Stars and Stripes
I normally stay away from politics, but there is a rumor afoot, and I am compelled to express an opinion. With sequestration, and Department of Defense cutbacks, I am appalled at the notion that funding for the Stars and Stripes would be considered as an alternative. Having served around the world, this publication was often the Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marines’ only real news or link to the “real” world. It is often quite “unbiased” and contrary to popular belief, it is not propaganda. As a matter of fact, the Stars and Stripes often break stories impacting the military and their families, well before the “main stream” media gets wind of it. Most recently, their reporting revealed a pretty serious scandal in the Navy. In fact, they were speaking of the suspension of several senior officers (as in Flag Rank senior), days ahead of anyone else in the news. Similarly, they were reporting about the potential closing of commissaries in the United States, weeks before anyone else. How is this not important? It is my fervent belief that this publication is a vital service to both our military and their families, and it should be left completely untouched. It is my further belief that maybe it should be mandatory reading for some of our civilian leadership. If nothing else, it would educate them about the world where the men and women in the Armed Forces are now living. I would urge anyone who bothers to take the time, to read an issue. It is online at http://www.stripes.com and readily accessible to anyone. Once you’ve read it, pick up your phone to your Congressman or Senator, and tell them to protect the Stars and Stripes. It might be about the only thing these days keeping our leadership honest. ~ Michael S. Pauley
I normally stay away from politics, but there is a rumor afoot, and I am compelled to express an opinion. With sequestration, and Department of Defense cutbacks, I am appalled at the notion that funding for the Stars and Stripes would be considered as an alternative. Having served around the world, this publication was often the Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marines’ only real news or link to the “real” world. It is often quite “unbiased” and contrary to popular belief, it is not propaganda. As a matter of fact, the Stars and Stripes often break stories impacting the military and their families, well before the “main stream” media gets wind of it. Most recently, their reporting revealed a pretty serious scandal in the Navy. In fact, they were speaking of the suspension of several senior officers (as in Flag Rank senior), days ahead of anyone else in the news. Similarly, they were reporting about the potential closing of commissaries in the United States, weeks before anyone else. How is this not important? It is my fervent belief that this publication is a vital service to both our military and their families, and it should be left completely untouched. It is my further belief that maybe it should be mandatory reading for some of our civilian leadership. If nothing else, it would educate them about the world where the men and women in the Armed Forces are now living. I would urge anyone who bothers to take the time, to read an issue. It is online at http://www.stripes.com and readily accessible to anyone. Once you’ve read it, pick up your phone to your Congressman or Senator, and tell them to protect the Stars and Stripes. It might be about the only thing these days keeping our leadership honest. ~ Michael S. Pauley
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