8:20 a.m. -- Last night I was told there was a really special
surprise in store for us to open the conference. I was told it was
something I would definitely not want to miss. Andi
opened by saying they asked someone to address the conference, and that
it was a shot in the dark, but that he said yes. She then announced
that the President of the United States would be addressing the 2007
Milblog Conference and many in the room gasped. The President then
appeared on the two large screens at the front of the room. He thanked
milbloggers for their contributions for telling the story from the
field and for the charity work many have done on behalf of those in the
military and their families. The room erupted in applause following his
statement. Jim Hoft posted video of the President's remarks. Also be sure to see Jim's interview with J.R. Salzman. He has an amazing and inspiring story to tell. [Mary Katharine is blogging at Townhall.com.]
8:40 -- Rear Admiral Mark Fox then made a brief statement via
teleconference and took questions. The first question was about Anbar
province. He talked about the progress that is being made, but said
that it was important that the political situation be stable in order
for the country to be secure. He was then asked how to best support the
troops. Offering clear and heartfelt message of support is the most
important thing. He said the charities should work through DOD to
coordinate care packages and other items being sent to the troops.
Fox then spoke about the situation in Iraq in general. He said that
the way to protect the Iraqi people is to live among. That creates a
trust between the troops and the people that results in them sharing
intelligence. He said that violence is down in Baghdad by 2/3, but that
the enemy uses high visibility spectacular attacks that will catch
headlines. He said we are facing an "evil and diabolical enemy" that
targets women and children and old people. Al Queada has become public
enemy number one because they are ones "tearing the fabric of the Iraqi
society." We are trying to create conditions to move forward, but it
will take time.
When asked about the milblog role, Fox said that milblogs are
leading the mainstream media in many cases and that it really is true
that "the truth will set you free." He said it is important to remember
that we are the good guys. When Abu Ghraib story broke, we were the
ones to correct it and punish those involved. When we see something
wrong, our ethic is that we fix it. Walter Reed was not a pleasant
story, but it is good that we have a free media that brings truth to
light so that a wrong situation can be addressed. He said that milblogs
will only grow in influence. Regarding the MSM, he has more a beef with
producers and editors seeing how stories get edited and presented
rather than the reporters he deals with. He said he understands that
explosions are more exciting than opening clinics, but that sometimes
the result is a skewed picture.
Fox said this is the first time there is the opportunity to have a
representative government in the Middle East. Under Saddam, very little
hope and opportunity, but even today with the violence, we can say we
have given the Iraqi people the opportunity for freedom and hope. Even
though things are hard, they are not hopeless.
Update: Questions for the panelists can be submitted through the chat room. The panel agenda is here.
Update II: John Noonan is live blogging.
