And was pressed for time (had a formation to go to):

I just got done with "Ulchi Focus Lens", its the big exercise we have on the Korean Penninsula. For me it meant I got to spend a lot of downtime (12 hours a day) in from of a terminal with loads of government resources on it. One of the best was a compilation of traslated transcripts from all the Iraqi newspapers. Those from inside Iraq, and then those based in London, Yemen, and Quatar. Then other arab media sources like ANN and Al Jazera. With analysis on what news organisation the story came from, who owns it, where its based, overall media bias, distribution etc. All for the sole purpose of getting an accurate monitor of what is being said about us.

It was pretty good. The truth is that Iraq is a country filled with people just like you and me. They are apprehensive about underground terror groups attacking us, they are worried about Iranians trying to smuggle thier oil and incite problems, and yet excited about the scale of reconstruction going on about thier country. They are excited about the new Iraqi Dinar, bridges being reopened, restoring the flow of traffic, new government agencies constantly popping up and providing services. It also paints a picture of the United States leading the way, immediately giving repirations for what damages it can and putting things back the way they should be.

The most negative media for us out there is our own, but some of you people seem scour the headlines for anything negative to smear your country with. It makes me sick. (well, light headache/nausea type of sick)

It just confirms how mislead and brainwashed some of you are, not by some grand conspiracy but by yourselves. You have someone you don't like (Bush) and you want to pin everything bad you possibly can on him. I undestand, looking back, I did the very same thing with Clinton (which I realized about 6 year into his administration) Every nagative aspect of this war you focus on with a lens, and don't let up. Do it to yourselves all you want, but leave the rest of us out of it(well, how is that really possible it? Just realize, to me, it sounds like you are living in a fantasy world).

In the end, its hurts those out there on the ground. I know no one wants to look like they are, but thats what happens. The bottom line is that they aren't coming home until the job is done. And we need to support them and the Iraqi people. Those creating trouble now are a minority. Nothing would be worse than to leave the job half finished.