CJR/McLeary Responds

Posted By Laughing_Wolf

Via both Baldilocks and CDR. Salamander, comes what appears to be a sincere -- if profoundly troubling -- mea culpa in regards this.

I have to admit, I had wondered how this came to be. As Blackfive noted in an e-mail yesterday, this is the same Paul McLeary who had interviewed him for Blog of War. At the same time, however, not much surprises me in terms of old media bias, arrogance, or ignorance about the military, intelligence, or other "esoteric" beats.

Mr. McLeary, you have indeed stepped in it. We all have done so, and probably all have (as noted by others) put out something that did not mean what we said. At the same time, I find myself in agreement with others on continuing problems.

First up, the use of the term "chickenhawk." Baldilocks has written about the idiocy of using the term before, as have others. It's use is intended to stiffle debate and discussion, and it serves no good purpose whatsoever outside of that. It's use is usually a mark of moral and intellectual cowardice (and general lack in those areas), in my opinion. PLEASE SEE UPDATE BELOW.

Second, the good commander has it right when noting that you still appear to remain focused on the messenger, rather than the message. The messenger has nothing to do with the fact that in this case the private was lying and TNR did a bad job of journalism and journalistic integrity. Your rant doesn't help the latter at all, either.

Third, he is also on the mark when you appear to somehow equate Hugh Hewitt and others as springing from the same source as milblogs. As someone who has covered them as extensively as you note, you should know a lot better.

Fourth, while I can't speak for Hewitt, Baldilocks notes that some of your blog targets have left the comfort of their air conditioned offices and made a trip to gather facts. I would add in Confederate Yankee and others to that list.

While your mea culpa is a step in the right direction, the profound problems that underly your original piece remain. I would still fail both missives in a JM 101 course, and I say that as someone who believes in real journalism (not the media) and who is proud to have the words Kappa Tau Alpha associated with his name.

Since there are some profound and troubling issues that remain, let me make an offer. This fat ol' crip is willing to take a leave of absence, or quit my day job if necessary, to take a trip to embed with the troops. As part of that journey, let's you and I go visit the unit in question, and let the people there tell you the problem with the message. Let's visit a few other milbloggers while we are at it, maybe a few other bloggers period, and see if they can help. I'm willing to put it all on the line right now, especially if the money could be raised to cover the process via PMI, and to ensure I still had a lair to which to return. How about it, are you and CJR willing to put your money where your mouth is? I'm willing to put my body and what meager funds I have on the line for this. How about you?

LW

UPDATE AND CORRECTION: I have just had a cordial and positive e-mail exchange with Paul McLeary. There is discussion and dialog underway. That said, I do need to note an error on my part. It is important to note that he did not use the word "chickenhawk" in his original article. I read it in by inference, but he did not use it. The error is mine, and I apologize for it. LW

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During discussions and posting covering the Scott Thomas Beauchamp diaries Milblogger Laughing Wolf, posting at Blackfive, issued a challenge to Columbia Journalism Review's Paul McLeary. Since there are some profound and troubling issues that remain, ... [Read More]

Comments

[Uncle Jimbo]

You get 'em L Dubya,

Cordially,

Uncle J

[MICHAEL in MI]

Outstanding piece, Laughing Wolf. And I commend you on the challenge you propose to Mr. McCleary and CJR.

[vet66]

If the trip comes to fruition, my wife and I are in for $100 U.S. to help you cover expenses.

I love Texas Hold 'em!

[Jim]

Furthermore, Mr. McCleary, are you trying to say that because Hewitt and others haven't gone to Iraq they can't comment on the war or be in favor of winning it? If so, that's the most assinine thing I've ever heard.

Jim C

[defendusa]

Laughing Wolf,
Always one to offer up what I have for all that is right and good, I would also pony up a 100 bucks for you...And I mean it!

[Laughing Wolf]

Vet66 and Defendusa: Thanks! If some things work out, which are not guaranteed, I may take you up on that. Nothing has been decided, but there are some discussions underway that might lead to some serious talks, and then to more. We will just have to wait and see.

Uncle J and Michael: Thanks to you too!

LW

[Caper2]

Please add me to your future support column if your plans come to fruition.

El Coqui

[douglas]

"How dare a college grad and engaged citizen volunteer to join the Army to fight for his country! (Which is something that most of the brave souls who inhabit the milblog community prefers to leave to others."

Well, I don't know why you felt compelled to apologize. It's the Chickehawk meme in every way but actually using the word, isn't it?

Oh, yeah- he stepped in it alright. He's not doing a terrific job of wiping it up either.