War Coverage and Censorship
I first learned of the Iraqi war on Jan. 16 while watching CNN. Since that time I have watched the majority of the different briefings (Centcom, Pentagon, Saudi, etc.), and I have come to the conclusion that most of the reporters at these briefings do not understand or choose to ignore the realities of war.
Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge itself is power.” This is particularly true during times of war. The persistent questions asked the various briefing officers demonstrate an abysmal lack of the basic fundamentals of warfare. I suggest that any reporters who cover the military (in any way) study the writings of the following authors: Von Clausewitz, Sun-Tzu and Musashi. The Iraqi leadership is known to closely watch CNN. There can only be one reason for this, that is to get intelligence data that they would otherwise be unable to obtain. Some reporters have said that they have a right to know exactly what has happened and what future plans are; this is pure hogwash.
If the Iraqi leadership knows what we have done (or know) or plan to do, they are able to use this information against us. This would result in an increase in casualties and a prolongation of the war.
As a general rule I do not believe in censorship, but when a country is engaged in a war, it is a necessary evil.
LAURENCE N. BRUGGER
Lancaster
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