How Dare They?

In recent weeks, there has been a lot of what I will call useless reporting on our US Navy Seals. This is in light of Seal Team 6's successful takedown of Osama Bin Laden. The country is seemingly obsessed with who they are, what they do, where they eat, live and sleep. Take for instance, this stellar piece of reporting by the Washington Post on "Seal-spotting."

A recent news piece on CNN actually sent a reporter to this area, in front of a local Naval base. While we have a lot to be proud of - I'm not sure this sort of scrutiny is necessary. The reporter actually went around asking local top officials, "Will you be having a parade?"

The answer is no, we will not be having a parade. Because as much as we want to thank and acknowledge these brave men - there are also some fanatical terrorists who would like to "thank" them in their own way.

Part of me wants to think that this obsession with wanting to reveal their identity is just ignorance of the military way of life. There are thousands of military men and women in the area, and in the nation, who go to work every day defending our nation with little applause or fan fare.

However, another part of me thinks that perhaps some out there are secretly outraged. There are those who would love to know them, to pat them on the back, to say they've met one, to get a photo taken with one, to be them. In an age when people will do anything for fame, to be known, to be recognized even if it comes with checking your dignity at the door (think Jersey Shore), how dare these heroes not step forward?

Journalists have harped on this recent obsession with news stories trying to get as close to an actual Navy Seal as possible. This Virginia Beach resident would like to say, enough of this irresponsible journalism. I've always looked to reporters and the media as acting as our personal watchdogs, exposing corruption and other atrocities, holding people accountable, bringing to light important issues.

In this instance, I'm thinking the media may have the important role of saving us from ourselves.

If you would really like to thank a Navy Seal, or get to know more about what they do, I invite you to visit http://www.navysealfoundation.org/. The web site lists it plainly "For their sacrifice, for their bravery, for their dedication, and finally for their families." This was a very important mission, and one of which we are all proud - but the truth is, they do it every day, and we owe them a lot not just now, but all year round.

In related news, if you haven't seen this already - check out this photo essay on the other unknown soldiers - the U.S. War Dogs. They are making a big difference in our success overseas.

As always,

Be well.

Love,
Mel