To call him "my" Senator would be a misnomer

Last week I signed a petition on Freepress.net about the DOD/military industry-backed "experts" being hired by the media. Or, would it be more appropriate to say they are backing the DOD/military industry? Either way, the petition basically and in much more gentle terms than I would have chosen asked that congress investigate whether anything illegal had taken place. The following is Senator (gag) DeMint's response. First he says these "experts" aren't being paid by the DOD, so the DOD has done nothing improper. Longstoryshort, they're credentialed folks with ulterior motives identified and filtered to the media by the DOD, so this maybe technically true. He then says, provided that yadda yadda, the DOD "should be given opportunities to explain its side of the debate," which sounds an awful lot like an admission to me. Finally, Senator (ugh) Demint writes that they have suspended the program...even though it is really there to serve our best interest. Thanks, Jimmy! FU too.

"The Framers knew that free speech is the friend of change and revolution. But they also knew that it is always the deadliest enemy of tyranny"--Hugo Black


Dear Mr. Liebert,

Thank you for contacting me regarding a recent New York Times article on the Pentagon's efforts to communicate the successes of the Global War on Terror to the American people. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

As you may know, some journalists have accused the Department of Defense (DOD) of using military analysts to spread positive messages regarding the plans and progress in Iraq. However, these analysts are employed by the media outlets they consult and not DOD. Provided regulations are followed and journalists can ask tough questions of senior leaders and get answers, DOD should be given opportunities to explain its side of the debate on the Global War on Terror.

You may be pleased to know, DOD has temporarily suspended its outreach to military retirees who serve as analysts for media outlets in order to review the program and ensure it does not violate DOD policy. This program is intended to supply media outlets with information and access, in addition to the numerous journalists currently imbedded with military units operating in combat zones.

Thank you again for sharing your concerns with me. Please feel free to contact me again in the future with anything important to you in the future. It is an honor to serve you and the people of South Carolina.

Sincerely,
Jim DeMint
United States Senator