Sometimes, the press doesn't seem to appreciate just how stupid they appear or the damage they cause. Remember the Gulf War press conference with questions like, "What time does the ground war start, General?" Hell, even "Saturday Night Live" ripped them for being so clueless.

Sad to say, but it wasn't always this way. During WWII, Eisenhower was heavily involved with invasion planning (I think it was Sicily) and the press was giving him a hard time during a briefing. Eisenhower did the unthinkable - he closed the doors and gave the Press a full briefing on the invasion plan including date, locations, personnel, etc. He so shocked the Press with his openness that they never published a word. According to some accounts, they were even afraid of taking a drink that night for fear of letting the secrets slip. To the best of my knowledge, that has never been repeated. I can't help but believe that today's press would be immediately broadcasting the story via satellite link to the world within minutes of the briefing.

I'm all in favor of a free press, but I also have a son in the military. My opinion of the press as a whole is very low due to bitter personal experience. I'm not willing to sacrifice my son so some hot-shot reporter can win a Pulitzer.