Latest Media Distortion AP Says Wes Clark Just another Vietnam Vet
Submitted by JoeColo on August 14, 2007 - 7:47pm.
Media
Worst of Today’s Media Articles ???
Latest Corporate Media Distortion –
According to the Associated Press - Wes Clark is just a Vietnam Vet!!!!!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070814/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_iraq_vet_vs_vet
Another Irritating example of the MSM to minimize the experience and authoritative nature of all opposition to the Neocons.
IMHO - Kinda like saying Winston Churchill was a veteran of the Boer Wars....(which he was - just like Clark was a Vietnam Vet) or like FDR was Assistant Secretary of the Navy......
It IS interesting in that the article compares Vote Vets to Vets For Freedom –
See this article exposing this Right-wing “Astroturf’ Veterans group.
As usual MSM fail to do their research or mention it – thus – the AP gives equal or greater credibility to another one of these “Faux” groups.
http://www.seeingtheforest.com/archives/2006/08/behind_the_fron_1.htm
For example – This "non-partisan" organization’s website was designed by The Donatelli Group/Campaign Solutions, which previously had worked with the infamous Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, as well as the White House-associated Judicial Confirmation Network, yet another well-financed, party-affiliated front group. Other Donatelli Group/Campaign Solutions clients include Bush-Cheney 2004, The Republican National Committee, the 2004 Republican National Convention, several state Republican Party organizations, the Republican Attorneys General Association, the National Republican Congressional Committee, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Citizens for a Sound Economy and Tom DeLay. (To really get the picture go see the whole list. Really.)
Thanks, Lee
...have said "Retired four star Gen. Clark"?
Maybe a letter or two to the AP is in order.
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
Wes Clark -- Don't settle for less.
Make America All It Can Be!
Now maybe everyone doesn't know that, but if he wasn't a four star general, it would have said retired Lt. Gen, or retired Major General, or retired Brig. General. So, no, the AP didn't have to say retired four star Gen. Clark, and no, I don't think letters to AP are in order.
...but the term "General" is ambiguous in many contexts. A three-star has the rank of Lt. General, but one addresses him as "General" and is often referred to simply as "General."
When I was in the Navy (and this may have changed), an officer of the rank of Lt. Commander and below was addressed as "Mister." But I was taught that to make everything clear, officers like me should be introduced formally in something like this fashion: "We welcome Lieutenant Stanley M. Davis. Mr. Davis is..." That specifies both the rank and the way to talk to me.
However, when I answered the phone on an outside line, my spiel in my second job was, "Destroyer Squadron TWO staff, Lt. Davis speaking, how may I help you sir?" (One always assumes the caller is senior to the one answering the phone.)
Stan Davis
Lakewood, CO
Wes Clark -- Don't settle for less.
Make America All It Can Be!
asking why the writer found it so difficult to give Wes his due as the SACEUR and head of NATO. It was a slight and, IMHO, done on purpose. That's how AP operates with regard to Wes Clark. Mentioning his resumé would have put Soltz's organization at a different level than the neo-con's counterpoint organization.
Wes Clark 08 For Real Leadership!
Exactly What I meant - The Corporate media's "playing field" has been tilted in the Corporate Interests favor vs. the Common Good - this last 10 years at minimum. Opposition from a Former SACEUR & NATO commander has just...slightly more credibility and "gravitas" than just a "Vietnam Vet".
The lack of "Fact-checking", half-truths, withholding of Spying Scandals before elections, ignoring a undeniablly stolen presidency in the last election in Mexico, use of Think Tank "Experts" - e.g. even NPR's use of the American Enterprise Institue's spokesmen as "experts, the list goes on endlessly.
This article focused on the two vets' groups.
Both Jon Soltz and votevets got very decent coverage by AP
The topic was not General Clark or his resume, which would have been a distraction from the story.
I see no slight here.
General Clark, Sir, please step to the podium.
It's a frame of reference. I wouldn't read anything into it.