Got THIS email today which is proof that the media is misquoting military families as they are interviewed....(also, if you have a loved one in the service overseas, please feel free to access this site and information)..
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Dear Military Families with loved ones in the Reserves or Guard,
We received the email below from a reporter for Newsweek, with her email address if you would like to get back to her. Two words of caution:
1. Some of our members have had a difficult time with the press misquoting them, quoting them out of context, or printing things that they later decided they perhaps should not have shared with the press. This has not happened that we know of with Newsweek, but could potentially happen with any press interview. Our recommendation is to figure out what you want to say, and don't want to say, before you get into a conversation. You can also ask for something you say to be "off the record," (meaning you should not be quoted on that piece).
2. Among the issues this reporter would like to talk about are issues involving presidential hopefuls wanting to win the support of military families speaking out aganist the war. All members of MFSO should understand that as a non-profit organization, Military Families Speak Out can not and will not be supporting any candidate in a political election. Our members -- as individuals --are certainly free to work for and support candidates of their choice.
If we can help in any way, email us here at
[email protected] Peace and Solidarity,
Nancy Lessin and Charley Richardson,
for Military Families Speak Out
www.mfso.org
www.bringthemhomenow.org
Now then, here is Martha Brant from Newsweek's email message:
Hello. I'm a reporter with Newsweek. I'm working on a story this week and next about how families of reservists and national guards are faring given the extended deployments. I'm looking in particular for cases of lost or suffering businesses and (in case anyone's come back yet) problems with reemployment. I'd also be interested to know what you all are doing to garner support from politicians and, especially, if any presidential hopefuls have tried to win your support. Even after the magazine story is published, myself and my colleague-Trent Gegax-will be writing a weekly web column on Newsweek.com/MSN.com about issues of concern to you. We'd welcome any and all suggestions of topics we should be covering. I'm best reached by email at
[email protected]. I'm happy to call you back if you send me a number. Thanks very much for your help, Martha Brant.