LETTER TO DAN RATHER... A MARKOS ZUNIGA WANNABE
From The American Thinker... From Major Doug Hanson

An Open Letter to Dan Rather and CBS News
April 5th, 2004

Dear Mr. Rather:

I was stunned when I read some of the language concerning civilian contractors who risk death in Iraq, which you reportedly used in a segment on your CBS Evening News March 31st. Like many other Americans, I stopped watching your broadcast some time ago, so I am relying on published reports of what you said, after reporting the murder and desecration of the bodies of four American civilian contractors in Fallujah.

If these are reports are accurate, Mr. Rather, I demand an apology on behalf of myself, the many other patriotic Americans who are working, or have worked as civilian contractors in Iraq and other danger zones, and especially on behalf of those contractors who have, as you put it, paid “the ultimate price.”

You reportedly said, “What drives American civilians to risk death in Iraq? In this economy, it may be, for some, the only job they can find,” while the screen displayed the heading “Risking Death” over a video of people standing in a job application line.

The so-called news segment which followed painted contractors in Iraq as perennial losers who are so desperate that they would “risk anything for a decent paycheck,” as your colleague Bob McNamara put it. You, Managing Editor Dan Rather, have slandered all Americans who voluntarily contribute their skills to dangerous missions around the world, be they in or out of uniform.
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For example, there is Scott Helvenston, a former Navy SEAL, who was among the four security guard contractors killed in Fallujah. After service in his elite branch of the Navy, Scott started a career as a fitness instructor. Once again, he rose to the pinnacle of his profession, as a trainer to Hollywood stars, and also as a stunt man. He personally trained Demi Moore for her role in the film G.I. Jane. Many critics were astonished at the extent to which she was able to develop her physique, under the training regimen Scott developed for her. I would hardly call him “desperate.”

Or, take the case of Mr. Art Linderman, the supply truck driver noted in your news segment. I never worked with him, but I have known other heavy equipment operators, skilled and experienced professionals, who could have at any time worked in the United States, who nevertheless made the decision to go and drive relief trucks in Somalia. They knew the risks. Some of the men I knew were beaten severely while in theatre in Somalia. But their sense of mission and purpose never faltered.
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Mr. Rather, I am afraid that what you seem to do best is spin the truth for political ends. This is your right. But it is not right with me when you dishonor some of America’s best. You owe us all an apology.

It is quite apparent that you are the desperate one, not my civilian compatriots.

Sincerely,

Douglas Hanson
Major (Ret.), USA
Gulf War I; 90-91

(full letter)