Too early for the zeitgeist of post war liberation, Mr. Brooks!

David Brooks wrote an opinion on why he believes there is less talk about the war in Iraq. I sought to correct him.


http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/11/opinion/11brooks.html

Mr. Brooks:

I am a bit surprised by the irresponsibility and casual disregard in which you speak of a post war mentality. I haven't heard any end to hostilities, haven't seen all our troops come home yet and haven't heard from any government official what we are going to do with the billions per month we are now not spending on the military sans the rebuilding costs. That is the obvious. For all the general publics ADD, which I might add the press exacerbates with commentary such as yours, the war is still a major issue all debate monitors are questioning about and the candidates are speaking about. Just because the public asks less and less about it might just be a reflection on just how much the press is reporting about it. Or is it the press that is jumping the gun here, fed up with the whole war issue like we are talking or bickering over the price of a used car? Many of us take our lead from you-the press-because that is the purpose of a free press, to keep the public informed of all important and non-important events in a society. If you stop talking we stop listening.

Look, Does the NYTimes have an issue (or you personally perhaps) with the betterment of the situation that has been reported as of late on the ground in Iraq? Because if that is the etiology of your supposition, then I have quite a bone to pick with you all. If the Republicans who supported the deployment of further troop numbers are tasting the fruits of their policy at the consternation of the Dems and that bothers you or the times, I have much to worry about with regard to the integrity-a word much inclined to use these pending primary days-of the press and maybe less from perspective leaders of the free world.

Hey, I am no red stater, not by a long shot. But I won't disparage a policy I might have disagreed with if I find that it might be working. If indeed the build-up is serving its purpose, then REPORT IT. It isn't the papers place to only report what it wants to or in a manner that might slant public opinion.

I hope you give this at least a few minutes of thoughtful reflection. No need to respond unless it means something to you. I rather think it might make a good LTTE.