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To the editor:
Now Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump are out to destroy the objective and independent newspaper for those in the military, the “Stars and Stripes.” New rules are there will be no more cartoons, and every article or report has to be approved by Hegseth and others to determine if it is not "appropriate,” and they will block any reports or articles not supporting and praising everything that Trump’s military does.
It’s clear that Hegseth’s Pentagon is attempting to turn the unbiased and honest newspaper for military troops into propaganda to support Trump and Hegseth. They say they will block any articles from the Associated Press, as will as any comics or cartoons.
The paper was first published by Union soldiers during the Civil War and was later revived. General George Patton wanted to stop its publication because of its independent, honest and critical articles, but President Eisenhower said no and insisted on the independent and objective form of the paper.
Hegseth says they will block any article not consistent with the good order and discipline of the military, but the message is that any article not supporting Trump’s actions, especially now in Iran, will be blocked.
The honesty and objectivity of the Stars and Stripes cannot be over emphasized, and over the years it told the troops what was really happening. I remember one issue that came out after the Tet Offensive in 1968 when the Stars and Stripes reported that we were unwilling to bomb the most important targets in North Vietnam, including Hanoi and Haiphong Harbor, reportedly because President Johnson and his staff were afraid that such aggressive actions would bring China and Russia into the war.
So, we troops in Vietnam reading this knew we were fighting a war with our hands tied behind our backs by politicians.
We need the original, honest and objective Stars and Stripes, and all retired military men and women should fight like hell to protect this great paper in its digital and paper form.
Michael J. Gorman
The writer is a Vietnam veteran, 1967-1968.
5 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Marc Bullaro
Well said !
Thank you for your service.
Wednesday, July 8 Report this
Valete
My father, a World War II combat veteran, was an avid reader of the Stars and Stripes. This cherished family tradition has been passed down to me. Consequently, I am familiar with its captivating stories and insightful opinions. Your letter implies that Hegseth and others will suppress reports that contradict Trump’s military stance, and that Hegseth’s Pentagon is attempting to transform the Stars and Stripes into a propaganda tool. However, Carl P. Leubsdorf’s op-ed, titled “Presidential Scandals Occur Like Clockwork,” published in the Stars and Stripes on July 9th, presents a different perspective. I believe you would find it particularly interesting to read.t.
Thursday, July 9 Report this
namrogm
Thank you, Marc.
Thursday, July 9 Report this
wpeakes
@Michael J Gorman
Thank you for your service both here in NYC and abroad.
Friday, July 10 Report this
namrogm
Thank you, wpeakes. I appreciate your comment.
Friday, July 10 Report this