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April 20, 2004
Spirit of America Challenge
As part of an overall support effort for Operation: No Better Friend, the Spirit of America foundation is fundraising to provide equipment for at least seven television stations that are being refurbished by coalition troops. This will combat the propaganda spread through Al Jazheera television and showcase the humanitarian efforts that our troops are engaged in to bring a better life to those who were oppressed under Saddam's rule.
From the Spirit of America website:
US Marines seek to equip seven (7) television stations serving local communities within Al Anbar Province, Iraq. The Province includes the cities of Fallujah and Ramadi. These stations will offer information that is more accurate and balanced than existing alternatives. The goal is to improve understanding between Americans and Iraqis, build trust and reduce tensions.
Current TV news in Iraq often carries negative, highly-biased accounts of the U.S. presence. Unanswered, its effect is to stoke resentment and encourage conflict. The Marines seek to ensure the Iraqi people have access to better, more balanced information. By equipping local television stations and providing the ability to generate news and programming, the Marines will create a viable news alternative - one owned and operated by local Iraqi citizens.The donated equipment will be the property of the Iraqi stations. The stations can create their own news and choose their own programming with the agreement that they will prohibit airing of anti-coalition messages that incite the local population. The stations also agree to sell airtime at a fair market price so that the Marines can communicate their information efficiently and quickly when needed.
For example, images were recently broadcast of a mosque in Fallujah damaged during fighting. With these stations the Marines could have provided the full picture by airing video of combatants firing on them from the mosque grounds. These stations would have enabled Iraqis to understand the complete picture. News of reconstruction projects and humanitarian assistance that balances the news of conflict will also be provided on these stations. The stations will be free to criticize the Coalition.The Marines say, "this was started with the idea that information is key to success. It builds greater knowledge, understanding and ultimately, trust." They add, "As Operation Iraqi Freedom carries on, this venture becomes more and more important. The lack of accurate news reports during this rebuilding phase undercuts the good work being performed throughout the majority of Iraq. Instead, news is being passed by word of mouth and becomes more and more distorted as the tales are retold. It is essential to success of the Marine Corps' mission in Iraq that the Iraqi people understand our sincerest desires to help them rebuild their country and lay the foundation for a viable and free democratic society."
Here's how you can help:
Donate any amount of money to the Spirit of America foundation by clicking on this button:
So, who are the Fighting Fusileers of Freedom and why are they pointing at Kevin and Dean? It's a friendly competition between three groups of bloggers with big hearts. After considering each of the groups, Marine Corps Moms decided to go with the guys in Fusileer uniform - they're irresistable. And, they've got bigger guns. Check out the individual Fusileers, led by the fine folks at Castle Argghhh!, here:
The Imperial Armorer
She Who Will Be Obeyed
The Imperial Animatrix
Right Wingin-it!
Loyal Reader Calliope!
Un-named Left-of-Center Blogger Not Appearing in this blogroll*
Triticale
Darthvob
A Soldiers Blog
Practical Penumbra
Road Warrior Rules for Survival
Brain Shavings
The Bejus Pundit!
Blackfive - The Paratrooper of Love!
Technicalities
The Anti-Idotarian Rottweiler
Democrats Give Conservatives Indigestion
Bloodletting
The Politburo Diktat
The Mudville Gazette
Geeklog
The Common Virtue
The Ghost of a Flea
Grim's Hall
Feste, A Foolsblog!
LC Glen, Imperial Longbowman
Dawn L, the Non-Commenting Commenter!
Loyal Reader "Brass"
Loyal Reader "Bill" (Constructive credit for already donating)
Marine Corps Moms!
Colorado Psycho
Wasted Electrons
Citizen Smash!
As an added inducement, this Marine Corps Mom will knit a fashionable summer scarf for the first five people who donate $200 or more through one of the Fusileer links. It's a great cause on its own - but in the spirit of NPR, I'll make you an irresistable offer. After all pledges are posted, I'll e-mail the first five qualifying donors to find out color preference. Watch this site in the next few days for pictures of sample scarves.
Posted by Deb at April 20, 2004 08:53 PM
Comments
I really like that you had to say about that.......and by the way, this is a nice site. Hope you don't mind me dropping in.
(advertising stripped out by Deb)
Posted by: Melissa Dougherty at May 6, 2004 11:40 AM