What Will We Hear?
I haven’t really written much at all about the Iraq “situation”, soon to be war. Most of the feedback I’ve heard from public sentiment are the extremes. People either fully support or are completely against, not everyone, but many. I’m more a middle ground. I can see points on each side, with valid arguments for and against war. But the argument is rather moot. By tonight, I think bombs will be flying.
Which brings me to my point. I read the recent Time magazine and found a piece of information about the set up for the war that does seriously concern me. In an article about General Tommy Franks and his preparedness for running the Gulf Way II, I found this:
When the Bush Administration wanted Jim Wilkinson, a former Bush campaign aid, to be Franks’ spokesman – a job that has traditionally gone to a uniformed officer – the general went along, though many in the military complained that the move politicized a position that should remain apolitical. But a senior Pentagon official said Franks had no choice: “It is not a given that George Bush will win re-election next year, but it is a given that he will lose if this war goes badly. He’s got to manage the message with a clear eye toward the political concerns involved…” Time Magazine, March 17, 2003
Ok, so does this mean that the information we received during the war will involve a political spin aimed at making the President look as good as possible? Sure, I can understand wanting a positive spin, but I feel I will now have to question anything coming from Wilkinson.
Should something happen that isn’t 100% great or clear, I’ll find myself asking. Is this how it really happened or how the Bush Administration wants it to look? In dealing with my divorce, the subsequent custody and helping my friend deal with hers, I have learned that you can say the same thing so many different ways. Each one giving the recipient a different impression.
War is never a good thing. It’s obviously violent and many people die. But, this country deserves to know the truth of what’s happening. My jaded view of the current political system prevents me from believing the political spin doctors will allow the truth in it’s entirety to be given.
10:44:16 AM 
|
