TheSkiffView
FILTER
Bush wants his news or no news

Sometimes in an effort to make something better, you can make it worse.

This week, President Bush made an unheard of move and granted exclusive interviews to five regional broadcasting networks. He did it because he felt the bigger networks were filtering information and putting too much of a negative spin on the war in Iraq.

He said, “somehow you just have to go over the heads of the filter and speak directly to the people.” He praised the improvements being made in Iraq, especially to Iraq’s schools.

Good idea, in theory. It’s understandable that the President is trying to get his side of the story out there and convey something that he thinks is more accurate. With no end in sight to the military action in Iraq and elections looming closer, Bush needs some good public relations. But recent events show it’s a little fishy.

Also this week, form letters started appearing in 11 local newspapers from the 2nd Battalion of the 503rd Infantry saying soldiers were being welcomed in Iraq with “open arms.” Could be true. But according to the Gannett News Service, six soldiers said they agreed with the letter, but didn’t write it, one soldier hadn’t signed it and one soldier didn’t know about the letter.

It is possible that the soldiers are being welcomed in Iraq, and it is possible Iraq’s schools are getting better. But it appears like this is all just one big public relations stunt. Bush is creating his own filter.

It is our sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and friends risking their lives in Iraq, and we have the right to know the truth about their situation.