The Pentagon's Persecution of a Free Press 


Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth  has Kingsley Wilson as his official Pentagon Press Muppet.



The woman is no journalist.  And she always comes across as a Muppet from Sesame Street.  But she definitely has the seashell clutched to her ear. And we will not hear her utter a word which is not rote regurgitation of that which she has been told to say.  This is not journalism.  It is propaganda.

President Trump promised the American people the most transparent government in the history of our nation.  But as  professional journalists continue to labor under the Pentagon's deliberate persecution of the press corps,  it seems a reasonable belief that this manner of doing business has the full backing of the Oval Office.   

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/pentagon-will-remove-media-offices-judge-reinstates-new-york-press-cre-rcna264836

In my own career, it has been a necessity to engage the difficult conversations, seek out institutions and  networks, and patiently cultivate relationships which are built on mutual trust to get the story right.   Of course, there are the stories which can never be told because of national security.  But more importantly, there are the stories which absolutely must be told for the health of our nation.  Many of these stories involve what goes on within the ordinary, daily workings of the Pentagon, within our Congressional offices,  and the office suites used by our Cabinet members.  

Each of these stories, are paid for in advance - by the American taxpayer.  And when the U.S. Department of the Treasury issues  bank deposits into both the coffers of the institutions and the individual  bank accounts of staff from month to month,  it reflects income which is provided by American taxpayers.  This financial arrangement, requires transparency and accountability.  And it is the primary job of ethical journalists to hold government accountable to the will of the People.

We are not the enemy.  Really, we are not.  And our role should be embraced as a necessary bulwark for the continued health of our Republic.  But let the parade of muppets continue.  The rest of us will merely carry on and perform our jobs in a manner which brings credit - and not discredit - to an honorable profession.

Tammy Swofford



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