Words or Deeds?

“To put it simply, we need to worry a lot less about how to communicate our actions and much more about what our actions communicate.” This assessment of America’s efforts to counter extremist Islamist ideology comes from Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (pictured above). He astutely notes that deeds, not…… Continue reading Words or Deeds?

Inauthentic Generals

As one agency trumpets its new mantra of “authenticity,” we learn today just how deeply our government has subverted authenticity to sell its war-time policies.In a 7600-word investigative piece on page A1 of today’s New York Times, reporter Doug Barstow outlines the extent to which this administration took (fairly standard) public relations techniques and nefariously…… Continue reading Inauthentic Generals

PR Pressure at the Pentagon

Politico’s Mike Allen reported yesterday that the Pentagon will hire ABC-TV News reporter Geoff Morrell, 38, in a public relations capacity. “The official said that a working journalist was chosen by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in an effort to improve press relations at a time when the administration is under pressure to show progress…… Continue reading PR Pressure at the Pentagon

The Fog of War

Happy Memorial Day everyone. Hmmm, isn’t that an oxymoronic expression, especially when one considers the constraints placed on journalists by a DoD intent on restricting coverage of this war, and by so doing, dishonoring those who sacrificed their lives and livelihoods fighting it?This is from The Times’s David Carr’s “Media Equation” column today: “If Joseph…… Continue reading The Fog of War