[antimedia] antimedia: The situation in Iraq has deteriorated to the point....

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Posted by antimedia:
The situation in Iraq has deteriorated to the point....
http://www.antimedia.us/posts/1165549388.shtml


   ....that our troops believe they are fighting two enemies; the
   terrorists and [1]the American media. So says Bill Roggio who has
   reason to know.

     While waiting to manifest on the flight to Fallujah, CNN played a
     news segment of President Bush announcing there would be no
     âgraceful exitâ from Iraq, and that we'd stay until the mission was
     complete. Two sergeants in the room cheered. Loudly. They then
     scoffed at the reports from Baghdad, and jeered the balcony
     reporting.
     In nearly every conversation, the soldiers, Marines and contractors
     expressed they were upset with the coverage of the war in Iraq in
     general, and the public perception of the daily situation on the
     ground. They felt the media was there to sensationalize the news,
     and several stated some reporters were only interested in âblood
     and guts.â They freely admitted the obstacles in front of them in
     Iraq. Most recognized that while we are winning the war on the
     battlefield, albeit with difficulties in some areas, we are losing
     the information war. They felt the media had abandoned them.
     During each conversation, I was left in the awkward situation of
     having to explain that while, yes, I am wearing a press badge, I'm
     not 'one of them.' I used descriptions like 'independent
     journalist' or 'blogger' in an attempt to separate myself from the
     pack.
     What a terrible situation to be in, having to defend yourself
     because of your profession. I've always said that the hardest thing
     about embedding (besides leaving my family) is wearing the badge
     that says 'PRESS.' That hasn't changed. I hide the badge whenever I
     can get away with it.

   Bill has nothing to be ashamed off, but his comment reminds me of an
   old aphorism; If you wallow with the pigs, you can't help but get some
   of the stink on you.
   Bill also relates some interesting exchanges with various military
   people that he ran into during his travels, so be sure to read the
   whole article. (Hat tip to [2]Greyhawk.)

References

   1. http://billroggio.com/archives/2006/12/the_military_and_the.php
   2. http://www.mudvillegazette.com/archives/007266.html