MSM browbeats this administration continuously.
They demanded the resignation of every cabinet member, one at a time Ashcroft, Rumsfeld, etc. etc. Where do you think the low poll numbers come from? MSM creates them by continuous negative reporting. All the MSM TV and our local newspapers openly stumped for Gore and Kerry in the presidential elections.
They don't report good economic news without adding a negative personal story, or some other detractor. You wouldn't know the deficit is being reduced this year due to a 5% economic growth by reading the Seattle papers.
There has not been one story of a heroic US serviceman in this conflict. Only death, wounds, and atrocities (usually without proof). Bill C never got that kind of negative coverage in Bosnia, and he was running the same kind of executive powers 'cowboy diplomacy' show. Except it was to assist Islam and suppress Christians.
As for mismanaged, Also consider that the enemy has the ability to change plans to mess ours up. War is about starting with a plan and changing it as conditions warrent and your supplies / training allow. Accusations of missmanagement don't fly, because the death rate is not in the tens of thousands for our troops. The statistics don't bear out the accusations. Yes it takes time, and yes, we are winning. The logistics required take time. The tactics of the enemy change and matching that takes time. But terrorist bombings dropped 20% after Al Zarkowi passed on. Every little bit helps.
William Randolf Hearst was one of the most conservative newspapermen, but he owned the Seattle PI, the most liberal paper in town. I never could understand why he didn't exert some control over the editors...So I don't believe the ownership has as much control as you think it does. I don't know whay that is.
Yes BinLadin wants the 80% to follow him, and considers our reaction a positive move, yet somehow he has to hide in a cave in Pakistan or Iran and make blind pronouncements about week old events. That's better than dead, that's impotent and bypassed by history. He's gone to direct internet posting because Al Jazira has been editing his content, and he doesn't like that!
As for small complaints;
You said "Anyway look at the vast charges of fraud they've been involved in during Iraq. Their stock tripled from the beginning of the Iraq war until now. They billed the US for something like twice as many meals as they actually served, and got caught serving rotten meat. The Chief Contracting Officer for the Army accused Haliburton of lying to her, and complained that there was no competitive bidding process for the oil field restoration contract. It sure smells like profiteering. What does the fact about Ladybird Johnson prove anyway?"
LBJ thru LadyBird owned the junk collection for military vehicles during VietNam. Huge money recovering those shot up trucks and tanks etc. This always goes on, does not matter who is in control, and must be actively watched during any war. It's the small stuff I was talking about.
How are we winning? Iraq has successfully completed 3 election cycles, the death rate is lower than some of USA's major cities like Miami or Detroit. More poeple die in swimming pool accidents or medical malpractice.
Military drawdown without timetable is starting. Libia gave up it's belligerant posture and joined the world of nations, Egypt had open elections, and Syria left Lebanon. Syria is being contained and it's terror ties are comming to light. Iran is showing it's intent for the world, and looks to start trouble, maybe a multinational solution will be found.......at the UN?