WEDNESDAY'S LETTERS: WMD, Jeff Gannon, White House Bloggers

By: E&P Staff Readers comment on the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's apology for its flawed pre-war reporting, the stonewalling at the White House press briefings, and we even hear from former White House press room regular, Jeff Gannon/Guckert.

Press Should Hold Itself Accountable for Prewar Reporting

Re: Milwaukee Paper Apologizes for Accepting 'Cooked' WMD Evidence

Until the rest of the media take the same stand as the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, it will be difficult for reporters and others to revisit the issue and examine the reasons for going to war, as thoroughly as they should.

While reporters are quick to criticize Congressional members that voted for the war, they can't escape the fact that they are somewhat complicit here. They should've been the ones pressing the legislators for answers prior to the start of the war.

I've often heard some commentators say those Congressional members that voted for the war should be held accountable. Indeed, they should.

But journalist should look inward too. Like the Sentinel, they need to explain to the public that they too dropped the ball. Understandably, after 9-11, many found it a little difficult to question the wisdom of the war, especially after listening to Colin Powell and seeing him demonstrate at the United Nations, the weapons Saddam Hussein purportedly held.

That was then. The dust has cleared and there are so many known facts now. But unanswered questions still linger. And to make amends the media should examine all the facts and help the public understand just what happened.

While it is long overdue, I think the public will welcome an honest and open discussion about this war that has divided the country, often pitting families against each other.

For the sake of Americans lost in this war and the thousands of others maimed, an open discussion would be a welcome departure from the bickering on all sides.

Kate S. Peabody
Pensacola, Fla.

***

Re: Joe Strupp's latest column, Bloggers Say Blah to White House Briefings

"I didn't pay attention to Scott's answer. You can look at the transcript if you want."

Pretty much answers your question. The only purpose that I can see to the WH press conferences from the perspective of the media and the public is to get the administration on the record on an issue, like the current question of staffers leaking information to the press. There's very little actual content; Scottie doesn't answer substantive questions. I do read a couple transcripts a week, though, but only for the entertainment value of reporters trying to find an angle to get him to answer a line of questioning he simply won't respond to. As those lines of questioning have multiplied, the conferences have become even less informative, but more amusing.

Only a guy getting paid a full time salary to watch Scottie could afford to give up a couple of hours a day (including transport and the gaggle) watching Scottie spar.

Jay Ackroyd

***

I understand your dismay that bloggers should be at the WH press briefings, but when Scottie says "Harriet tells me I can't say anything about an ongoing investigation...administration...false terrorism report..." how can you blame them?

I think that when the WH does so much stonewalling, the press corps should up and walk out in a symbolic protest.

Frank Flinn
St. Louis, Mo.

***

I don't go to the White House anymore because I don't have a reason to -- absolutely no other reason as your article implies. I'm busy writing my book.

I hope this information is helpful.

Jeff Gannon

***

Speaking of Gannon?

Re: The Return of Jeff Gannon! Ex-White House Favorite Finds New Outlet in Gay Papers

It is obvious The Blade and Crain's standards are quite low to publish submissions from Gannon/Guckert. I have no idea what Gannon/Guckert's political leanings might be, but I do have a problem with providing a voice to someone who has participated in immoral, and unethical behavior.

Plus, who's writing the column, Gannon or Guckert?

Mike Hubert

***

Mary Mapes and Dan 'Blather'

Sorry, but forgeries are still forgeries no matter who presents them and those caught in the wake deserve what they got.

Jim Hoghaug

***

Here's One Theory on Fake Documents

I truly wish someone would thoroughly investigate the history of the "Rathergate" documents--as well as of the Niger ones.

I can't help but feel that they might have come from the same source and that those who so quickly attacked the CBS documents had advance knowledge of them. They had to have been planted so their "exposure" would defuse an otherwise damaging story about Bush's National Guard history.

Mary Shepardson