Interesting Blog Post

Take a look at this:

THANKS FOR THE CALL COLONEL - WELL MAYBE NOT

If true, this is very thought provoking. (I'm talking about Col. Robert "Junior" Suminsby calling a blogger on a Sunday morning to discuss a post. ) As a disclaimer, I served under Col. Suminsby at Kirtland, and found him to be a first-class man and excellent leader although I never got a read on how he thought of me (I imagine the waters were muddied by he whose name shall not be mentioned, Col. Voldemort) .

I've certainly thought about this, and like Bruce, I'm an Air Force vet who truly values freedom. However, career officers that have made it to the top echelons have a taste of unchecked power--at least within their commands. Enter the Internet, which represents a whole new ballgame.

Some leaders have had the opportunity to get away with things in the past that now might not fly in the egalitarian world of the blogosphere. The connectivity, anonymity and equanimity of the Internet now opens up these men and women to criticism never before seen.

Clever E-3's that have access to Web site and a DD-214 in hand can turn around and find an audience while critiquing their former leadership without fear of NJP or retribution. While I haven't done much searching, I think I'll take a look at AF blogs in the coming days to see what's been said about Moseley and Wynne. And I bet that one Colonel at Sheppard is probably being ripped to shreds...you know the one I'm writing about.

I don't think that this is necessarily a bad thing--although folks tend to turn the Internet into a giant smear fest, and I hope things don't devolve too quickly. As long as some attention is paid to journalistic standards and a strict adherance to applicable libel laws is maintained, this just might work.

I'm beginning to think that my blog will continue to cross into the blue, covering Air Force issues. In doing so, I'll be interested in seeing how this new world progresses. With this in mind, I recognize that it's always easier to tear things down than to build them up. One pledge I'd like to make here is that I'll always sign my name to my posts, and will always seek opportunities for praise and avoid negativity at all costs (well, unless I'm writing about Col. Voldemort).

That said, my purpose in posting this is more about the thought-provoking nature of this alleged incident, and not to critique anyone's actions.

And Bruce, thanks for serving. You fought for the First Amendment and certainly have earned the right to enjoy it. Keep writing.