[financeprof]

I agree with Owens, but his article is an implicit condemnation of the terrible job the Pentagon and administration are doing in educating and informing the American people. Providing us with some broad understanding of what is going on in Iraq would not compromise operational security. The terrorists who are under attack are pretty much aware of the fact. The usual reporting that focuses only on US casualties suggests that the terrorists have the initiative. They clearly are taking the initiative in some ways, but we are in others, and this deserves emphasis. Indeed, I believe most Americans would be more supportive of the effort if it is emphasized that offensive operations are necessary to reduce the enemy's future ability to impose his will. Right now, it too often appears that American blood is being shed for no strategic purpose. We can only lose in Iraq if our will falters. The terrorists know this too--it animates every aspect of their strategy and tactics. To sustain the citizenry's will it is necessary to help them understand what is happening on the ground and how that relates to a broader strategy.

[SevenMinusOne]

I agree with Owens, but his article is an implicit condemnation of the terrible job the Pentagon and administration are doing in educating and informing the American people. Providing us with some broad understanding of what is going on in Iraq would not compromise operational security. The terrorists who are under attack are pretty much aware of the fact. The usual reporting that focuses only on US casualties suggests that the terrorists have the initiative. They clearly are taking the initiative in some ways, but we are in others, and this deserves emphasis. Indeed, I believe most Americans would be more supportive of the effort if it is emphasized that offensive operations are necessary to reduce the enemy's future ability to impose his will. Right now, it too often appears that American blood is being shed for no strategic purpose. We can only lose in Iraq if our will falters. The terrorists know this too--it animates every aspect of their strategy and tactics. To sustain the citizenry's will it is necessary to help them understand what is happening on the ground and how that relates to a broader strategy.

You are exactly right - The WH (and more so the entire RNC) have done a piss-poor job with the PR battle here at home - Talking up our purpose and our successes - There is NO intensity behind the WH or RNC when it comes to fighting the PR war back here at home (yet they ask our soldiers to fight 24/7 over there - which are soldiers do proudly!).

The WH and RNC need to get some intensity behind stating the facts and repeating over and over our successes. That is not a military job.