exclusively with Axios, discovered that fewer than half of Americans trust conventional media for the first time since the study was launched. Here were the two most significant findings:
56% of Americans agree that “journalists and reporters are purposely trying to mislead people by saying things they know are false or gross exaggerations.” 58% of respondents believe that “most news organizations are more concerned with supporting an ideology or political position than with informing the public.”
Is it possible that the Fourth Estate can repair its foundation of confidence and trust during the Biden years?
Thomas Gift, the director of the UCL Centre on US Politics, wrote an op-ed for The Hill, offering a list of suggestions on how the press can remove the fake news lapel from its coat of deceit. Gift suggested no longer treat Trump as the reference point, refrain from making the goal not to get Trump elected, judge Biden by his own standards, and remember there is no such thing as “normal.”
While media watchdogs’ solutions may differ, the industry must acknowledge that it possesses a broad array of problems, whether it is a misinformation issue or the absence of impartiality.
As long as the big-box media outlets serve as transcriptionists for the government and rewrite content like press releases for the State Department, the establishment press will always be viewed as a wing of the Democratic Party. Until some introspection is performed, cable news viewers will see a smiling, uncombative press corps, ensuring the curtains are closed from the spotlight of truth, and the darkness of the Swamp is sustained.
If the military is opposed to all enemies, foreign and domestic, then why aren’t all democrats in jail awaiting trial for their massive treason against this country and its constitution?
As a retired officer, may I extend the middle fingers of both hands and salute the politically correct management (but lot leader) marshmallows currently infesting my formerly respected military.
I NEVER thought I’d say this, but the top of our so-called leadership can shove their butt-kissing little lips up their Dorkbama and Biden loving *sses.
Try to imagine if a Trump politico within the military responded to any jounalist in this manner.
My first reaction, better than I could have stated it.
It's adorable that anyone still thinks Biden is in charge of anything.
Anyone who does not understand that there is rot from bottom to top in the US military has not been following events at the military academies over the last decade.
ATT is worse.
"I don’t make many predictions but mark my words on this gloomy one: there will come a time when you will wish you hadn’t blown up the last institution with bipartisan credibility in the US to score cheap Twitter points on Tucker Carlson."
The woke military leadership, from the SecDef on down, have destroyed the credibility of the U.S. military by demonstrating in their planned, coordinated, and approved attacks that they are more loyal to a Traitor in the White House than to the U.S. Constitution and the United States of America.
Well said from a former noncom.
Ok I'll say it. Women should not be sent to fight this nation's wars
Carlson can’t speak authoritatively about the military because he didn’t serve. The military cannot comment on Carlson because they have not worked as journalists.
There should be outrage from other journalists and media, but there won’t be. Many times we have seen Fox pushing back against government officials that attacked their competitors, but we never seem to see liberal media with any reciprocity.
Seeing as how you’re on an island...it’ll be the Navy SEALS coming for you...LOL.
“Carlson can’t speak authoritatively about the military because he didn’t serve.”
Neither did Joe Biden.
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