FRIDAY'S LETTERS: CIA Business, Questions for Scott McClellan, and More

By: E&P Staff Here it is, your final installment of letters for the week that was.

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What Do the Soldiers Think of Media's Iraq Coverage?

Re: Joe Galloway Lunches With Rumsfeld

I read with your article on the lunch between Secretary Rumsfeld and Knight Ridder's Joe Galloway. As a former reporter, I found the column interesting, but I have one question: Why at a number of points do you have to stick in smug and condescending comments? 1) About Secretary Rumsfeld not serving in combat; 2) And then this excerpt: "On the way out, the defense secretary said, in parting: "I want you to know that I love soldiers and I care about soldiers. All of us here do." Well, one would hope so. The insults were totally unneeded.

As someone who reads dozens upon dozens of stories about the war, I find that much of the mainstream press is doing a great job giving me one side of this story -- the violence, the casualty counts -- and a lousy job telling me of the accomplishments and heroism of our soldiers. I also find that many reporters are rather rude and arrogant when they are questioned about their coverage.

Here's an idea for you: Why don't you write about what our soldiers think of the media's coverage of the war? I can find you numerous quotes about how angry and disgusted they are with the press coverage. One should ask: Why do our soldiers who are on the ground in Iraq think so little of the media's coverage? Thank you for your time.

Steve Wampler

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Doing Business With the CIA

Kristof still full of it! The truth will eventually be revealed one does not do business with the CIA in the manner Wilson (really a very poor liar without MSM aid and comfort) did.

- No Non Disclosure Agreement?
- No vetting of material before print?
- No authorization before going public?

So, the CIA had to be complicit in this whole smelly mess!

And what about the media now outing a reported CIA prison operation. That's perfectly fine to put those who may be involved at risk because it can be blamed on President Bush, no doubt!

So much for the garbage out of the special prosecutor's mouth about impairing CIA's ability to recruit. Hose Pucky!

What's needed is an indictment for Wilson and Plame, and then see where this goes.

Neil Breckenridge
Captain, USAF Retired

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Wilson and Kristof

?Misspoke? implies a non-intentional slip of the tongue. When you tell three different reporters on three different occasions that you read and debunked documents that in fact you've never even seen, you didn't ?misspeak.? You lied. Kristof further writes that ?there's a sense in spookdom? that the Senate report setting forth Wilson's myriad lies ?was too hard on him.? And just who in ?spookdom? would he be referring to -- Plame? The folks at Langley who made sure to leak the classified referral of this matter to Justice? Or maybe it was the cabal there who endangered lives with leaks about secret terrorist jails. Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn about how ?spookdom? feels.

David Churchill Barrow
Riverview, Fla.

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A Question for Scott McClellan

Wouldn't it be great if Scott McClellan were asked by reporters, repeatedly if needed:

"Scott, it seems apparent in recent days that the president is having a very difficult time speaking simple sentences. Now, we know his last physical examination was fine, but I'm just wondering if perhaps if there is a real problem here?" "And, should the public be concerned?"

Get the question out there. Because it's definitely a question that many people have.

Carolyn Gray

Ed's Note: What would you ask Scott McClellan if given the chance? We invite readers to send recommendations on what they'd ask the President's press secretary, and strategy for getting an answer. E-mail us at letters@editorandpublisher.com.

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Knight Ridder Possible Hostile Takeover -- with Political Twist?

Mr. Bunch, I agree with you that America needs a non-profit foundation that buys and runs media outlets dedicated to truthful reporting. Iran/Contra reporter Bob Parry already has a non-profit that he has offered as the basis for such an endeavor. Could you support this effort without endangering your objectivity? If so, will you?

www.consortiumnews.com

Carolyn Kay
MakeThemAccountable.com

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If You Gotta Go, Go Now

Or else Judy M has to stay all night with .....?

(love the low-key Dylan reference)

Stu Levitan

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I think that Plame is using Wilson to spin this story. Watch for a book or a lawsuit.

It would be nice to see someone do a real thorough story rather than just quote leaks.

Lou Haseltine

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The New York Times loses its credibility every day it continues to employ Judith Miller.

Karen Ingwell