This essay points out that no one has anything new and true to say at this moment because no one knows where this war is headed.
"I have no clue" would be an honest response.
In late 2015, I was at a small dinner with David Petraeus and everyone at the table was allowed to ask him a question. My question was "If Trump is elected, who will act as the guardrails?" Petraeus paused to think and then said "He won't be elected."
""I have no clue" would be an honest response." Yes, but it does not fill the airwaves with platitudes that the networks live on. They live on to capture your attention and keep you coming for more.
Me too. I wonder what the ratings really tell us? Watching the "news" is an old habit. It's more like, "The tv is on channel whatever, I stop and glance at it every now and then". The poet Robert Bly described most of what is reported as non-events. And that was years ago. Too bad for all of us.
Ken . . . I'm so glad you wrote this so I don't have to listen to them. I don't own a TV and I get most of my news from Substack, Reuters, The Guardian, Aljazeera English and NPR. Any more than that I can't handle. I had no idea these generals did that, but I should have. Follow the money. And we know they know where the money is.
Excellent newsletter, and the reason I don’t listen to cable or the news and just read books, some periodicals and newsletters. In all honesty, if I wanted to hear “a glimpse into the obvious,” I’d enjoy listening to myself!
Full disclosure, I do subscribe to the Bulwark, and appreciate their viewpoints; however, I fully understand your point about generals and admirals.
Morever, back in 2002 during the run-up to the Iraq War, I noticed the conflicts of interests between the expert opinions of generals and admirals on cable, versus their roles on board of companies with a lot to gain from perpetual wars. I guess when you spend a lifetime in a hierarchy, taking orders from senior officers and civilian leadership; you end up as being salesmen, not unlike Dear Dear, and instead of selling cheap and gaudy products like Trump, Bibles, watches, and steaks; they just sell wars. Hey, someone has to pay the mortgage!!!!
And honestly, when I think about it, after 9/11, our most prestigious publications were all shilling for the an Iraqi invasion with only a few outlets printing the truth: Shoutout to Knight Ridder, and the Guardian. And as far as the NYT’s is concerned, the publishers pathetic mea culpa after the war speaks for itself!
Furthermore, when put into it’s proper perspective, it’s almost as though Congress’s, and the corporate media’s reaction after 9/11 was a test case for what was yet to come: MAGA:
1. From illegal wiretapping of Americans—Patriot Act.
2. Manufactured wars—with multiple justifications; although packaged professionally.
3. Cronyism/crony-capitalism—Trillions wasted, and hundreds of billions plundered by unscrupulous corporations with fraudulent contracts.
4. Retribution—sought revenge from anyone or media corporations that printed the truth.
Not to mention, being the most powerful administration ever to hold office before Trump. In addition, there were multiple ethical scandals as well as the administration’s —abuse’s of power.
Bottom line, Retired Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler was right when he wrote his book “War is a Racket,” in which he argues “that warfare is a profit-driven enterprise conducted for the benefit of a small "inside" group of bankers and industrialists at the expense of the masses.” And it’s as though we’re reliving the 1933 Business Plot for a second time, except in this case, the call is coming from inside the house! IMHO…:)
First, great piece. Nice to know the pockets of the experts. I'm skeptical of the whole shebang. I definitely don't believe their nonsense. I hate the opining which never means anything in reality.
These TV generals are perfect examples of how the mainstream media have degenerated into pap. None of them had any information. None of them added to what we know about the war on Iran.
Ken, thanks for this, but the last 36 years of genocidal fruitless wars of choice by the US in the Middle East should render each and all participating military (and political) leaders’ opinions moot if not defecated upon. That the media weasels turn to them tells you all you need to know about them and their “sources”.
Why does anyone watch commercial TV news or commentary? We have the alternative of user supported sites like this one that do the work journalism requires. You get what you pay for.
With commercial TV you pay when you buy products whose producers use your money to buy advertising on TV, so you get what the advertisers want to pay for with you footing the bill. How is this not money laundering of your money? This is called "free" TV with no alternative offered until about 15 years ago. "Free" TV is a work of capitalist genius where you are not only pounded with advertising that you have bought without realizing it, but are denied the unvarnished truth which is now available directly.
Lincoln spoke of how you can't fool all of the people all of the time, but it was a close call when all we had was "free" TV. In this essay, Ken demonstrates how "guests" cashing in makes the situation even worse with all drawing a benefit but the viewer, the one who pays the price.
I used to listen to Hertling when we still streamed CNN, then followed him for takes on Ukraine --back then he was explaining what was happening on the ground in Ukraine. It was good. But I gotta say he's been my biggest, eye opening disappointment since. Don't know other generals but Mark is just like Chuck Schumer now, saying nothing of essence or pulling Dr. Phill mambo jumbo. I want to know if this present US Army will turn on us when trump tells them so. Why can't he speak openly what should be done about remaking the US army into Crusaders for Christ? Why doesn't he at least give us pointers about what's being done right and what is a total disaster in Iran. He's a general, a combat soldier. A smart one with big career. But as Ken said, all we get is blah blah blah
Oh, but I know why that is. Mark is now a Corporate General in a sleek suit sporting brand new teeth, working for corporations and promoting his book. He is one of them. I will call him a Wall Street General.
Dude, in a really messed up trust world, I really get the feeling you’re trying to find the truth. I appreciate what you do.
:)
I actually thought the picture of Gen. Mark Hertling was an older publicity shot of Leslie Nielsen.
Hilarious!
It should be a requirement of reporting to disclose the experts' conflicts of interest.
It is! But for some reason tv doesn’t care
This essay points out that no one has anything new and true to say at this moment because no one knows where this war is headed.
"I have no clue" would be an honest response.
In late 2015, I was at a small dinner with David Petraeus and everyone at the table was allowed to ask him a question. My question was "If Trump is elected, who will act as the guardrails?" Petraeus paused to think and then said "He won't be elected."
""I have no clue" would be an honest response." Yes, but it does not fill the airwaves with platitudes that the networks live on. They live on to capture your attention and keep you coming for more.
I know. I’ve stopped watching “news.”
Me too. I wonder what the ratings really tell us? Watching the "news" is an old habit. It's more like, "The tv is on channel whatever, I stop and glance at it every now and then". The poet Robert Bly described most of what is reported as non-events. And that was years ago. Too bad for all of us.
You had me at “on-air hand jobs.”
Ken . . . I'm so glad you wrote this so I don't have to listen to them. I don't own a TV and I get most of my news from Substack, Reuters, The Guardian, Aljazeera English and NPR. Any more than that I can't handle. I had no idea these generals did that, but I should have. Follow the money. And we know they know where the money is.
Excellent newsletter, and the reason I don’t listen to cable or the news and just read books, some periodicals and newsletters. In all honesty, if I wanted to hear “a glimpse into the obvious,” I’d enjoy listening to myself!
Full disclosure, I do subscribe to the Bulwark, and appreciate their viewpoints; however, I fully understand your point about generals and admirals.
Morever, back in 2002 during the run-up to the Iraq War, I noticed the conflicts of interests between the expert opinions of generals and admirals on cable, versus their roles on board of companies with a lot to gain from perpetual wars. I guess when you spend a lifetime in a hierarchy, taking orders from senior officers and civilian leadership; you end up as being salesmen, not unlike Dear Dear, and instead of selling cheap and gaudy products like Trump, Bibles, watches, and steaks; they just sell wars. Hey, someone has to pay the mortgage!!!!
And honestly, when I think about it, after 9/11, our most prestigious publications were all shilling for the an Iraqi invasion with only a few outlets printing the truth: Shoutout to Knight Ridder, and the Guardian. And as far as the NYT’s is concerned, the publishers pathetic mea culpa after the war speaks for itself!
Furthermore, when put into it’s proper perspective, it’s almost as though Congress’s, and the corporate media’s reaction after 9/11 was a test case for what was yet to come: MAGA:
1. From illegal wiretapping of Americans—Patriot Act.
2. Manufactured wars—with multiple justifications; although packaged professionally.
3. Cronyism/crony-capitalism—Trillions wasted, and hundreds of billions plundered by unscrupulous corporations with fraudulent contracts.
4. Retribution—sought revenge from anyone or media corporations that printed the truth.
Not to mention, being the most powerful administration ever to hold office before Trump. In addition, there were multiple ethical scandals as well as the administration’s —abuse’s of power.
Bottom line, Retired Marine Corps Major General Smedley Butler was right when he wrote his book “War is a Racket,” in which he argues “that warfare is a profit-driven enterprise conducted for the benefit of a small "inside" group of bankers and industrialists at the expense of the masses.” And it’s as though we’re reliving the 1933 Business Plot for a second time, except in this case, the call is coming from inside the house! IMHO…:)
First, great piece. Nice to know the pockets of the experts. I'm skeptical of the whole shebang. I definitely don't believe their nonsense. I hate the opining which never means anything in reality.
These TV generals are perfect examples of how the mainstream media have degenerated into pap. None of them had any information. None of them added to what we know about the war on Iran.
I remember a video I saw by Jan Oberg, who said the US doesn't do diplomacy anymore, it just sends weapons. Damn.
I follow Greg Stoker on military issues; former Army ranger who cuts through the crap. You both have the courage to tell it like it is.
Ken, thanks for this, but the last 36 years of genocidal fruitless wars of choice by the US in the Middle East should render each and all participating military (and political) leaders’ opinions moot if not defecated upon. That the media weasels turn to them tells you all you need to know about them and their “sources”.
Why does anyone watch commercial TV news or commentary? We have the alternative of user supported sites like this one that do the work journalism requires. You get what you pay for.
With commercial TV you pay when you buy products whose producers use your money to buy advertising on TV, so you get what the advertisers want to pay for with you footing the bill. How is this not money laundering of your money? This is called "free" TV with no alternative offered until about 15 years ago. "Free" TV is a work of capitalist genius where you are not only pounded with advertising that you have bought without realizing it, but are denied the unvarnished truth which is now available directly.
Lincoln spoke of how you can't fool all of the people all of the time, but it was a close call when all we had was "free" TV. In this essay, Ken demonstrates how "guests" cashing in makes the situation even worse with all drawing a benefit but the viewer, the one who pays the price.
Thanks Ken. Noting like a retired General to shatter the nerves with nonsense that the people are seemingly no longer buying.
I used to listen to Hertling when we still streamed CNN, then followed him for takes on Ukraine --back then he was explaining what was happening on the ground in Ukraine. It was good. But I gotta say he's been my biggest, eye opening disappointment since. Don't know other generals but Mark is just like Chuck Schumer now, saying nothing of essence or pulling Dr. Phill mambo jumbo. I want to know if this present US Army will turn on us when trump tells them so. Why can't he speak openly what should be done about remaking the US army into Crusaders for Christ? Why doesn't he at least give us pointers about what's being done right and what is a total disaster in Iran. He's a general, a combat soldier. A smart one with big career. But as Ken said, all we get is blah blah blah
Oh, but I know why that is. Mark is now a Corporate General in a sleek suit sporting brand new teeth, working for corporations and promoting his book. He is one of them. I will call him a Wall Street General.
It is so absurd, that it sounds like a parody.
They all sound like VP Selina Meyer's college friend Karen