The United States is now deeply committed to liberating the Iraqi people from an oppressive regime that has terrorized them for decades. The level of technology – both in weapons of war and in communication – is unprecedented in history. So is the coverage by the media, whether it’s print or broadcast media. A total of 622 journalists are “embedded” with our troops as they move toward Baghdad and other strategic targets. Anytime you watch the news you’ll see them, working under extreme conditions like sandstorms and under mortar attack. These 622 brave souls all volunteered for this assignment. Would you? I might – for about two days, and then I’d long for a hot bath, a soft bed, food without sand in it, some medicated eyedrops, and probably 24 hours of complete quiet. Our soldiers in the field are professionally-trained warriors. They use the most technologically advanced weapons to achieve the goals set by their superiors. Whether in the regular service or reserves, they signed up for the possibility of serving in a war and are doing so bravely and courageously. The journalists and photographers now in the field are professionals of another sort. They use their curiosity and ability to communicate information to objectively – we hope – report what’s going on as it’s happening. A month ago, they might have been in a comfortable desk job or working a pleasant routine. The opportunity came up and they volunteered to cover the current war. So far, four journalists have died and several are missing in the field. I’d like to mention the case of Peter Arnett, who was dismissed by MSNBC, NBC and National Geographic Explorer for comments he made during an impromptu interview with Iraqi television this week. He admits it was stupid to say what he did to Iraqi television; that’s a no-brainer. I believe it was hasty on the part of his “bosses” to sever their ties with him to save their own reputations. Arnett is a seasoned veteran with 40 years of war coverage experience, and he has built important relationships within the Iraqi government and media that he has used to gain access to information. Arnett didn’t say anything that most of us haven’t said this past week: unanticipated heavy resistance has thrown a monkey wrench into our war plans. Arnett’s mistake was to say so to Iraqi television which turned around and used it as a propaganda tool: “See, even their best journalists are against the war.” Fortunately for us all, Arnett is now working for a London newspaper and will remain in Baghdad doing what he does best – reporting and probing for information. I don’t believe that anyone is truly “pro war.” No one wants this war – not even the professional soldiers and generals. Regardless of whether you agree with the “rightness” of the war, we must all support those courageous people – men and women, young and not-so-young, soldiers and journalists – who are out there doing their jobs for their country – for us!
