Pure ratings, Tom.

There are people in this world, and especially in this country, who hold in their gripping little paws -- almost nothing in the way of real world experience. And these cranks are in the high offices and are even released to the field. Expose and hype, that's what sells today. People are bored with the war. The "Kill the Terrorists" miniseries is just taking too long. Where's the closure?

"Damn the lives, full ratings ahead! We've got a scoop!"

To up the ratings for the LA Times, a picture of a gunman shooting a cameraman -- from the cameraman's perspective -- would do the trick, and I have no doubt the Times would publish it.

Are they CIA, Larry? No doubt Dennis would disagree, simply because the story got past them. I think they could be. Generally, true military advisors don't mind wearing the uniform, but would opt for civilian attire, should the situation call for it. Here, I doubt it. This is a hot war zone and soldiers caught out of uniform are to be considered spies -- but then again, that's per Geneva, and we're not exactly playing that game.

Dan