Jessica Lynch

[snuffypuffer]

Well, S.O.B. you almost impressed me with your ability to hold a mature debate, then you just degenerated into fifth grade Fred Flintstone woman bashing. You've truly lived up to your username. Thank you and good night.

[S.O.B]

LOL, sorry If I offended anyone. It wasn't intended to be a woman bashing ceramony. Once again, I apologize.

Regards,

S.O.B

[TheLight]

I would agree with SOB, having been in the army myself. In training activities woman have lower physical abilities than men (in general) and that's a major issue in really fight conditions.

Talking about Jessica, I think that the White House is trying to use her for its own propaganda, altering the facts just to focus the media and public on something else than the current failure in Iraq (from which they are removing troops while military in command over there ask for more...). It's like when the white house brought the banner "Mission accomplished" on the army boat for Bush's talk. Now that the White House is being criticized about it because it was too early to say mission accomplished they now defend themselves by saying that it was soldiers from the war ship that hang the banner... What a pathetic manipulation of the words, why did they bring the banner on the boat if it wasn't to hang it ?

Draw your own conclusion about the Bush administration...

TheLight

[Lionel]

Another Interesting Article Jessica Lynch: Military Used Me

[Celestia]

I don't mean to offend anyone here, but I think that Jessica Lynch is hypicritical to herself. Granted she was brave just having to take that kind of crap that no one (man or woman) should have to endure, BUT she claims she is angry at the Pentagon for making her out to be a hero for the purposes of propaganda and morale... BUT she doesn't mind taking the movie and book deal (that make her out to be exactly what she doesn't want to be--a hero) and she was happily in a parade for her return. Perhaps if I was offered all this money, maybe I would sell out to. But, what makes her so different from that other female soldier who was attacked and possible tortured (I'm not sure)? Or what makes her any different from the men out there fighting this war? She got ambushed. The group (including her)---thier duties---were to deliver supplies to tanks and etc. (not that they are any less important and they got ambushed. She wasn't out there to fight. Yes, I acknowledge her for her bravery even if she was scared because personally I would not be able to handle being in such a situation. But, I've already stated my thoughts about the whole thing. She should not have been out there in the first place, but it was her choice. And, if she didn't want any of this media attention, then why do the book? the movie?

I, personally, will most likely not watch her movie nor will you catch me reading her book.

[j6p]

Well put Celestia, we didn't watch the show either. It would be a good thing if she split her profits with the others that were with her and with the families of those that were killed.

[SpaceyKC]

I watched the movie last night, and I'm glad I did. I was scared for her, thinking how terrifying it must have been. I was very impressed with the lawyer, who risked his family's security to see that Jessica was rescued. Now that I've learned that there is more (personal) events that weren't in the movie, I will be looking for her book too.

As far as some people thinking women shouldn't have certain jobs/careers, I wonder what they think about..say, for example, women astronauts. They fought a long time to finally get the right to go into space, and some have died. As sad as that has been, it hasn't stopped women from pursuing that dream.

Remember when women weren't taught math and science, because men didn't think they were capable of learning it? HA!

[Kismit]

she doesn't mind taking the movie and book deal (that make her out to be exactly what she doesn't want to be--a hero)

lets not let movie/book deals get confused as heroisim they are two completely different things . I don't know if thats what you intended....

I personally would sign up for the Movie and book deal , Why? because I actually like money and if someone offered me the opportunity to make it honestly and this appears to be honestly then I would . And I wouldn't share either. Well perhaps a little.... but hey it's her story and atleast she didn't let us walk around blindly, unaware that the propogander machine is at work ..

[Lionel]

This story gets interesting day by day, Iraqi doctors hit back at claim Lynch was raped mmm, interesting. Rest assured, her book is going to be a blockbuster and she a millionaire.

[LordSpongebobIII]

I don't think she is a hero the REAL heroes are the men and women who died why are they not getting the recognition they deserve?

[Celestia]

First of all, Kismit, I would like to address the point you made; that there is a seperation between being a hero and taking a movie/book deal. First off, I don't think she was a hero. I admitted that she deserves credit for having to endure such tragic events, but does she deserve the title "Hero". No. LordSpongeBob is correct: the real heros are the ones who have died for their country. She claims she is angry with the Pentagon about being made out to be a hero for the purposes of propaganda, but doesn't the movie represent her in that same fashion. You know, shooting until she ran out of bullets? In interviews she claims that she didn't do that, she fell to her knees to pray (I like that---it's honest). But, what I don't aggree with is that she portrays herself to be exactly that---a hero. She is no more a hero than any man or woman out there risking thier lives in war.

I'm female. I'm not trying to put down this "Girl power" thing. But, I do not agree with what the public/government is making her out to be. Yeah, perhaps if I was offered money than I would take it. But, if she doesn't like being looked at as a tool for propaganda then why does she condone a movie and book that reflects exactly what she argues against. That is my problem and point. What she did was SELL OUT. She even treats herself as a hero. Look around.

And, you know what? She is not the only person used for propaganda. The government uses everything for propaganda. I don't think it's right. But, it's the truth. People need to open their eyes to real life. Don't wait for someone else to tell you when propaganda is at work.

[Nxt2Hvn]

Hello everyone -

VENT SESSION!!!

I watched the Jessica Lynch interview with Diane Sawyer last night... and I have made new opinions on Miss Lynch.

I found her rude and ungrateful. I didn't like the way she downed the U.S. Military. She said she was mad because they made her out to be a hero. Personally I don't think the Military maliciously made up stories to make her out to be a hero... I think that was the eyewitness accounts that they were given so that was the information that they initially reported.

Also - she didn't seem grateful at all for what *Muhammed did to help in her rescue(*the Iraqi man that helped the Military locate her) . She said he lied... He said he saw her being slapped while in the hospital and she says it never happened. But you know .. she was in and out of consciousness.. and sometimes the mind blocks out the really bad experiences you have... there are alot of other details that she doesn't remember ... so why couldn't this also be something that she can't remember.

She could have... in my opinion ... showed a little more appreciation to this individual. She made it out like he was out for himself and to make money.. like on the Movie that was on T.V. Sunday night... that movie was actually based on his accounts. But you know.. I can believe that he had on his mind .. at that time that he was going to make money on a movie deal... he put his life and the lives of his family on the line to save her!! And another thing ... that is like the pot calling the kettle black.... because remember she is the one that signed a million dollar book deal.

I just personally didn't like her attitude. I understand she was a POW and one of our U.S. Soldiers ... and she went through a lot ... I just think I would show a little more appreciation to the Military and others that helped in her rescue.

Thanks for listening... I just really had to vent!!

[Celestia]

Next2hvn I totally agree with you.

[moe eubleck]

I watched the Jessica Lynch interview with Diane Sawyer last night... and I have made new opinions on Miss Lynch.

I found her rude and ungrateful.

Put yourself in her shoes. Now that she has told the whole world about what happened, everyone who sees her, for the rest of her life will see her as a victim. Her reputation is completly ruined.

My wife is in the military and she has to prove herself on a daily basis. She is constantly challenged by the years and years of male stereotypes. For example. she is currentyl in charge of a transmiter install. She knows everything there is to know about her transmitters. The installers on the other hand,ask her advice, but after she gives it, they always get a second opinion from one of her male coworkers. Its like they dont think she knows what she is talking about, even tho she outranks even the installers.

Military men know only 2 types of women in the military.The cold hearted square, or the dumb tramp. Women have to earn the cold hearted and square status. many spend thier entire carrer trying to get respect.

That all went down the drain during Jessica's interview. She became another damsel. I think her rudeness, is directed at the media for destoying everything she had worked for. Wouldnt you be mad?

[Nxt2Hvn]

Wouldnt you be mad?

I personally don't think the media has destroyed anything for her (of course that is my opinion).

The fact is with or without the Media attention... she is a victim.... and would be a victim ... Man or Woman. It doesn't necessarilly make her a damsel.

She had no control over what happened to her ... and neither would have anyone else. And no I don't see where I would be mad.

I was just stating that I feel like she could have shown a little more appreciation to the Iraqi Lawyer that put his life on the line to help her and the soldiers that went in to rescue her. Even though the soldiers were in "no danger" and in her opinion .. the military made the rescue out to be more dramatic than it actually was . But I imagine that those soldiers didn't have a clue as to what situation they were walking into. They didn't know that there were't any armed Iraqis in that hospital... and they took what precautions they felt they had to.. and I would have done the same. Drama or not!

I am not in the Military... and I don't feel I have to prove myself to anyone... I consider myself cold hearted and opinionated. And maybe a little too cold hearted.

I personally don't buy the damsel in distress stereotype... women as a whole are stronger than what they are made out to be and choose for the damsel type.

No hard feelings though... I respect your opinion.

[moe eubleck]

Oh I know what you were saying NXt2HVN. She wasnt very nice. I totally agree with you.

I was trying just trying to relate my opinion as to why she wasnt. That woman has been through so much! I think we should have given her more time to recover before hounding for her story thats all.

With my wife and like many other successful military women, image is everything to them. But yeah, it may different with jessica. Since I dont know her, it wouldnt be fair to say that.

Ive just based my opinion on what I already know. I keep picturing my lil wife in that situation..

[Nxt2Hvn]

Ive just based my opinion on what I already know. I keep picturing my lil wife in that situation..

You are such a sweet and caring husband!!!! Your wife is lucky to have you support her so much!!

More men should be behind their women they way you are behind your wife!!

And I can see your point too... Jessica probably has a lot of anger and annimosity inside her ... just ready to explode... and she really doesn't know what direction to aim it in. I can't imagine what she is feeling ... going through what she has gone through.

You are right... they probably should have given her a year to mentally get over what she went through!

But she should have told them she wasn't ready... because I am sure I am not the only person who has made new opinioins about her and how she handled the interview... that's what ruins her reputation.. not the details of what happened to her.

And as for you... you just keep being a supportive hubby!!

[cherokee1]

Saving Jessica Lynch - propaganda or lies?

"The Insider" mailing list article, 15 July 2003.

The dramatic rescue of Private Lynch from an Iraqi hospital was "one of the most stunning pieces of news management ever conceived."

We all watched in awe as elite US troops stormed the building, and the pictures of the pretty young female soldier holding the American flag after her rescue triggered waves of pride and patriotism across the length and breadth of the United States of America. But if you shouldn't always believe what you see on TV, even if you want to believe it.

It seems a shame to shatter such a glorious illusion, but the fact is there was no need for the raid, and the whole episode was stage-managed to fool the loyal American public. Private Lynch was being cared for in an Iraqi hospital when the troops and the cameras arrived, but the rest of the story is simply made up of lies and propaganda.

Jessica was injured in a car crash, not an ambush. The hospital made contact with the US troops two days before the daring rescue, and had already arranged to transport Private Lynch to her colleagues in an ambulance. The soldiers used blanks and dummy grenades for sound effects, just like a regular training exercise. The hospital was already secure and there were no Iraqi troops in the area. Jessica has no memoryof teh events portrayed on TV, and the official explanation for this is amnesia.

We can only hope they will present the correct version of events when they make the Hollywood movie. You can get your $5 "America Loves Jessica Lynch" fridge magnet while stocks last.

SOURCE:

BBC News, "Saving Private Lynch story 'flawed'", 15 May 2003.

[ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/corr...ent/3028585.stm ]

Private Jessica Lynch became an icon of the war, and the story of her capture by the Iraqis and her rescue by US special forces became one of the great patriotic moments of the conflict.

But her story is one of the most stunning pieces of news management ever conceived. ...

But Iraqi doctors in Nasiriya say they provided the best treatment they could for the soldier in the midst of war. She was assigned the only specialist bed in the hospital and one of only two nurses on the floor.

"I examined her, I saw she had a broken arm, a broken thigh and a dislocated ankle," said Dr Harith a-Houssona, who looked after her.

"There was no [sign of] shooting, no bullet inside her body, no stab wound - only road traffic accident. ..."

Witnesses told us that the special forces knew that the Iraqi military had fled a day before they swooped on the hospital.

We were surprised. Why do this? There was no military, there were no soldiers in the hospital," said Dr Anmar Uday, who worked at the hospital.

"It was like a Hollywood film. They cried 'go, go, go', with guns and blanks without bullets, blanks and the sound of explosions. They made a show for the American attack on the hospital

There was one more twist. Two days before the snatch squad arrived, Harith had arranged to deliver Jessica to the Americans in an ambulance. ...

The American strategy was to ensure the right television footage by using embedded reporters and images from their own cameras, editing the film themselves.

As for Private Lynch, her status as cult hero is stronger than ever. Internet auction sites list Jessica Lynch items, from an oil painting with an opening bid of $200 to a $5 "America Loves Jessica Lynch" fridge magnet.

But doctors now say she has no recollection of the whole episode and probably never will.

FURTHER READING

The Debate - "Iraq War Motives"

[ http://www.thedebate.org ]

Chew on that for a while people.