Pentagon pundits exposed

Have you heard about the New York Times' report on the Pentagon's use of retired military men with ties to defense contractors as seemingly-impartial public speakers on military policy? While I was never surprised to find that many former military leaders would support continued violence and occupation, this investigation uncovers a much more insidious connection. In return for their acting as ready-to-quote "military analysts" who would parrot administration talking points, these men and the contractors they represent gained increased access to military people and information beneficial to their own bottom lines.

These records reveal a symbiotic relationship where the usual dividing lines between government and journalism have been obliterated.

Internal Pentagon documents repeatedly refer to the military analysts as “message force multipliers” or “surrogates” who could be counted on to deliver administration “themes and messages” to millions of Americans “in the form of their own opinions.”

Though many analysts are paid network consultants, making $500 to $1,000 per appearance, in Pentagon meetings they sometimes spoke as if they were operating behind enemy lines, interviews and transcripts show. Some offered the Pentagon tips on how to outmaneuver the networks, or as one analyst put it to Donald H. Rumsfeld, then the defense secretary, “the Chris Matthewses and the Wolf Blitzers of the world.” Some warned of planned stories or sent the Pentagon copies of their correspondence with network news executives. Many — although certainly not all — faithfully echoed talking points intended to counter critics.

- The New York Times: Behind TV Analysts, Pentagon’s Hidden Hand, 4/20/08

In response to this story, Free Press is asking supporters to ask Congress to investigate these "military analysts" and whether the Bush administration violated federal law against "covert propaganda." Click here to contact your member of Congress now.