While some things have changed in the Department of Defense under the post-Rumsfeld leadership of Secretary Gates, this article convinces us that hiding the war dead from public view is not one of them. Gina Gray found this out first hand as Director of Public Affairs at Arlington National Cemetery. Gates denies any policy change, but even under hide-the-dead Rumsfeld media members were able, when given permission by the deceased's family, to hear prayers and eulogies and film the handing over of the flag to remind our nation of the war that kills daily -- but not now. Director Gray tried to get her superiors' permission to change things in respectful accordance with media access, family wishes and cemetery policy and was fired ... More »

This is a great read. It's well sourced, and is really interesting. It presents historical context, gives interesting details, and even goes so far as to report on anonymous sources confirming allegations made by others in the story. I totally trust this article.

Good story describing apparent attempt to keep burials of war dead at Arlington Cemetary out of public view -- and the vindictive firing of a "whistle blower". The reporter presents comments from all sides then obtains independent confirmation. It appears that the reporter's job was made easier by fairly clumsy handling of the topic by the cemetary.

Unexpected story from Dana Milbank reporting on the ongoing news blackout for the funerals of the fallen soldiers. Gina Gray was recently fired from her position as public affairs director for exposing the new limits on media coverage even after families gave permission for the coverage. Milbank interviewed both sides for the story and the Army secretary indicates they are following the wishes of the families. Sounds like Arlington is following the wishes of the Bush administration in hiding the true cost of the war and not honoring our fallen soldiers and their families.

Dana Milbank describes the discharge of an Arlington National Cemetery PR officer who tried to ease media access to burials of service people. Her supervisors prefer to prevent media coverage of these sad events and access denial has been in place throughout more than five years of war in Iraq. Milbank notes the officials' clumsy style and offers sympathy to the fired staff member. He also implies that the privacy policy has a purpose different from that officially described by the Army and Cemetery officials.

A truly great article. The arrogance of the Bush administration, which this article underscores, is one of the main reasons I want no continuation of Republican rule for at least the next four years. Let us hope that Obama will strike a better balance--do the right thing and at the same time pursue the necessary task of countering global Islamofascism.

It is astonishing when someone reveals something is wrong and then is maligned for the revelation. It makes you wonder about the ethics of the people to justify their corrupt actions. Ms Gray's life has become topsy-turvy over her honest revelations. This administration is so foul that even with new cabinet members in the Defense and Atty Generals office nothing has changed. This is a good article that for once defends the position of someone who is decent and ethical to reveal the true facts.