What caught me was an exchange I heard yesterday with the guy in the Marine unit (paraphrased):
Reporter: "No burning oil wells so far."
Anchor: "We're not supposed to get any specific location information, but can we assume that since you are in a position to see oil wells you are here (GIS map flyby to logical oil well location)."
Probably does more to heighten the fear among Iraqi leaders than it really gives anything away. In fact, if it draws Iraqi forces out into the open it would be a great thing.
It did bug me during the 7th Cav coverage when they called up the Company Commander’s wife and interviewed her while the vehicles were moving live. I cringed when the anchor said something like: “I wonder if we could get your husband on the line…” Being infinitely wiser than this love muffin she responded, “No, I want him to stay focused on his mission so he can come home safely.”
I hope the broadcast media shows the promised restraint if they get into heavy contact and start taking casualties. Of course, I hope we see the real test in some other war.
It is an odd new world. Like the Israeli mothers calling their son’s on their cell phones during basic training.
Charon
