A respectable move by NPR, if indeed they are truly broad minded and unbiased in their choices for whose "beliefs" they choose to disseminate. I would urge right-minded persons to submit essays, early and often, to prevent selection to be biased toward the leftwing NPR listenership.

Reading (or hearing) will, I guess, be believing.

"Reading (or hearing) will, I guess, be believing."

Was it Reagan who said "trust... but verify"?

Whats your answer Greyhawk? Let us know if you do and keep us posted. I want to listen.

As a long time NPR listener, as well as Limbaugh, Hanity, etc. to get all views, I agree with the judgment that NPR is definately a liberal organization. I do respect them in the fact that in spite of this, they do at least attempt to let all sides be heard. Also NPR goes far and away beyond anything any other media outlet does reporting beyond the surface on most stories, and getting diverse opinions from ordinary people. It has only been trumped recently by blogs when it comes to in depth coverage and analysis.
By all means accept their invitation. If they use them they will let your comments be heard in full and in your own voice. I will be interested in seeing if they try to slip in any subtle qualifying phrases in their introduction. I'll be listening.

Greyhawk - I say...Do it! I was just mentioning this to another milblogger....the military only does itself a disservice when it avoids the media. We may be incredibly frustrated with what they put in their papers and on the air, but retreating into a shell or avoiding opportunities to be interviewed (write an essay) or write a letter to the editor etc, only adds to the problem. I think the Matt Lauer incident the other day illustrates this really well. If that Captain hadn't taken the opportunity to be interviewed he wouldn't have been able to get the message out to the huge Today show audience that things are better than the MSM is portraying and that he is proud of what he is doing. The military leadership in the Pentagon and in Iraq /Centcom needs to do a better job of getting the word out, seeking out interviews on TV, the Sunday news shows, getting their press conferences televised, etc and then explaining what is really going on and highlighting successes. But each individual soldier, sailor, airman and Marine can make a difference in the PR war if they take advantage of the opportunities to speak to the press. It is time to get proactive! I'm trying to do my little part like that lady who wrote to the NYT by sending the WashPost positive articles and photos everyday. If nothing else it might make them realize that there are other sources for information on Iraq outside of the AP and their reporters in the Green Zone.
All the best,
Debbie K

GO FOR IT!