 The two star general in charge of Walter Reed has been relieved of duty. Meanwhile, the Army is denying reports in the Army Times that it is gagging soldiers and preventing the media from entering its facilities. Army spokesman Paul Boyce had a creative answer to a query by ThinkP: In an interview with ThinkProgress, Army spokesman Paul Boyce insisted that the Army Times report is inaccurate, and that injured vets are “free to exercise their First Amendment right” and speak with the media. But upon further questioning, Boyce acknowledged that if patients at Walter Reed wanted to speak to reporters inside the hospital, they must first receive approval from the hospital’s press relations office.
What if reporters want to speak to a reporter without getting approval from a PR office? “They can go to Starbucks,” Boyce said. Asked whether this was a reasonable solution for patients recuperating from physical and mental trauma, Boyce said yes. “It’s just a short trip, and many of them want to get out [of the hospital] anyway.” Well, the cinnamon lattes ARE outstanding... Boyce repeatedly justified the restrictions on patients’ activities by citing the fact that Walter Reed hospital is a “government building.” ThinkProgress contacted several legal analysts and none of them could explain why this would justify media restrictions. Well you know ... roaches and mold don't make good P.R. Labels: Bush administration, military, U.S. Army, Walter Reed |
