I figure they ought to be thankful for the fact that they have not yet been lynched for their perfidy.
(I have never subscribed to the notion that journalists are, or have to be, objective (whatever that means). But we do have to show fairness, especially to our most bitter adversaries. Why? Because an exhibition of fairness personifies that elusive quality known simply as good journalism.)
The reason journalists are getting into trouble is because they have not kept up with the above standards.
As for the salute to journalists who covered Afghanistan and Iraq...they have done so with a complete lack of fairness and integrity.