Sadly enough, the truth only matters to some people when it furthers their cause. I realize I am overstating the obvious, expecially in this case, but I just get so frustrated at the way this all works.

I grew up believing that America was the greatest place on earth. (Still believe that to my soul). I was taught to believe the best in everyone, until they proved otherwise. I was also taught to believe that freedom of the press promised truth. (am I dating myself too much!). I spent 6 months in Central America working with children. During that time there was (surprise) a disturbance between 2 countries. I was receiving several different papers at the time and was shocked at the stories it told - who was to blame, how it all started, the number of dead. Well, imagine my surprise when I meet a family member of my host family that lived in one of these countries and heard their side! That was the day the blinders came off. Now, I read as much as possible, and believe only after I have had the chance to research. It's sad.

The good news is we do have the resources to do that research. The saddest part is how so many do not choose to do so. That is where those that twist, lie and hold back profit.

I'm with you Tammi. Although it would be great to be able to depend on the press for facts and only facts, I think the world is a better place when we don't accept everything they say without question.

Just what folks my age used to say about the government now applies to the press: question everything. Most recent public opinion polls reflect the 180 degree turn-around. The press is generally trusted less than the government!

An interesting change, don't you think?

The down side is I do think the government needs a watchdog, but the modern press via its excessive zeal is failing to fill this role.

I have to add that from personal experience in Iraq, this is very, very, common. Virtually every school and mosque I entered was jam packed with arms and ammunition. They knew full well our policy on protected targets (i.e. schools and mosques.) Besides, even if we do get the stuff, they get the publicity. We have to remember, a lot of the information campaign waged by the insurgents is aimed at the Arab world and not the West. What we might consider as being laughable, is perceived quite differently elsewhere.

Exactly.

But at least we'll have blogs like Warren's to keep us informed!

Grayhawk:

Don't be too modest - the Gazette is very well written and informative. I came here via ScrappleFace, and although I don't comment much, I do enjoy your articles and links. I often send them to friends, both military and civilian.

I, too, have been very disillusioned by the media. My Dad, who was career Navy, recently asked me why I "waste my time" reading blogs on the Internet. I started sending him a few well-chosen links (including the Mudville Gazette) and he is now a convert.

You all are doing a great service in getting the whole story out there - the media is only making carefully editing pieces available. I always try to check up on information I get over the Internet, and I've been quite impressed with the quality of what you guys do. I don't know where you find the time and energy on top of everything else you do, but I hope you know how much it is appreciated. Truly.

Cassandra
Thanks. Sleep is for the weak. That's how time is found.

Really though I wish I did have more time, the list of things I wanted to write or link to dwarfs the list of things I have.

The Mrs and I are always reading ScrappleFace. Whenever I tell her she should leave a comment there she tells me she doesn't have to because you write what she would anyway. So keep doing what you're doing too! It's the comment sections as much as anything else that make blogs the great 21st century forum that they are.