Countdown to 'After the Military' Day 2: Media Demonization of Military Service

Veterans and Service Members have a serious image problem right now.  We are seen as dangerous and amoral.  We are increasingly becoming viewed and depicted as cold-blooded killers.  Who do we have to thank for this wonderful phenomenon?  The media - on TV, on the internet, in papers, every medium.  Media outlets have this idea that negative press is the only thing that sells.  Because of this flawed ideal, the only stories that get passed on are the ones that demonize our service members.  In today's world, these horrible images are what everyone associates with our veterans and our service members.  Guys posing with the body parts of insurgents, guys posing with tortured prisoners.  These are the lasting images of this war that most who are outside of the military community identify our veterans and service members with.

Hey media:  Get a Clue.  I hear the words 'fair and balanced' and want to laugh.  There is nothing fair or balanced about any of the media coverage we get nowadays.  Just once, I would love to see a major media story about the loss and suffering that service members experience during their time overseas.  A story of compassion and attempted understanding.  It's one of the major reasons I am an advocate for 'After the Uniform.  Bob Woodruff is one of the panel members.  If anyone in today's media understands what service members and veterans feel and experience, it's the guy who almost died in an IED attack.  I know he gets it.  I can't say the same for most of these other politically-minded sycophants that pander to the party they ardently support.

This problem is not going to go away.  The image of military service hasn't been this negative since Vietnam.  Are you proud of yourselves, Media Outlets?  Are you?  I will say it now and I hope others carry the message to you as well.  Find your ethics that you stashed somewhere and return to your roots of unbiased reporting.