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02 Apr 03 - 03:11 AM (#924261) Subject: BS: POW RESCUED From: Troll Here's a bit of good news. I think we can all agree on that. ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON (AP) - American troops on Tuesday rescued Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch, who had been held as a prisoner of war in Iraq since she and other members of her unit were ambushed March 23, the Defense Department announced. Lynch, 19, of Palestine, W.Va., had been missing with 11 other U.S. soldiers from the 507th Maintenance Company. The unit was ambushed near Nasiriyah after making a wrong turn during early fighting in the invasion of Iraq. Five other members of her unit were later shown on Iraqi television answering questions from their Iraqi captors. U.S. troops rescued Lynch near where her unit was ambushed, said Jean Offutt, a spokeswoman for Fort Bliss, Texas. The 507th Maintenance is based at Fort Bliss. Lynch had been listed as missing in action but was identified by the Pentagon Tuesday as a POW. She was not among the seven U.S. soldiers - including the five from the 507th shown on television - formally listed as prisoners of war. Offutt said she did not know whether Lynch had been wounded or when she might return to the United States. The rescued soldier's hometown erupted in celebration at the news. "They said it was going to be the biggest party this road had ever seen," Lynch's cousin Sherri McFee said as fire and police sirens blared in the background. "Everybody was really worried ... but we all remained hopeful and knew she would be home," McFee said. Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks at Central Command headquarters in Qatar announced that a U.S. POW had been rescued but refused to provide any further details. In a brief statement, Brooks said: "Coalition forces have conducted a successful rescue mission of a U.S. Army prisoner of war held captive in Iraq. The soldier has been returned to a coalition-controlled area." Central Command officials in Qatar, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Lynch was rescued from a hospital in Iraq. Fifteen other Americans are formally listed as missing. The other POWs include two Army Apache helicopter pilots captured March 24 after their helicopter went down. The 507th Maintenance was attacked during some of the first fighting in Nasiriyah, a Euphrates River-crossing city where sporadic battles have raged since U.S. troops first reached it. Troops and military officials have said much of the fighting there has involved members of the Fedayeen Saddam and other Iraqi paramilitaries who have dressed as civilians and ambushed Americans. Lynch, an aspiring teacher, joined the Army to get an education and take advantage of a rare opportunity in a farming community with an unemployment rate of 15 percent - one of the highest in West Virginia. She was also following in the footsteps of her older brother Gregory, a National Guard member based in Fort Bragg, N.C. Jessica enlisted through the Army's delayed-entry program before graduating from Wirt County High School in Elizabeth. "You would not believe the joys, cries, bawling, hugging, screaming, carrying on," said Lynch's cousin, Pam Nicolais, when asked Tuesday about the rescue. "You just have to be here." Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., called the rescue a miracle. "God watched over Jessica and her family," Rockefeller said through a spokesman in Washington. "All of West Virginia is rejoicing. This is an amazing tribute to the skill and courage of our military." Central Command spokesman Jim Wilkinson said: "We also have others, other POWs we are just as worried about. This is good news today but we need a lot more good news." "America doesn't leave its heroes behind," Wilkinson added. "Never has. Never will." troll |
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02 Apr 03 - 05:20 AM (#924319) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: katlaughing Never leaves them behind? That's why we still hear about them over in Viet Nam? This IS good news, though, thanks, Troll. May their "god" also watch out for the others. |
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02 Apr 03 - 08:58 AM (#924415) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Beccy I'm so happy she's safe. The latest news reports say that she is suffering a broken arm, 2 broken legs and a couple of gunshot wounds. That poor girl probably had no idea what was going to happen to her. I surely do hope that others are similarly rescued. Why put God in quotation marks, Kat? Do you really begrudge them crediting their faith in a moment like this? Beccy |
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02 Apr 03 - 09:15 AM (#924425) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Charley Noble Yes, I'm pleased that Jessica Lynch was rescued. We don't know yet if her rescue was a happy accident or the product of a deliberate search. However, I hope she fully recovers and that the media leaves her in peace, but they won't. Peace, Charley Noble |
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02 Apr 03 - 09:44 AM (#924444) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: JedMarum We do know that her rescue was the result of a deliberate search. A British reporter had a claim that a recently freed Iraqi had information that the POWs were being held in the hospital. The rescue effort was planned based upon that report. |
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02 Apr 03 - 09:46 AM (#924450) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: JedMarum I second the thank God sentiments above, and agree with Kat - that prayers for safety, well-being and freedom be extended to all people. |
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02 Apr 03 - 11:35 AM (#924543) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Troll Word is that the rescue team was taken to 11 other bodies, two in the hospital morgue and the others in a grave nearby. It is thought that at least two were Americans but there has been no ID as yet on any of them. Forensics is working on it. "Never leaves them behind? That's why we still hear about them over in Viet Nam?" We never leave them behind IF we can find them kat. Sometimes it's not possible to find your wounded or dead and the reasons are many and varied. But we don't stop looking until ALL hope is gone or death is proven. troll |
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02 Apr 03 - 12:08 PM (#924569) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: GUEST,Norton1 Jan and I were both cheering this at the news last night! The story from Central Command is that an Iraqi citizen slipped a note to one of the troops and told the troop that "she is being torured." The note even gave the exact room she was in. MSNBC has a video on it - very cool - What's the matter Sis - having a tough day? This is out of sorts for you. God has a capital "G" at the front of the word no matter whose it is. I'm not giving you a hard time - just saying let's celebrate the positive in this craziness - Love Ya Sis Steve |
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02 Apr 03 - 02:22 PM (#924670) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: katlaughing Love you, too, Bro and thanks, but it doesn't have a capital "g" in my book unless I am modifying it with other monikers.:-) And, yes, the past couple of days have been a bit trying, 3D-wise.:-) luvyakatSis |
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02 Apr 03 - 04:34 PM (#924751) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Bev and Jerry Damn, Troll, this is the second posting we've seen today where we completely agree with you. Who would have thought? Bev and Jerry |
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02 Apr 03 - 05:32 PM (#924793) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Walking Eagle O'sda Utugi for Stacey. |
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02 Apr 03 - 06:48 PM (#924850) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Mrrzy Since it seems it was the armed forces that got her out, I'd credit the real people involved, personally, and bully for them, says the pacifist anyway. |
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02 Apr 03 - 06:55 PM (#924856) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: SINSULL My prayers go out for her and her family. May god or God or Allah or whoever watch over the brave, kind person responsible for her rescue. |
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02 Apr 03 - 09:12 PM (#924924) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Uncle_DaveO The word "god" may be either a common noun or a proper noun. If that word is used as a name of a diety, or if it is essentially a title for the regnant diety of a culture, it takes a capital G. If it is used as the name of a class of referent, such as "a god", or "their god" (in other words, a common noun), it takes a lower case G. Kat was correct in her capitalization, although I can't think of a formal reason for the quotes. Dave Oesterreich |
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02 Apr 03 - 09:24 PM (#924932) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Bobert Well danged! Don't mess with these Wes Ginny gals. I'm glad as all get out that we got this one back. Hard to find 'em under 200 pounds 'round these parts! Awww, jus funnin'. Ya' can do that with good news. But seriously, this is wonderful news but I did say a prayer for the families of the 11 folks whose bodies were found. Bobert |
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02 Apr 03 - 11:40 PM (#924993) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: katlaughing thanks dave for the info no formal reason at all for the quotation marks in general i think we all need to get off each others backs for the little things mudcat seems so edgy and carpy lately katmaybegoingtoalleecummingsmode |
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04 Apr 03 - 10:00 AM (#926039) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Charley Noble Hmmm? Someone is not keeping to the script. Now it appears that the doctors examining Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch can find no gunshot or knife wounds. Which version of the facts do you suppose will be in the Reader's Digest or in the inevitable movie? Well, damn it, she's still damn lucky to have survived the ambush, the sucessful rescue, and I wish her well. I do hope she survives the media campaign. Charley Noble |
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04 Apr 03 - 10:20 AM (#926052) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Rick Fielding Poor little sod. She's fucking 19 years old! Man, I hope those dead bodies aren't the rest of the ones that were shown on Al Jazirra. Did anyone notice how CNN kept the camera on one shot for hours last night. Two Iraqi tanks with smoke coming out of them. Two guesses to what was inside burning. Another visual image that won't leave my mind is that "Shoshana"(sic) girl. Eyes darting back and forth...scared shitless. ***************************************************** Regarding "The Movie". You bet it's being written right now. Ten to one they'll go with the first (inaccurate) account, or simply make up a third. Damn all this. Rick |
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04 Apr 03 - 10:43 AM (#926068) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: catspaw49 Please read THIS STORY which is also being reported by CNN and vouched for by the Marines. Assuming it's true and I personally believe it is, THIS is the definition of courage. We all want to believe that we would do the same but do we know for sure? This man and his family risk all for one American kid....and a female no less. Considering their jobs I assume they are better educated than many Iraqis, but even so the old cultural/religious prejudices exist. In any case I think this defines real courage.....at least for me. As Bush rambles on about the courage of our soldiers I think he owes more than a passing nod to this man. Just amazing............ Spaw |
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04 Apr 03 - 01:42 PM (#926201) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Beccy Absolutely amazing!!!! I hope Mohammed and his family are being protected. That is AMAZING courage that he showed. God bless him and his family. Thank you for posting the blicky, Spaw. Beccy |
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04 Apr 03 - 02:02 PM (#926217) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: katlaughing Thanks, Spaw. If they do make a movie, that's who the bulk of it should be about! |
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04 Apr 03 - 05:28 PM (#926348) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Charley Noble Nicely posted, Spaw. That appears to be the rest of the story, really one brave Iraqi. Maybe the actor representing him will get a best supporting role, and will donate his award to Mohammad. Charley Noble |
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05 Apr 03 - 12:39 AM (#926529) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: GUEST,Boab Aye Troll---good news, indeed;but much less significant for the likes of me than the death or mutilation of just ONE completely innocent Iraqi infant. Bless the young lady I'm glad she was rescued; but face it---it has been played to death in the propaganda war. |
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05 Apr 03 - 09:36 AM (#926627) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Charley Noble Well, now there's a report in my reliable morning paper re-confirming bullet wounds. I wish they'd make up their minds. Charley Noble |
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13 Apr 03 - 11:05 AM (#932380) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Jeri I would have thought someone would have posted this. Perhaps they did, and I'll be happy to make this post go away. I hear from CNN that 7 POWs have been released by Iraqi soldiers and have been recovered by US troops. These are the folks we saw in that Al Jazeera film, including Shoshanna. |
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13 Apr 03 - 02:57 PM (#932509) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: SINSULL Last I heard, Mohammed and family were dropped at a refugee camp. Hardly seems a suitable "Thank You". Anyone have an update? |
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15 May 03 - 07:40 AM (#953003) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: GUEST,Jon Looks like the BBC is to show a program "War Spin" "Saving Private Lynch story 'flawed'". |
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15 May 03 - 08:47 AM (#953032) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Greg F. When are we going to see some coverage on the rescue and repatriation of Iraqi POW's? |
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15 May 03 - 09:40 AM (#953065) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Grab So I think we can agree that this is NOT good news... Any gunshot wounds this girl has were inflicted by American troops when the hospital staff tried to transport her back home, and the "heroic" US troops only stormed a building they knew several days earlier was occupied only by hospital workers. To quote a US general at the time: "Some brave souls put their lives on the line to make this happen, loyal to a creed that they know that they'll never leave a fallen comrade." And some "brave souls" enjoy pretending to be strong and brave, whilst in fact they're cowardly little bullies. What a farce. If I was a member of the US military, I'd be utterly ashamed of this. Graham. |
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15 May 03 - 11:11 AM (#953124) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: katlaughing Thanks for the link, Jon. Here's another from a Toronto paper's correspondent for the Balochistan Post which is more extensive an quite interesting. Now, it seems they aren't even claiming she has amnesia, just that she's basically under a gag order, so to speak. Unreal. |
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15 May 03 - 11:31 AM (#953133) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: GUEST Hell yes she's under a gag order. The Iraqis were the least of her worries. Hundreds of firefighters in NYC are under gag orders because THEY HEARD BOMBS GOING OFF IN THE WTC. |
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15 May 03 - 11:32 AM (#953135) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: GUEST,Mars "But Iraqi doctors in Nasiriya say they provided the best treatment they could for the soldier in the midst of war. She was assigned the only specialist bed in the hospital and one of only two nurses on the floor." Right. And I'm supposed to believe that because...? You all are unbelievable. This young woman risked her life. What if she was your daughter, your sister, your friend? What if she was you? Give me a break. |
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15 May 03 - 12:01 PM (#953164) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Gervase Mars, what if...? You mean, if she was, we'd be expected to swallow a lie? You've lost me there, I'm afraid! |
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15 May 03 - 01:41 PM (#953219) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: GUEST,Mars I'm saying that if she was... I doubt you would appreciate the way her story is being handled. But obviously it's easier for you all to just believe every negative thing you're told. It's so EASY to believe there must be a gag order ---- sure, that's why we don't know the whole story. Right! Of course. The Evil Empire and their Gag Orders. Sometimes it is hard to know who's telling the truth and who isn't; it's difficult to separate myth from fact. Put yourself in her shoes. Put yourself in her family's shoes. |
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15 May 03 - 01:45 PM (#953222) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: katlaughing Hmmm, Mars says Sometimes it is hard to know who's telling the truth and who isn't; it's difficult to separate myth from fact. yet ridicules those of us who question the party line?! |
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15 May 03 - 01:54 PM (#953227) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: GUEST,Mars I'm not ridiculing anyone's questioning. I'm riciduling what appears to be nothing more than blind following of a story that may or may not be true, on the word of the Iraqi hospital workers who were probably under threats from Saddam. Why is it so hard to believe that a young woman recovering from a traumatic experience simply doesn't want to talk about it? Why does it have to be "oh it must be a gag order." Maybe she just isn't ready. |
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15 May 03 - 01:58 PM (#953231) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: artbrooks Come-on, folks, the nay-saying is getting a bit out of hand. She was captured by the Iraqi army, so, by definition,she was a prisoner of war. She was provided appropriate medical care, as required by international law. The BBC says that the American army knew the Iraqi army left the night before they pulled off their raid? So, should they have knocked on the door and walked in unarmed? And if they had come back, what then? My own experience with the media leads me to disbelieve anything they say. and that includes the BS comments about her fighting until her last bullet was gone as well as the ones about her having bullet wounds when she was captured. The first real report on her condition described her as having a broken arm and leg, exactly as her condition was described by the Iraqi doctor in this article. Find another victim, people. This is a nineteen year old who deserves something better. |
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15 May 03 - 02:04 PM (#953234) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: katlaughing If she doesn't want to speak about it, fine, then they should say so. Most people would understand and respect that. It's the conflicting reports of first, amnesia, and now the following *pronouncement* which make for skepticism and my use of *gag* order (bold text is my emphasis): At the Pentagon last week, U.S. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ryan Yantis said the door to Lynch remains closed as she continues her recovery at Washington's Walter Reed Army Medical Center. "Until such time as she wants to talk — and that's going to be no time soon, and it may be never at all — the press is simply going to have to wait." I don't know about you, but I have two uncles who went to their graves with military and government secrets because they were told to keep them and also warned of what might happen if they did not. My father and brother both had high security clearance in the government and military respectively and were likewise sworn to secrecy. If one of their superiors was quoted as hers is above, you can bet they'd consider themselves further gagged, no questions asked. kat |
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15 May 03 - 02:23 PM (#953238) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Doug_Remley It sounds a bit like the movie "Wag the Dog" and I wouldn't put it past GB Jr to do something like that. Thanks for the links. |
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15 May 03 - 02:34 PM (#953246) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Marion Pardon me for a dumb question, but for most of April I was out of the country and out of touch with the news: What happened with the other American POWs? Were any more found alive? Thanks, Marion |
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15 May 03 - 03:20 PM (#953272) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Kim C The other 7 from Jessica Lynch's unit were found alive, if I remember right. I think one of the problems with Instant Media is that inaccurate reports travel fast, and they get out before the reporters really have time to check the facts. Then they have to backtrack, and we're all left scratching our heads. I think it's just a matter of "we have to deliver something to the public FAST so let's open mouth before we engage brain." The ensuing damage control doesn't do anything for anyone's credibility. I also think we ought to let Jessica Lynch alone. I haven't forgotten what I was like when I was 19. Sheesh. Don't worry - there will be a TV movie, betcha before Christmas. |
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15 May 03 - 04:12 PM (#953301) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: artbrooks Can we, BTW, get a source for that quote which some seem to think means she is under a gag order? I think I'd give the "Balochistan Post" rather less credence than many other media sources. They are, after all, the people who said US accusations against Bin Laden for masterminding these terrorist attacks would not convince anybody who has even a slightest idea about the situation from which Afghanistan is currently passing through after 9/11, which would make me think they are not entirely neutral. Quote is here. |
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15 May 03 - 04:22 PM (#953307) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: TIA Yes, let's leave Jessica Lynch alone. But, let's not infer that that means we shouldn't question the government. Questioning the truth of the media reality TV version of the story does not impugn Jessica Lynch or her behaviour, or courage or whatever in any fashion. If we are told that we can't question the government's/media's story because it would be disrespectful to a 19 year old serviceperson, that fits the pattern of being told that we can't question the government's reasons for going to war without aiding and abetting the enemy, or being told that we can't question the existence of Iraqi W's of MD without implying that the Iraqis were better off under Saddam. Not just dissent, but even questioning, seems to be stifled at every turn in the new USA. |
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15 May 03 - 04:36 PM (#953321) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: artbrooks I though I was fairly aware, so please tell me who has stiffled either questioning or dissent (with the exception of dissenting by standing/sitting in the middle of a street)? |
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15 May 03 - 04:43 PM (#953325) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: katlaughing art, I am looking at the DoD site now to try to confrim the quote. However, it is important to note that this article, written by Mitch Potter of the Toronto SUN, was published in the Toronto STAR and the St Catharine somethingorother (sorry can't read my handwriting notes) in Canada a week before it appeared in the Balochistan paper. |
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15 May 03 - 05:01 PM (#953344) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: katlaughing Well, I cannot find an original source for that particular quote, but I am satisfied of the veracity of the story, after researching the it more. Here is further reading on it, from different sources: Not our only Iraq POW from Talequah, OK; Interesting UK Guardian report; BBC report and info on their upcoming show War Spin. I think it is interesting that the producer of the tv show COPS was on board with the Pentagon advising them on setting up and producing the reality show Stories from the Front Line or whatever it was called. It's mentioned in the links I provided, as well as info on him. |
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15 May 03 - 05:02 PM (#953346) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: TIA try here just for starters |
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15 May 03 - 05:22 PM (#953358) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: TIA More info. on suppression of questioning and dissent one two three older but relevant |
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15 May 03 - 05:22 PM (#953359) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: artbrooks Well, TIA, the only item in that report, the one involving demonstrators at the University of New Mexico, that I know anything about is entirely untrue...I was there. I cannot say anything about any of the other claims. |
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15 May 03 - 05:22 PM (#953360) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Jeri The way I remember it, it was first reported she had gunshot wounds, and later that that had been a mistake - no gunshot wounds. I heard it on the news. Heard (the news again) about the attempted delivery which was screwed up because ambulances had proven to be good ambush ploys and the crew didn't speak English very well. There's a whole lot of spinning going on, but it doesn't appear to be ONLY one side doing it. |
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15 May 03 - 05:42 PM (#953367) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: TIA There are lots of other examples. Can they all be entirely untrue? Not challenging, just questioning. |
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15 May 03 - 05:44 PM (#953369) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Charley Noble I don't have a lot of hope for "truth" in the script that goes with the TV movie, or movies, that I'm sure we'll be offered in the fall. I have even less hope for the mental health of Jessica Lynch who will have no privacy to recover from what must have been a desparate war experience. I'm sure our military was delighted with the original "story line", even if they didn't compose it. What a story, ready made for Reader's Digest. The real story, I'm convinced, will eventually come out and boil down to a very minor skirmish in a much larger military adventure. Charley Noble |
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15 May 03 - 05:49 PM (#953373) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: katlaughing Anyone know the usual hospital stay for broken legs and one arm? Honestly just wondering. If I were her I'd be so sick of the hospital AND want to go home. |
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15 May 03 - 06:10 PM (#953384) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar Everybody seems to accept it as normal that a teenager who wants to become a teacher has to join an organisation which makes her a trained killer in order to pay for her teacher training. Is it my values that are warped, or is that a slightly sick system? |
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15 May 03 - 07:17 PM (#953416) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: artbrooks She was a clerk in a vehicle maintenance unit. |
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15 May 03 - 08:01 PM (#953443) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: GUEST,Jon I'll watch the BBC documentary with interest. I wouldn't put dressing up a documentary to make a stronger case for thier own story beyond them but I do think they are fairer than most of the media. Spin Jeri, yes, I think there has been spin from all sides and one of the most sickening things of this Iraq business to me is that I have no faith in our own side (ie US and UK governments) for honesty even though I see Saddam and his supporters as evil shits (to put it mildly)... |
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15 May 03 - 08:22 PM (#953451) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Forum Lurker artbrooks-She might not have been combat infantry, but it's still embarassing that she had to take one form of service for the country, and a particularly low status form thereof, to be able to afford to give a second, more important, and often even lower status form of service. We should be PAYING people who want to be teachers, not making them risk their lives for the privilege. |
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15 May 03 - 08:46 PM (#953467) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Jeri Jon, I don't trust many people who are in front of TV cameras to tell the truth. As I get older, I get more and more fed up with deceptive tactics that seem transparent. I fondly remember remember reporters who at leased seemed to be trying to be imparial. I also get fed up with the fact so many buy one point of view lock, stock & barrel, and will believe anything which supports it. |
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15 May 03 - 11:50 PM (#953541) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Doug_Remley Maintenance clerk or not she had basic training. Is the "spirit of the bayonet still 'kill!kill!kill!?'" or is that politically incorrect in today's coed Army? Seems the policy is still "rifle (person) first, something else second". Her detachment might have been hit by friendly fire as a significant percentage of casualties were. The BBC filed and PRINTED a report concerning the hospital staff's accounts and mock, filmed engagement. I doubt they would do that without considering both legal and international ramifications. |
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16 May 03 - 08:49 AM (#953695) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: artbrooks The Iraqi hospital's side of the story is hardly new. It was reported by the Washington Post about a month ago, and here is a copy of that story from the Seattle Times. I really don't know how much bayonet training they get in Basic these days, but I guess I could ask my daughter. I think I had about 2 hours worth in 1967. That's really not the point. The whole rescue thing, whether you choose to put quotes around "rescue" or not, was a two-day sensation and is now properly over. Her father has made it clear that the family dosn't want to discuss it and the military has made it clear that they don't either, both on its own behalf and speaking for her as a soldier. IMHO, the media should go looking for its sensations and soundbites elsewhere. |
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16 May 03 - 10:02 AM (#953738) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Kim C Like it or not, the US military offers educational opportunities that some people cannot afford by any other means. That some people who really want to go to collage are unable to afford a higher education in the US, is certainly not the military's fault. There are only so may scholarships to go around. I have a friend who is in the Army, and is getting a business degree, while he works full-time training guard and reserve troops. Lucky for him he's single because otherwise, he doesn't have much of a life. Work. School. Work. School. And he is hardly a deranged "kill! kill! kill!" type. Yes, we should be paying people who want to be teachers. Remember, though, it's college athletic coaches who make the big bucks. But that's another story for another thread. |
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16 May 03 - 10:41 AM (#953762) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: katlaughing Sorry, art, I have to disagree. The media is just fine when the gov./mil. want to feed it their brand of news, but when they try to get to the *real* story, they are supposed to forget it and go look for more sensationalist stuff to cover? What, the next sound byte/reality shots from the military or next shrub-landing? I understand and respect the family's request for privacy, but the military's stance and her still being in the hospital raise a few questions, in my mind, and I am glad the media has reported the other accounts. I hope someday we know the truth of it all. Just my opinion, of course. |
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16 May 03 - 11:04 AM (#953776) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Forum Lurker Kim C.-It's possible that if we didn't spend so godawfully much on our military, we'd be able to afford scholarships for teachers. |
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16 May 03 - 11:14 AM (#953783) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Kim C Maybe so, FL, but don't most scholarships come from private endowments anyway? Mine did. |
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16 May 03 - 12:44 PM (#953852) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: The O'Meara There's nothing new about the military or the government using the media for their own purposes if they can, for example the re-staging of the flag raising on Iwo Jima for the photographers, or John Kerry's own comment on his award of the Medal of Honor "Nixon needed a hero..." (In Viet Nam us army grunts had a joke to the effect that a Marine Corps " re-enforced rifle platoon" was the same as a regular one except it had two extra photographers and a sound man.) I really don't know if if trying to "use" the media is a good thing or a bad thing. It seems to have helped the war effort during WWII. And it isn't all that hard to do. The media thrives on sensationalism, and is more than happy to exaggerate the hell out of a story in order to sell more newspapers or get more air time (The Blizzard of the Century with theme music) or to be the first with the inside story, true or not. The fact that story of "The Rescue of Private Lynch" has been wildly exaggerated by the media and helped along by the military shouldn't come as a big surprise. But I really despise the fact that such things happen and feel very sorry for Ms Lynch who like it or not is caught in the middle. O'Meara |
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16 May 03 - 12:59 PM (#953862) Subject: RE: BS: POW RESCUED From: Grab Art, the purpose of the media is not to report "two day sensations", it's to report what's actually happening. Whether it happens in a media market dominated by a few major players is a matter for discussion, but that is the basic purpose of having a free media. I don't have a problem with her wanting to stay out of it - it wasn't her (or her family) that created this. But if the military go to the trouble of creating a "media event" one day, you can't call foul when the same media report later that actually it was all a snow job. Thanks for the link to that news article. As you say, it seems it's not a new story; however this is the first that most of us have heard of it. Graham. |