Sec Def Gates: "The press is not the enemy, and to treat it as such is self-defeating."

[sabra]

http://www.defenselink.mil/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1154


United States Naval Academy Commencement
As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Annapolis, Maryland, Friday, May 25, 2007

<snip>

As officers, you will have a responsibility to communicate to those below you that the American military must be non-political and recognize the obligation we owe the Congress to be honest and true in our reporting to them. Especially when it involves admitting mistakes or problems.

The same is true with the press, in my view a critically important guarantor of our freedom. When it identifies a problem, as at Walter Reed, the response of senior leaders should be to find out if the allegations are true – as they were at Walter Reed – and if so, say so, and then act to remedy the problem. If untrue, then be able to document that fact. The press is not the enemy, and to treat it as such is self-defeating.

[CJCRANE]

1. I think this is why * wants a War Czar.

Gates isn't sticking to the Bushcon talking points.

[MidwestTransplant]

2. Freepers saddened

[eppur_se_muova]

Heckuva job Gatey! Here's your medal, now get out. nt

[eppur_se_muova]

3. "Heckuva job Gatey! Here's your medal, now get out." nt