I question motives too, if this were about a long term war and wanting to recognize those involved then there's no excuse not to include those who also died in Afghanistan. However, suspicions aren't enough to ban the show.

"One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter."

The names are given at the end of each night's news. And the names are given in my newspaper. I don't care if Koppel feels the need to spend an entire show reading them. That's up to him. I'm simply saying it IS political on his part. It has little or nothing to do with "honoring" anybody.

Did you ever wonder why we've been in Afghanistan now for almost 3 years, and Koppel hasn't spent a show reading the names of THOSE dead military personnel? Does he NOT care about those who gave their lives in Afghanistan? How about those 3 or 4 American military who lost their lives last week in Kosovo?

So, you don't think it's political? So, does that mean when images of 9/11 and specials on 9/11 appear on the tv on the anniversary which happens to be so close to the election....that you won't be claiming it's "all political?" The rest of us will keep all this in mind when you guys start complaining about that.

No, I would NOT want them using my son's name in that way. Having Ted Koppel spend a second reading his name would mean nothing to me. If I lost someone over there, I wouldn't want the media trying to turn public opinion around for the purposes of pulling out....and especially using my dead son's name to do it. Because these military beleived in their missions ....as did the country.....and to just pick up and leave would mean they all died in vain. No. I wouldn't want that.

Oh, I wouldn't be for banning the show either. I'm simply saying it IS being done for political purposes. Has nothing to do with "honoring" the dead.

I think the American people deserve to know the truth about what is really happening in Iraq. The images are graphic and disturbing. The blood of our American soldiers is on the hands of George W. Bush, and Dick Cheney. I think the American people will remember George and Cheney for what they really are. War profiteers. They make a profit through oil contracts and private contractors in Iraq. As I said before, we live in fictitious times and a fictitious presidency, with fictitious election results to elect a fictitious president. Shame on you Mr. Bush!!!, Shame on you Mr. Bush!!!

Thanks everyone for your support.

Michael Moore
mmflint@aol.com
www.michaelmoore.com

Ted Koppel is being political tonight when he airs his 'tribute' to American casualties in Iraq. He is attempting to play the Vietnam card by tugging at the viewer's heartstrings and impying that their deaths weren't worth the cause. If he truly wanted to honor America's fallen, he would select some of their letters home, or have some of their family speak, or otherwise indicate whether the deceased might or might not have felt their sacrifice was worthwhile. This rollcall broadcast has no context except their deaths.

I'm looking forward to seeing the picture and hearing the name called of a brave young kid I used to work with. His name is Staff Sgt. Randy Rosenberg of Berlin NH. Only 23 and married a year, he lost his life on Jan. 27.

I moved from the area a couple of years ago, and it's quite unlikely that he and I would ever cross paths again, but learning of his death brought closer to home the reality of the war, for me personally.

I thank ABC for doing this tribute. I think they are honoring Randy by sharing his sacrifice for his country with all of us. Shame on Sinclair Broadcasting for making this political.

__________________
Politics is war without bloodshed while war is politics with bloodshed

__________________
"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left."
Ecclesiastes 10:2 (NIV)

If that is what Nightline wants to do then they should do it and they are.
I think it is a good tribute to those people that gave their lives for their country and freedom for Iraqis.

Just a note it is Sinclair Broadcast Group that chose not to air on their stations.

__________________
Those who think they know everything, usually know the least.