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Modly's comments about the media are irritating for a number of (obvious) reasons, but I want to make one comment: When he says that there is "no situation where you go to the media" because the media "has an agenda" — he's really missing the point of *why* folks go to the media.
While covering military housing (for just one example), I've had dozens of emotional conversations with service members and their families, including spouses who are retired service members themselves.
For the most part, going to the media is not the first step!
For the most part, going to the media is not the first step!
Most of them say they turned to the media because they've exhausted every other option.
They feel like command is ignoring their problem, that they can't get any help from within the service, so they don't know what else to do but talk to the media in hopes it gets attention.
They feel like command is ignoring their problem, that they can't get any help from within the service, so they don't know what else to do but talk to the media in hopes it gets attention.
Try telling a military wife and mother who is sobbing on the phone, because after months and months of fighting she feels like no one will help her family, that there is "no situation where you go to the media."
Before someone in a leadership position criticizes someone else for going to the media — whether that's a private or a general — ask why they felt they needed to. Look at the environment you might've helped create, that makes them feel like that is their only option to be heard.
