**Updated below fold**
Lifestyle magazine, a publication that serves Pennsylvania's Delaware Valley area, published a nice story this week reporting how a long awaited veteran's cemetery is finally underway in Buck's County, Penn. Oh, the story seems nice enough, but there is one problem. The photo accompanying the story shows a soldier, circa WWII, in near silhouette trotting across a wintry field, rifle in hand. That there is a photo of a soldier from WWII tacked onto a story about a new veteran's cemetery isn't the problem. The problem is that the photo is of a Nazi German soldier from WWII and NOT an American soldier! This is a shocking mistake that reveals many things about the folks at Lifestyle Magazine.
Why is a story about an American veteran's cemetery being illustrated by a photo of a Nazi solder? The answer can only be that the folks at Lifestyle magazine are so unfamiliar with anything military that the glaring mistake went completely unrecognized by its Editors and designers.
Even the first paragraphs of the story are a bit odd. A story about the final resting place of our honored veterans is begun with two paragraphs about a Kris Kristofferson song!
“Caught in the action of kill or be killed, no greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for his brother.” These were the words that singer Kris Kristofferson said in his opening to the song by country music artists, Big & Rich entitled, “The Eighth of November.”
It was a ballad about a Vietnam veteran, Niles Harris, whom the two singers met in a bar, and they were so taken with his personal story of bravery and heroism they wrote a song in his honor.
Now, it seems to me that this is a rather flippant way to start a story about honoring our vets. Using an explanation of a pop song just seems so trivial when juxtaposed against the sacrifices of our military men in battle and the deserved construction of a suitable final resting place when they pass from this mortal coil.
I don't know about you but I would not have started this story off with talk of Kris Kristofferson.
Still, the rest of this article is not so bad. But the glaring error of using a photo of a Nazi soldier when talking about our veterans is unforgivable here and the less than serious talk about a Kris Kristofferson song to kick the story off didn't help much either. It all adds up to a magazine entering into unfamiliar territory; the military.
And, that is the saddest thing of all. That the folks at Lifestyle magazine are so out of their depth when discussing the U.S. military that they cannot tell the difference between a photo of a Nazi soldier and an American is outrageous. But it seems to be a mark of our times when folks in the media haven't the slightest clue about our military and its history. It's horrendous that they are so sloppy with their work that they don't even know what an American soldier looks like but it is a situation that has sadly come to be expected of the media.
One last thing to show how ignorant the editors and writers at Lifestyle magazine are. Witness this line in the story (my emphasis)...
Currently, there are only three national veteran’s cemeteries in Pennsylvania. There is one near Pittsburgh, another northeast of Harrisburg, and the third, which is not taking any new internments, in Philadelphia.
Dear, dear editors of Lifestyle magazine. Cemeteries take interments NOT "internments"!!
**Update** 11AM 01/14/08
Well, there is a reason that I made a screen capture of the original picture that accompanies my article here. The photo on the Lifestyle website has now been changed to show American soldiers. Mysteriously, no correction notice or apology was made. The picture was just changed with no word about it.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
They may have been
January 13, 2008 - 12:35 ET by FastEdtrying to show HOW these heroes became such. When driven by agenda, these things will happen.
Actually, I think you're right - these folks have NO concept of history, added to their disrespect of the military. Then, their own lack of research and/or reportage, believing that the picture shows a US soldier wearing the new "Fritz" helmet, not knowing that the rifle in not standard issue for today's army. Then, you have to ask - what photo library did these boneheads use??
And I agree - why not actually do some reporting and talk to somebody who what THERE - where ever there was? I knew a pharma sales guy, who summed his experience simply - "I was able to walk from the shore of France to Germany, courtesy of the US Army." My dad's experience was similar - he saw the US, from FL to KN, as an MP, went to the S Pacific, all on Uncle Sam's dime.
These "reporters" would have done better by seeking out the local VFW, Am Legion, or even a local bar.
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Misattributed the quote...
January 13, 2008 - 12:32 ET by c5thenJhn 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Not Kris Kristofferson, Yahushua ben Yahuweh, HaMoshiach who most people call Jesus.
You're right, the staff is probably mostly 20-somethings with limited knmowledge and understanding of the world in general and many many things in specific.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
World War II??? Was that,
January 13, 2008 - 13:43 ET by motherbeltthe staff is probably mostly 20-somethings with limited knmowledge...
World War II? Was that, like, before Viet Nam?
Wrong quote
January 13, 2008 - 13:09 ET by ThisnThat“Caught in the action of kill or be killed, no greater love hath a man than to lay down his life for his brother.”
How about this instead: "The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his". George Patton. No ballod. No touchy-feely. Just plain violence inflicted upon the enemy. That's the way to shorten wars.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Patton was right. The job
January 13, 2008 - 15:53 ET by motherbeltPatton was right. The job of soldiers in war is to kill people and break things.
Come on guys, Nazis need
January 13, 2008 - 13:14 ET by Roger the ShrubberCome on guys, Nazis need hugs, too!
As Leon has shown us over and over, history begins in 2001 to people his age (mid/late 20's) and is testimony to sloppy journalism, editing, and reporting.
I wonder if this chick is the same person?
.
January 13, 2008 - 22:22 ET by Andante.
Just an aside, but...
January 13, 2008 - 13:43 ET by InSixDaysNot all German soldiers were Nazi's. Perhaps this one was, I don't know.
"Luge strategy? Lie flat and try not to die." C. Boyle (Olympic Luge Gold Medal winner 1996)
Bad photo
January 13, 2008 - 13:46 ET by planetrepublicanWarner, excellent post. I think I will e-mail that famous picture of the Nazi SS shooting the Jewish woman and child in that back of the head to Lifestype editors and see if that would jog them into reality? Or, since Hitler was soldier why not put HIS pricture in their article? This reminds me of the adage: "Those
ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it". Alas the people that write these kinds of articles are the last ones to serve in the military.
Nazi Americans.
January 13, 2008 - 14:46 ET by ScrapironOld, Retired and glad of it. The photo was in the rag on purpose. You forget that the left wing (aka democrats) hate this country and not just the military. They want a communist/socialist/nazi ruler and are head long in a drive to get one. Osama Obama or Shrillary will be a start they can't control when they figure out they really didn't want it.
Please you guys. World War
January 13, 2008 - 15:18 ET by wiwfPlease you guys. World War Two was SOOOO last century.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Another Aside . . .
January 13, 2008 - 15:38 ET by King of the BritonsWhile I agree with the gist of this piece by WTH - that the editors and writers of this magazine are probably ignorant, I would like to add to a previous reply that not all German soldiers during WWII were Nazis who committed atrocites. Some were just soldiers doing, what they believed was, their duty to their country. Anyone who has ever read Guy Sajer's "The Forgotten Soldier" will know what I mean.
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!´´
--Patrick Henry
Um, did someone here say all
January 13, 2008 - 15:49 ET by Warner Todd HustonUm, did someone here say all Nazis "committed atrocites"???
Did someone say. . .
January 13, 2008 - 17:49 ET by King of the BritonsIs life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!´´
--Patrick Henry
Don't want to answer, eh?
January 13, 2008 - 17:52 ET by Warner Todd HustonDon't want to answer, eh?
King
January 13, 2008 - 18:04 ET by botgwhen you said 'not all Nazis commited atrocities' were you refuting someone or just making some out of nowhere comment?
GoHunter08
If you'd read the above
January 13, 2008 - 18:46 ET by Warner Todd HustonIf you'd read the above comments by the poster named "King of the Britons" your question would be answered.
WTH
January 13, 2008 - 19:10 ET by botgi did read it, that is why i asked KOTB which of the two possibilities hev was espousing. Since he answered your question with a 'where did i say you said' i would think that his original post was an out of nowhere non-sequitor. Just thought i'd check with KOTB first.
GoHunter08
Gotcha
January 13, 2008 - 19:25 ET by Warner Todd HustonGotcha
Holy Crap
January 14, 2008 - 09:28 ET by King of the BritonsI was simply trying to point out that most soldiers, even German soldiers in WWII, are self-sacrificing, noble people who have witnesses and suffered through some of the most horrific things imaginable. The ignorant editors from the article are indeed indicative of many things and it was good that WTH pointed it out. The 'Um' before his reply to my post implied a bit of a condescension, with which I took exception. Surely not worth a fight.
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!´´
--Patrick Henry
King of the who?
January 13, 2008 - 19:57 ET by Roger the ShrubberKing of the who?
You remember the Britons,
January 13, 2008 - 20:09 ET by Warner Todd HustonYou remember the Britons, don't ya? They are a people from ancient history that used to be upstanding, powerful, Christian folks that had an empire all across the globe. Now they are a downtrodden and despised people who have thrown away all their past glories and principles not to mention cast aside all morals and history.
I pity them. We all should. They used to be a great people. But they are long since dead.
help help
January 13, 2008 - 20:39 ET by botgi'm bein repressed
GoHunter08
BLOODY PEASANTS!
January 13, 2008 - 20:44 ET by Warner Todd HustonBLOODY PEASANTS!
exactly the point of rogers
January 13, 2008 - 20:46 ET by botgexactly the point of rogers post
thx for linking that. i
January 13, 2008 - 22:07 ET by Roger the Shrubberthx for linking that. i never tire of watching that scene!
-
January 13, 2008 - 21:00 ET by dahliatraversExcellent, you guys.
...
January 13, 2008 - 21:23 ET by dervishI didn't know we 'ad a king. I thought we were an autonomous collective.
you can't expect to wield
January 13, 2008 - 21:34 ET by botgyou can't expect to wield supreme execuative power just because some watery tart threw a sword at you
GoHunter08
... a witch! Burn 'er!
January 13, 2008 - 21:48 ET by Warner Todd Huston... a witch! Burn 'er!
Strange women lying in ponds
January 13, 2008 - 22:02 ET by Roger the ShrubberStrange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.... hahaha!!!
Python update
January 13, 2008 - 22:07 ET by botgstrange liberals lying in newsrooms distributing false polls is no basis for electing government officials
GoHunter08
Liberals think soldiers are soldiers
January 13, 2008 - 16:16 ET by Lame CherryI pointed out that on Veteran's Day that Google with it's Chinese artist featured a Chinese communist soldier with his pith helmet............No America soldier ever wore a pith helmet.
Liberals all think soldiers are soldiers and all soldiers are Nazi. None of this is subtle.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Pith Helmets were issue to
January 13, 2008 - 16:29 ET by Warner Todd HustonPith Helmets were issue to US soldiers from about the 1880s to early in the 1900s, so I wouldn't say NO US soldier ever wore one!
Let's see...a photo posted
January 13, 2008 - 16:56 ET by JerLet's see...a photo posted by ignorance or mistake, but accompanied by a very moving, poignant, pro-military article about--and tribute to--our U.S. armed forces veterans, and some here cite it as an example of the Democrats' hatred of America and the military. Unbelievable.
Jer
Wrong Jer. It is the JOB of
January 14, 2008 - 12:04 ET by BeowulfWrong Jer. It is the JOB of a news source to report accurately. Is it so difficult to get a valid picture of an actual US soldier for an article on US veterans? Not to mention giving credit to a country singer for a quote from the Bible as a lead-in? Whether this photo was on purpose with some sinister motive or simply an ignorant mistake, it still clearly demonstrates the lack of respect our media displays towards our military.
The Closed Mind Erects Strong Barriers
Second rate reporting?--everywhere!
January 13, 2008 - 17:04 ET by September"It was a ballad about a Vietnam veteran, Niles Harris, whom the two
singers met in a bar, and they were so taken with his personal story of
bravery and heroism they wrote a song in his honor."
Ugh, such excess writing. Where's a good editor when you need one? Beyond noting that the song was written for a vet, the rest had nothing to do with the topic and should have been edited out.
As for their pic: I don't know. Add the bad writing together with the pic "error", together with the "internment" error and I'm inclined to believe these people are simply careless, sloppy and ignorant.
If I were one of their readers this would be my last issue.
Actually their citing of
January 13, 2008 - 17:07 ET by KeithActually their citing of Kristofferson isn't surprising at all when you consider that most liberals learned both their hatred of Jesus and their hatred of America from SONG. They weren't "personally taken with Niles Harris' story of heroism" they were shook in their liberal panties by the "horrors of war" and sought to express that as a way to turn people against their country's efforts!
Rock music has been Satan's chief weapon in destroying the love of Christ in the youth as well as any semblance of patriotism. As I speak the Grammy's are advertising their 50th anniversary and promising the "Next 50", with the Rolling Stones' satanic song "Sympathy for the Devil". When you think of all the liberals who grew up idolizing these known satanists ( mick jaggers body is adorned with tattoos of satan), it's no wonder. They don't CARE whether it's a Nazi or an American soldier, to them it's the SAME THING. When are you guy's going to smell that particular brand of coffee? Every single aspect of liberal ideology from the right to kill babies, to sodomy, to whether or not to SUPPORT THEIR COUNTRY IN A TIME OF WAR is BASED on things being "morally relative". They told you after 9/11 that they wouldn't wear a flag because that might be seen as supporting AMERICA! They tell you every chance they get that "one man's terrorist, is another man's freedom fighter". When it comes to the life issue they call you INCONSISTENT because you see nothing wrong with putting a serial killer to death but yet you lobby to protect the unborn. To them they are THE SAME! If they think the life of a man who KILLED and RAPED multiple victims, is the same as an unborn baby, is it really a stretch to imagine that they believe one soldier is pretty much as good as another?
If you're going to correct a wrong quote...
January 13, 2008 - 18:51 ET by Syrius...at least use a correct quote.
"No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country." -Patton
speeches at the cemetery
January 13, 2008 - 20:45 ET by RousseForgive me for going slightly off topic: Can you imagine Clinton or Obama making a Veterans Day speech at Normandy or laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?
It used to irritate us when
January 14, 2008 - 10:48 ET by BDIt used to irritate us when the original Clinton, Draft dodging Bill used to do so.....
Solved.
January 13, 2008 - 21:28 ET by dervishThe author needs some larnin', but she appears not to be from the Dark Side. Behold. (The editor now, I dunno.)
Thanks, dervish, for
January 13, 2008 - 23:05 ET by JerThanks, dervish, for clearing up another attempted smear of liberals/Democrats. I guess it will come as a shock to ole Scrapiron to learn that it is a Republican who hates America and the military. [In reference to his post earlier in the thread.]
Jer
Of course, I suppose it's possible the author was unaware of the photo...which could have been surrepticiously inserted by an evil liberal.
...
January 14, 2008 - 00:03 ET by dervishSomebody around here has a tag line about never attributing to malice that which can be accounted for by stupidity. Pans out about 95% of the time, I think.
Just to be clear, my entire
January 14, 2008 - 08:48 ET by Warner Todd HustonJust to be clear, my entire post referred to the stupidity at the magazine. I did not assign the mistake to a political point of view. on the part of the magazine or writers.
The rifle would appear to
January 13, 2008 - 21:35 ET by Jack BauerThe rifle would appear to be a Karabiner 98k.
The standard German infantry weapon was the rifle, originally designed by Mauser. It's a 5-shot, bolt-action rifle dating back to 1898 when it was first adopted by the Imperial German Army. It was standard issue for German troops in WWI and, in its modified 98k version (k for kurz, or short), in WWII as well.
However I have discovered that...
You are correct, that is a
January 14, 2008 - 10:49 ET by BDYou are correct, that is a K-98 rifle, and that is a German soldier.
BD -- thanks for the
January 14, 2008 - 12:14 ET by Jack BauerBD -- thanks for the confirmation! I am no weapons expert and had to compare WW2 wepons to attempt the ID.
One thing I thought odd though... there's snow on the ground, yet it looks like he has no jacket and his short sleeves rolled up?
I could not place the
January 14, 2008 - 12:21 ET by BDI could not place the location, but the helmet is a further example of the German WWII version. Rides signifantly lower on the head that the GI M1 helmet of the same time.
Are we Nazis?
January 14, 2008 - 14:29 ET by ammo johnWell, the way the media portrays the troops as Nazis and murderers, it fits exactly into their views.
Apologies
January 21, 2008 - 12:11 ET by aloder14The image of the German Soldier was entirely an accident of ignorance. I had every intention of showing a US soldier and was totally unaware that the silhouetted soldier I used was, in fact, a German. I apologize for any unrest caused by my infraction. Most of you were right, it was purely an uninformed mistake that has embarrassed me thoroughly. You did, however, Warner, conveniently leave out any information on the Vietnam photos that also accompanied the article, which were taken by my father. The fact that some of you thought this was an intentional liberal attack of American values is absolutely ludicrous.