Iwo Jima, if covered by media today

[ZZZzzzzzzz]

"But all we get are stories that fit the liberal template."

Bullshit...

Fox News can report the "good news" 24/7....

Hannity, Limbaugh, and a host of other radio talk shows can devote their entire shows to the "good news."

But that's not what the audiences want, they want hate talk radio focused on the "liberals."

Quote from AAAintheBeltway:

Good points. I think there is frustration with journalists because they seem to be interested only in the negative. For every mistake or soldier who goes over the line, there are hundreds of compelling stories that could be written about incredible heroism or sacrifice. But all we get are stories that fit the liberal template. Inevitably, it begins to erode the public's confidence, and a legitimate question arises as to whether they are reporting or manipulating.

I'm not saying the government should dictate or censor what is written, although that is certainly what was done in WW II. Perhaps they should just stop trying so hard to accommodate the media. Don't let reporters into combat zones, don't imbed them with troops, don't allow interviews and don't have daily briefings.

 

[hapaboy]

Quote from bronks:

From what I remember, Bush said this war would be long and arduous, and would test our will.

Quote from vanhelsing:

That is what is being said now after it is obvious. However, when it first began I remember that it was a different story. For example, many competent individuals within the military suggested early on that the troop levels were not going to be enough to secure the country. This, for the most part, was ignored by those within the administration and the media. There are many other examples as well. My point is that there was an expectation gap between what people expected would happen and what has happened. People were not really informed about the possibility of a prolonged war in Iraq. They were expecting a cakewalk. That is why, for the most part, citizens are very dissapointed with how the Iraq situation has turned out. The Bush administration played a lead role in the sugar coating of facts.

I concur with Bronks - Bush clearly warned the American public that it would be a long conflict that would cost lives and resources. I do not ever recall him saying that it would be a cakewalk.

having said that, IMO Shinseki was right that there should have been far more troops sent.