Letter: Positive events in Iraq are going unreported

Monday, Oct. 13, 2003 | 9:17 a.m.

The news media is still at it, distorting the truth and trying to sway public opinion. They don't report the news, they create it. I'm talking about irresponsible reporting of the events in Iraq. It makes me wonder whose side they are on. Each day they report the failure of our very own American troops. Everything that happens there caused by supporters of Saddam is blamed on our troops.

Media representatives have also offered their opinion that our American troops have failed and could never win a war against a worthy opponent. Recently they reported a list of our troop failures from start to now. Is this fair and responsible journalism, to constantly attack our own troops in the press? Why are they trying to turn us against ourselves? They have done more to create fear in this country than any terrorist could hope for. Even some in the public think the Iraqi people don't want us there. How wrong they are!

My son has been serving there since February and has traveled from Kuwait to Baghdad and north. Everywhere he goes, throngs of citizens chant "USA, USA" and shake the troops' hands. They want the same freedom we have and know our troops are the only ones who can provide it.

Does the media report that? Never! They only report the negative response from one citizen. Why aren't they fairer in their reporting? Our freedom is no good unless it applies to all. Let's not desert those who want it.

KENT RIRIE