Media Not Allowed to Cover Soldiers Memorials In Iraq "Too Sensitive"

[RamboLiberal]

http://baghdadblog.msnbc.com/

OTHER PEOPLE'S SONS by Jane Araff NBC Correspondent - I can't cut and paste this one - so go read it.

Because she was embedded with this soldier's unit in Iraq two years ago and had gotten to know this kid from Kansas where it was a tradition for the youngest son to serve, Jane attended his memorial service. She says the media routinely reported on these services 2 years ago, but now the Pentagon won't let them even if the unit approves deeming it "too sensitive". She thinks that BS.

She suggests many Americans are removed from the war because it is other people's children who are serving. She relates how one woman reacted to a colonel who suggested her son who was interested in the military attend West Point. She was horrified saying "But I'm glad we have you people to do that".

[Ezlivin]

1. Another lesson they learned from Vietnam - keep the people uninformed

Out of sight and out of mind.

[elehhhhna]

2. we can handle begheadings but not mil funerals?

photos of Uday, Qusay, and Mama-say-mama-sah-mama-koo-sah but not funerals?

[Suich]

3. Do you know if that will change

when the Demos take over the House and/or Senate?

:hi:

[Marnieworld]

4. The Patriot Guard Riders

My hubby has been on a few missions with them to protect mourners at services from protesters. Even when they're aren't any (and there hasn't been any when he has gone) they still have a way to show respect. The riders, often Vets, hold flags, ride in formations with Flags, and stand at attention. They are always invited by the soldiers families and are always appreciated.

The reason why I mention this is that everytime he has done this, that the Guard did this, there was always major media coverage. TV stories repeated, front-page of papers. It's really quite a spectacle to behold. It's never political, it is always about honoring the soldier's sacrifice. When you actually see the casket, learn the name, and especially the age of the fallen, the war's devastating impact becomes very very real.

They don't cover soldier's memorial services normally, but perhaps if more were like this they would. They can try and hide them, but they are not hidden.

[RamboLiberal]

5. What Jane Araff was speaking of was the memorials in Iraq

When the soldier's unit gathers to pay their respects. That's what Pentagon is blocking.

Good for your husband and the Patriot Guards for their effort. A true citizen's effort.

I think for the most part the local TV stations and Newspapers are doing a fantastic job of covering these services. One note - when those whack jobs from the Kansas Phelp's church do show up - check that the local reporter doesn't refer to them as just war protestors and truly points out their anti-gay whacky agenda. Call or write them politely and correct them.

I called and left a VM earlier this year for a local reporter who did this in a story. I noted from them on they pointed out the protestors were from Westboro church and had an anti-gay agenda.