Posted on 04/14/2006 4:39:10 AM PDT by governsleastgovernsbest
by Mark Finkelstein
April 14, 2006
Who says NBC won't highlight the accomplishments of the US military? Why just this morning the Today show had on as its very first guest a recently retired general, John Batiste.
Oh, wait. The purpose of inviting him was to provide a platform for his call for the ouster of Defense Secretary Rumsfeld. Again we see the pattern illustrated yesterday with Newt Gingrich's appearance. See Iraq Knock Nets Newt Net Nod. Republicans, military folks, etc. are welcome on Today - so long as they're prepared to take shots at the Bush administration and its policies.
There is no reason to doubt Batiste's sincerity. He said that his motivation is the servicemen and women and their families. He stated that he had come forward to demand "accountability for a war plan was built to invade Iraq but failed to build the peace. Accountability for what happenened at Abu Ghraib. Accountability for a leadership style that which is intimidating, abusive. It was not a two-way street of respect."
Batiste stated he had no political agenda. That such is not also true of Couric was made evident from her question:
"At the same time though, the President, as you well know, General, is the Commander-in-Chief. Why reserve all your criticism for Donald Rumsfeld and hold all your fire when it comes to the President himself?"
Batiste: "My focus is on the Dept. of Defense - it's what I know."
Katie's other complaint: why didn't you start bashing sooner? "I guess if you had concerns about this from the get-go. If you had come out publicly you might have been successful in shaping public opinion far earlier than you are now."
Batiste: "Back then I was a one-star general. I doubt there would have been many people who would have listened to this voice."
Again, there's no reason to doubt Batiste's sincerity. But it's sad to see the MSM reveling in their words to further their own political agenda.
Finkelstein lives in Ithaca, NY, where he hosts the award-winning public-access TV show 'Right Angle'. Contact him at: mark@gunhill.net
Today Show/NewsBusters ping.
Today Show/NewsBusters ping.
It has pissed the media off that none of the 6 generals have attacked the president.
could please put me on the ping list for newsbusters? thanks
Pure bull crap!
The drive-by media would have jumped at the chance.
Really?
"If you had come out publicly you might have been successful in shaping public opinion far earlier than you are now.""
SO, Katie admits enabling this guy to shape public opinion.
Got it!
Not that I know of. Do you have a reason? If we find that next week Batiste announces his candidacy for Congress as a Dem . . .
Tom Friedman discussing the NYT article with Imus.
Friedman doesn't have a good answer for why it is happening now but he does point out that during Vietnam it was the lower ranking vets who led the anti-war movement, and now it's the veteran generals who are doing it.
Wrong, Friedman. The generals are not anti-war. They appear to be anti-Rumsfeld.
The guy claims he saw the problem five years ago but just now stepped up to address it. Five years ago was before 9/11.
Katie, you slut!
You expect us to believe that?
Who is Katie?
Thanks for reporting on the dying media. John Batiste should take his case to the internet if he is so concerned, and offer concrete solutions in the marketplace of ideas. He would be much more effective than the time slot he is given by the "drive by media".
You said,""""Again, there's no reason to doubt Batiste's sincerity.""""
I disagree! There's plenty of reason to doubt Batiste's sincerity.....his integrity....and his basic honesty.
Read what Batiste was saying while he still wore the uniform and led soldiers in Iraq.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jan2005/n01132005_2005011302.html
The MSM, instead of applauding this snake, should be challenging his despicable assertions, which he's making AFTER his fat retirement checks are guaranteed.
Hey Rummy, OK if I dis you today? I can get some good face-time on TV if I hurry. Reply ASAP!!
Your # 13 picture.....I've never seen a dress decorated with M&Ms.
It would be nice if all these retired generals called for all out war, gloves off. But Katie wouldn't like that.
Is Batiste a bundle of contradictions?
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