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"Of course that is what the U.S. Military wants me to see." Katie Couric
I've spent 9 months in Iraq over the course of three trips.
I've never been given a guided tour. Never seen the inside the joint reception center in Baghdad.
The briefs I get are standing in the TOC with a Battalion Commander or Company Commander.
My favorite briefs come from Lieutenants, Sergeants and Captains. I tend avoid Colonels and really only trust one General--that's because I met him when he was a Colonel and we met on the side of a road after he got blown up.
When I've been to markets in Baghdad, it was on a standard patrol with a platoon from the infantry unit I was living with that week.
I've been able to go anywhere I ever wanted to go.
And I don't have a billion dollar corporation backing me.
I've licensed video to billion dollar corporations. I sell my DVDs through a billion dollar corporation.
But when I'm out there at the COP, its just me, my camera and the guys.
I think it would be very, very instructive for Ms. Couric to spend a few days living in the suck with some grunts.
Then go back to that same place a few months later. That is how you learn Iraq.
I have a feeling Ms. Couric is getting to see everything she wants from Multi-National Forces Iraq.
If she wants to see the real deal--she needs to get off the air for a few days and cover Iraq the way the rest of us do--by living with the grunts.
All she has to do is ask for the Quarter Cav. and the Raiders will show her the surge as it really is.
Help JD get back to Iraq! Buy a DVD or Contribute below.
JD is currently editing the follow-up to his 2005-2006 documentary Outside The Wire. He will return to Iraq to shoot another documentary as soon as it is released.
We all know that freedom is not free--and neither is reporting from Iraq.
Each digital tape capturing the heroic efforts of Soldiers and Marines costs $7. JD uses almost 100 tapes on each trip. One DVD buys one tape that will permanently capture what the media refuses to cover.
As you know JD spends his time in Iraq with the Soldiers and Marines doing the work Outside The Wire. That means hundred and thousands of dollars of equipment and gear gets damaged. Three dollars buys a new protective lens cover. Fifty dollars buys a pair of ballistic glasses. Just to get there, the airfare costs $1,500.
It all helps and it is all needed to tell the story that is not being told.
If you have the desire and means to contribute more and be a co-producer please contact JD via email.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and any support you can give.
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