New York Times Update

Just read your newest piece. Its beautiful. You are an artist with words, sir. Thank you. I hope all goes well for you when you get home. Be safe.

I was delighted to learn that soldiers of high caliber such as you chosen four were to write in honesty and with pro-mission perspective in the NYT. Obviously, I have interpreted that analysis from those articles I had the opportunity to read. I have the utmost respect for all four of you. You are essentially among the best America has to offer, and it is measurable against a superior yardstick of our larger military, all branches considered . However, at the same time the NYT has been publishing your pieces they have been continuing to pursue their far left, essentially anti-American agenda. They have printed stories that have shaken our ability to defend ourselves against Al Qaeda and find no problem with it. In fact, they have been happy to stir the NSA eavesdropping story into a successful attack against the Commander in Chief.

They spin every story they write by use of hyperbole or by virtue of omission of pertinent details. I read a perfect example this past week end in which former Joint Chiefs Chairman General Richard Meyers week-end interviews on all the talk shows both on Saturday and Sunday were distilled into one sentence which could be used in a slightly negative way against the Secretary of Defense. I personally listened to long interviews with General Meyers and he went out of his way to defend and praise Secretary Rumsfeld. He obviously has a deep admiration and respect for the Secretary. None of that was mentioned by the NYT.

The point I am making is that your experience was an isolated circumstance in which the NYT developed an unusual short term op-ed strategy in order to shore-up sagging readership. I have no doubt that your editor, Peter, was all that you attribute to him and that would make him an exception as well. That cannot and should not be extrapolated into a generalized NYT's approach as you have stated, “I think it shows that the NYT is willing to let soldiers speak their piece, without any spin whatsoever. I wish more major media outlets would do this sort of thing". General Meyers is a clear example of how much the NYT is willing to let service members or former service members speak without spinning their words and views into the totally unrecognizable. There lies the rule not the exception in the NYT, and reflects it’s leadership role in the MSM. You four are the exception to a long term pattern of news distortion and anti-American activity.

Having said all that I am still pleased to have seem the views you four have espoused within the confines of the NYT. If one person is influenced to think more clearly about the implications of what you fight for in Iraq, then it will have been a successful endeavor.

Amazing writing! It never even dawned on me, in my own uber-bliss, that soldiers blog.

My prayers are for you in gratitude and for protection daily.

Dear Lee,

I've just finished reading the five pieces i could find on the NYT. They are so beautiful !

You know by now that your wrinting drives me in an over emotional state of mind ! So i won't make a fool of myself by commenting spontaneously right now ! Otherwise i might end with typing three miles a second anything right out from my heart, which would perhaps be good for your self esteem but very bad for the glamorous picture i'd rather you had of me !

In other words and more clearly, again you succeeded in combining your perfect mixture of ideas and emotions. I learn more about iraq from you than from anyone else. And i cry more for you than for anyone else in iraq.

You thank the NYT for publishing your work. I thank you for fighting in defence of freedom of speech. This is one of the value of democracy, and not only you're fighting for your democratic America but also you're fighting to build a democratic iraq. I hope that NYT and this editor guy Peter realize how much they owe you too, being able to do their job without any censorship.

I realize how lucky i am, going out "half naked" according to iraqi standards, able to speak my mind whatever i think, driving 60 miles in less than an hour, and kicking empty cans on the pavement without fearing it to explode. That's the free way of life we both want for ourselves and our kids, and you're the one at war to defend it. And moreover writing about your war. Thank you, Lee. There are no better words, or else i don't know better words, so i'll just repeat : thank you.

I'll comment on your work. I'll compliment again. It might get boring, i'm sorry, you're just so brilliant ! I love your writing, I just love it so much !

Take care. I'm still thinking of sharing this wine even if you'd rather have these weird drinks i've never heard of, Hefeweizen ? Micro-brewed ale ? (is it beer you make in the microwave oven ?) Tanqueray ? You'll stick to whiskey and coke, that i know ! Take very great care of you.

Love from francoise