The Great Divide

There is a major divide in our country today. First assumption is that it lies between the Republicans and Democrats. Well, I won't deny that is true, but there is a much more grave divide than that. The divide in which I speak could very well undermine the very war on terrorism around the world. Which divide do I speak of? The one between our troops and the American media.

Now I know you have read the first paragraph and thought, oh no, not another war mongerer out to call the media left wing crazies and blame the Democratic Party! I hope not to do so, but at the same time, if it smells like a rose, looks like a rose, well then.... All this being said, just give me a few moments to make my case.

I recently had the extreme pleasure of having a beer with a former 82nd Airborne soldier. Although we didn't sit down originally to discuss war, the conversation usually always finds a way there. And what he said directly to me is the same thing that I have heard from numerous sources including conservative talk hosts. The media in this country will not report what is accurately happening in not only Iraq but Afghanistan. They get the deaths, they report the bombs, they report about the trouble, but the miss about 85% of the other actions in war.

What about the schools, the hospitals, the women's rights, the Iraqis starting their own police and free military, the benefit of a new free government, the first free election in 50 years, and the inclusion of all factions of people in Iraq coming together to govern themselves. Where are the constant reports on this? Why do we not have the right to have this included in the same breath as loss of life?

Let me tell you why, death sells stories. Tragedy keeps you intrigued. I understand this, but at what price do you sell you story? Over 1750 brave men and women have given their lives to fight a noble and just cause. But the media wants you to think that their deaths were in vain. And the fallout? Troops that have served, seving now, will serve in the near future have to hang their heads in shame in their own country. How did we as a country go from World War II when the media covered up FDR's disability to portray a strong leader to a media that can't wait to show Bush as a buffoon. A media that told the great sacrifices of our troops, that were dying at levels per day that we haven't even seen in over two years of war, to a media that now tells only how many soldiers have died. A media that was once proud of our fight and proud to do their part in helping keeping spirits high, to a media that now seems focused on undermining the war effort as well as recruitment.

I blame the media, but I can't squarely place 100% of the blame there. We as a people in this nation are to blame as well. That same soldier that talked to me this past week asked if I ever served. I told him no, why ask. He said, "Because you are more educated in the truth than anyone I have talked to in the 6 months I have been out." My friends, I didn't get my education from CNN, the New York Times, or even Fox. I studied and talked to soldiers themselves. I sifted through newscasts to find the story within the story. The point here is this, of all the people he has come in contact with, I was the most knowledgeable about what is going on and I admit I know only about 10% of what there is to know, and I am probably being generous.

There is only one comparison that can be made to Vietnam for those who want to make it, the divide between the troops and media is quite large. For a county that lamented throughout the 90's about the abuse our troops suffered due to the negativity that flowed throughout our nation, you would think that we could at least try to be more positive. Then again, how many positive stories fly off the magazine shelves?