Sanchez speaks, I groan
Much has been made today of retired LTG Ricardo Sanchez’ speech to a group of media types and what he said about the war in Iraq. Here’s the news story:
Nearly all media outlets emphasized the “Iraq is a nightmare” aspect of the speech - to include Drudge. What you didn’t see from the MSM was that fully half of the speech had absolutely nothing to do with the war in Iraq. In fact, that half was about how poorly the media has performed its profession while covering this war. Some notable quotes:
…unfortunately, I have issued ultimatums to some of you for unscrupulous reporting that was solely focused on supporting your agenda and preconceived notions of what our military had done…
…In some cases I have never even met you, yet you feel qualified to make character judgments that are communicated to the world. My experience is not unique and we can find other examples such as the treatment of Secretary Brown during Katrina. This is the worst display of journalism imaginable by those of us that are bound by a strict value system of selfless service, honor and integrity. Almost invariably, my perception is that the sensationalistic value of these assessments is what provided the edge that you seek for self aggrandizement or to advance your individual quest for getting on the front page with your stories! As I understand it, your measure of worth is how many front page stories you have written and unfortunately some of you will compromise your integrity and display questionable ethics as you seek to keep America informed.
…Other major challenges are your willingness to be manipulated by “high level officials” who leak stories and by lawyers who use hyperbole to strengthen their arguments. Your unwillingness to accurately and prominently correct your mistakes and your agenda-driven biases contribute to this corrosive environment. All of these challenges combined create a media environment that does a tremendous disservice to America. Over the course of this war tactically insignificant events have become strategic defeats for America because of the tremendous power and impact of the media and by extension you the journalist.
Unfortunately, Sanchez has now been added to that sad list of retired generals who have decided to express their complaints about the handling of the war. That’s his right to do so, but it’s interesting that it’s coming from the guy who was actually running the show starting only two months after the initial invasion. Despite the fact that he was vilified by the left as a result of the Abu Ghraib scandal, he’ll likely be hailed as all wise and all knowing now that he’s saying something the left wants to hear.
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