Do something for our troops in Afghanistan; Plus: The blabbermouth Drudge backlash

By Michelle Malkin  •  February 29, 2008 11:29 AM

Our American soldiers in Afghanistan won’t get their names splashed all over the front page of blabbermouth Drudge, but they deserve your attention and support.

Milblogger Matt Burden at Blackfive appeals for your help. Take time out of your lunch break to do this:

Not too long ago, Blackfive readers, joined by thousands of readers from other blogs, sent over 30,000 emails of support to Marines in Iraq. The Marines had to shut down the email address because you all were causing bandwidth issues with the support we were sending.

Now, as if the Taliban and Al Qaeda, bad weather, and lack of support here at home weren’t bad enough, the New York Times has published a one-sided view of the paratroopers tour in Afghanistan.

And so now we have cause to band together again and send massive support down range…

…The Sky Soldiers have trudged through up to seven feet of snow on patrols day in and day out often at altitudes of 7,000 feet and higher. Each Soldier carries between 60 and 100 pounds of gear on these patrols. They Soldier-On each day despite the loss of many friends and comrades and substantially high numbers of wounded. Untold numbers of great Americans have provided amazing amounts of support to these Soldiers during this deployment. Public, private and civic organizations have provided direct support or indirect support.

A recent article by Elizabeth Rubin in the New York Times painted one Platoon of this Brigade in a less than favorable light. The article sensationalized the facts in a negative way, which served only to cause undue stress on the Soldiers and family members. The author failed to mention successes within the Brigade such as substantial humanitarian aid (tons of food and clothes) delivered to local villages, medical care for local children and adults, road projects, clean water projects, training of Afghan National Army personnel, distribution of school supplies, etc.

Historically, spring is a time of heavy fighting in this region as the terrorists and insurgents emerge from their caves after the harsh winter temperatures and snows. Let’s show these Soldiers how much support they have from home to help them through the spring and the remainder of this long and dangerous deployment.

Our paratroopers are in the fight of their lives and they need to hear that America loves them.

Please send an email of support to skysoldiers173rd@gmail.com

Or you can mail cards to:

Leta Carruth
P O Box 100
Cordova, TN 38088

Due to security reasons in Afghanistan please do not put addresses or phone numbers on any correspondence. All emails will be printed out here in the US and mailed to Afghanistan as they do not have the resources to receive a large number of emails. All letters and emails will be vetted to make sure there are no negative comments. These are letters of support, so please keep them positive and uplifting.

***
Here’s vid of paratroopers on patrol in Afghanistan last September, courtesy of DVIDS:

Milblogger Laughing Wolf blasts blabbermouth Drudge:

A raised finger salute to the people who leaked it to Drudge, and to Matt Drudge for willfully endangering the Prince and those with him. May you and those who leaked it to you soon find yourself in an enclosed space with SAS and others who care to express their opinion in a very, very personal manner. No linky love to you, a*****e.

Jeff Quinton on blabbermouth Drudge:

Drudge has been controversial from the beginning (even pre-Lewinsky) but the main reason I used to read his site was for the news links instead of the “exclusives.” There are much better sources of news aggregation now with blogs, RSS readers, Technorati, Memeorandum, etc. now so that takes away that need. I still ocasionally read his site but just when the news cycle is slow at other sources.

This isn’t the first time Drudge has had ethical questions raised. Aside from the obvious ones that the media has covered, I had my own brush with Drudge’s ethics during the 2000 primary campaigns. In a previous life I was even referred to as “South Carolina’s Matt Drudge” in media reports as well as in a book inscription my good friend Michael Graham made in my copy of his book Clinton & Me.

It’s true, Drudge has, to a large extent, jumped the shark because of blogs and other Web 2.0 developments in how the news cycle works. He keeps becoming more and more like the mainstream media that he started out competing with. His antagonism towards blogs has been well-documented.

If Drudge will post a story that potentially could have endangered Prince Harry and his mates in the British military, is it too far of a stretch to think he would not publish a story that could endanger American troops?

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Posted in: Afghanistan,Worthy Causes
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Comments


  1. #1
    On February 29th, 2008 at 11:34 am, On-my-soap-box said:

    Mr. & Mrs. Soap have a son in Afghanistan so you can bet your boots we do what we can to support the troops – even if it is just an email.

  2. #2
    On February 29th, 2008 at 11:36 am, cpodug said:

    They deserve our support. While they’re out doing the job, we’ve got to watch their back here at home. Already sent. Bless ‘em. They deserve our support.

    Challenge – hey all you veterans who read this site – how about a put-up-or-shut-up for our brothers. Send it now!

  3. #3
    On February 29th, 2008 at 11:37 am, 30 pcs of silver said:

    Consider it done.

  4. #4
    On February 29th, 2008 at 11:39 am, Lindsay said:

    Bless our troops, and our allies in Afghanistan and Iraq. Thank you for your service.

    Drudge has lost this reader as he is now tabloid news–and a traitor to the fight against terrorism by giving the location of Prince Harry to the enemy.

  5. #5
    On February 29th, 2008 at 11:42 am, zorro said:

    Done! May God Bless them all!

  6. #6
    On February 29th, 2008 at 11:48 am, WORK949 said:

    MM,

    I just sent my e-mail of thanks and support.

    And thank you for what you do.

  7. #7
    On February 29th, 2008 at 11:50 am, gunslingerpatriot said:

    I am on it thanks guys (gals too) for the freedom that you provide.

    GSP

    chiefdoug-doc’s on it.

  8. #8
    On February 29th, 2008 at 11:52 am, USMCgramma said:

    We can never thank them enough. Grandson expects to go to Iraq for 3rd deployment in September (or Afghanistan) so this election is more important than ever. God bless our military and Semper Fi.

  9. #9
    On February 29th, 2008 at 11:52 am, Boomer said:

    This old veteran will send out a thank you to those deployed today. Not a day goes by that Mrs. Boomer and I forget to think about those in harms way while offering a quick prayer for their safe return to their loved ones.

  10. #10
    On February 29th, 2008 at 11:52 am, conservativehomeschooler said:

    Done.

    Thanks Mr. & Mrs. Soap for your son in Afghanistan. Could you pass him our families gratitude for us?

    Thank you MM for bringing this to light. We know we can always count on you!

  11. #11
    On February 29th, 2008 at 11:53 am, Lindsay said:

    I am on the way to the airport but have sent my email to the paratroopers.

    Thanks, Michelle!

  12. #12
    On February 29th, 2008 at 11:59 am, serfer62 said:

    While I wasa deployed from 03-05 our resources at the BX had little for mens needs. Mail was horrible coming as long as 6 weeks later, 6 monthys wasn’t that rare.

    We got out luxuries at the Church Tent when packages were opened on tables for razor blades, shaving cream, santi wipes, tooth paste & brushes…things not available elsewhere (BX).

    Now the military won’t accept “for any Marine” packages. But the churches will….

  13. #13
    On February 29th, 2008 at 12:08 pm, graysonret said:

    I always have time to send my support to the troops, wherever they are. They’re doing a fantastic job.

  14. #14
    On February 29th, 2008 at 12:13 pm, J S Ragman said:

    Action complete.

  15. #15
    On February 29th, 2008 at 12:53 pm, jcribbs said:

    Done, and God bless ‘em!

  16. #16
    On February 29th, 2008 at 12:58 pm, scubadawg said:

    Our guys are the Best of the Best. Just popped off an email to them and encouraged all my buddys to do the same. Thanks for keeping us up on these things Michelle you too are the Best!

  17. #17
    On February 29th, 2008 at 12:59 pm, TMoney said:

    On the way to my mailbox with a note.

    You were wrong, wrong, WRONG! Shame, Shame, Shame!

  18. #18
    On February 29th, 2008 at 1:03 pm, MamaTod said:

    Email has been sent. Always glad to help.

  19. #19
    On February 29th, 2008 at 1:13 pm, 509th Bob said:

    Already did it. For the skytroopers. And TMoney, if you are sending a leftie troll hate screed, they (our soldiers) won’t get it. The e-mails and letters are reviewed for content to prevent precisely that sort of lunatic frothing.

  20. #20
    On February 29th, 2008 at 1:19 pm, twiggman said:

    Done deal…. God Bless Them All..!!!

  21. #21
    On February 29th, 2008 at 1:22 pm, Barry F. said:

    Consider it done. My e-mail is forthcoming.

    Drudge’s behavior isn’t much better than the NYT anymore.

  22. #22
    On February 29th, 2008 at 1:26 pm, jungatheart said:

    Mine’s sent. That Brit kid’s got a set. There’s hope for England yet.

  23. #23
    On February 29th, 2008 at 1:29 pm, Ricco said:

    Man, I’m glad that it’s for the Marines.

    If it was for the USAF, nobody would get the messages since the USAF has decided to blocks access to many blogs.

    http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/02/air-force-banni.html

  24. #24
    On February 29th, 2008 at 1:43 pm, Mark said:

    For those of you engaging in “moral” outrage, here is a clue for you. Drudge DID NOT break the story. It was “New Idea” in Australia.

    You people make me sick. Stop hating Drudge because he is more successful than you. Pathetic

  25. #25
    On February 29th, 2008 at 1:47 pm, rightisright said:

    Will be sent soon as I post my thanks here to the men and women that are protecting us and providing us with our freedoms.

    Thank you again Michelle for keeping us aware.

    I’ve wondered about Drudge the last few yrs…this is enough to convince me, no more of that site. Fox and Drudge sliding left daily.

  26. #26
    On February 29th, 2008 at 1:56 pm, radio relay said:

    Back atcha Mark!

    As for Drudge, who gives a crap! His website has deteriorated into a tabloid…. Very little real news there… I stopped visiting a long time ago.

    God bless every military man and woman serving in harms way around the world. God bless their families, as well. They are the shield and the sword that protects us all (including ungrateful, undeserving leftwingers) from murderous fanatics.

  27. #27
    On February 29th, 2008 at 2:01 pm, Mark said:

    Here is the google cache of the origianl story from A MONTH AGO.

    http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/b/new-idea/8771/prince-harry-goes-to-war-in-afghanistan/&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=uk” rel=”nofollow”>Prince Harry Goes To War

  28. #28
    On February 29th, 2008 at 2:03 pm, mholland1 said:

    Drudgereport.com is still in my links list.

    Thanks, troops. You’re the best of the best.

  29. #29
    On February 29th, 2008 at 2:06 pm, corona said:

    Perspective, people. If troops in a combat zone aren’t in danger, something is wrong.

  30. #30
    On February 29th, 2008 at 2:15 pm, twoninerkilo said:

    Just sent mine to (Winged Death from the Sky). Served beside them in RVN, good outfit.

  31. #31
    On February 29th, 2008 at 2:25 pm, xroadcop said:

    Typical newsman–concerned with “The Story”, to Hell with everyone else.

  32. #32
    On February 29th, 2008 at 2:46 pm, docflash said:

    Such a simple task.

  33. #33
    On February 29th, 2008 at 3:21 pm, PBoilermaker said:

    On February 29th, 2008 at 2:06 pm, corona said:
    Perspective, people. If troops in a combat zone aren’t in danger, something is wrong.

    That’s a stupefyingly ignorant comment. Congratulations.

  34. #34
    On February 29th, 2008 at 3:24 pm, PBoilermaker said:

    Here’s a link to a pretty decent Time photoessay about the fight in one of the most remote parts of Afghanistan (done during 2006/2007):

    http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/2006/afghanistan_multimedia/

  35. #35
    On February 29th, 2008 at 3:35 pm, corona said:

    Happy to hear you’re afraid of the truth, RoilerFaker.

  36. #36
    On February 29th, 2008 at 3:43 pm, PBoilermaker said:

    On February 29th, 2008 at 3:35 pm, corona said:
    Happy to hear you’re afraid of the truth, RoilerFaker.

    Have you ever served in combat?

  37. #37
    On February 29th, 2008 at 3:46 pm, cpodug said:

    PB – I’m not sure why corona made that comment. It’s self-evident that combat is dangerous. I totally missed the connection. What perspective?

  38. #38
    On February 29th, 2008 at 4:07 pm, rworks said:

    I love how everyone wants to bash Drudge, but I have to note something for you knee-jerkers:

    Drudge didn’t write the story, and he didn’t post it until after the british, german and australian media released it.

    So if you wanna blame someone, look just a little further down your noses.

  39. #39
    On February 29th, 2008 at 4:18 pm, terrig said:

    My email is on it’s way as well.
    I remember when Prince Andrew was in the Falkland War (1982 I believe, I was in AIT). All of the girls and our female instructors were gaga over him too. Prince Harry is another hottie although I’m old enough to be his mother. He’s doing what he wants to do. Soldiers are trained for war, not to sit in garrison.
    As for Corona, get a slice of lime and enjoy a nice cold one. I don’t quite get your meaning either but . . .

  40. #40
    On February 29th, 2008 at 4:23 pm, cpodug said:

    terrig,

    People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.
    George Orwell,

    Prince Harry is one of those rough men

  41. #41
    On February 29th, 2008 at 4:25 pm, emjem24 said:

    I too want to say a prayer for all our fine men and women deployed to Afghanistan right now. Thanks for the email link… I too will send my kindest regards to them from this military spouse.

    I just had a friend return stateside from Bagram who told me some hairy situations he got into over there. He and his maintenance unit had some morter rounds shot in their general direction. He laughed it off… he’s that kind of guy.

    As to Drudge…I can’t believe he would leak the information about Prince Harry. What a loathsome toad. If Mr. Drudge wants to be a self-aggrandizing “journalist” that’s one thing, but to do it at the expense of someone’s life is quite another thing entirely.

    Mr. Drudge’s reporting and ethics are way past carpet thin with this military wife and those who like an alternative to the tabloid/out-of-touch MSM.

  42. #42
    On February 29th, 2008 at 5:03 pm, realitycheck said:

    Done deal!

    Thanks Michelle!

  43. #43
    On February 29th, 2008 at 5:12 pm, Ombre Rose said:

    On February 29th, 2008 at 2:06 pm, corona said:
    Perspective, people. If troops in a combat zone aren’t in danger, something is wrong.

    More perspective, person. Anything the “folks at home” do to make things even harder on the troops in the field is pure evil. And ought to be prosecuted.

    Something for you to think about.

  44. #44
    On February 29th, 2008 at 5:17 pm, foxforce91 said:

    Not to be inappropriate or anything but Prince Harry has grown into quite a great-looking guy. Even better looking than his brother.

  45. #45
    On February 29th, 2008 at 5:42 pm, ammo john said:

    I have just deleted Drudge off of my favorites. Thanks, Drudge!

  46. #46
    On February 29th, 2008 at 5:52 pm, graysonret said:

    I’m ignoring the whole thing. Personally, I could care less about some prince of England doing anything. The MSM was crazy about him this morning. Why people find him so fascinating that they have to have the MSM cover all of them tells me that there are people who need to take a step back and look at their own lives. It’s like the movie stars…people live vicariously through them. I told a co-worker this morning, “Thank God, Prince Harry is okay. Now I can sleep at nights!”. He laughed, noting my sarcasm. What about the rest of the Brits that had to stay? My thoughts are with them today.

  47. #47
    On March 1st, 2008 at 12:00 am, PBoilermaker said:

    “Corona” is a fan of the hit and run, apparently. Typical.

  48. #48
    On March 1st, 2008 at 10:29 am, corona said:

    RoilerFaker is not apparently, but obviously, not adult enough to admit being pwned.

  49. #49
    On March 3rd, 2008 at 3:53 pm, corona said:

    And now, the whole “danger” myth has been exposed.

    Somehow, I don’t think the apology is forthcoming.

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