The Washington Post, presumably before it knew all the details, agreed to co-sponsor the Pentagon’s upcoming “America Supports You Freedom Walk.” Having lived in DC for several years, I know the Post Co. routinely lends its name to local events (Taste of DC, 4th of July festivities, etc.), but Rumsfeld’s exploitative 9/11 event is clearly something altogether different. The Post isn’t supposed to get involved with political gatherings, and this had clearly become one.
Last week, the newspaper’s news employees’ union urged Post executives to reconsider its sponsorship decision in light of the ideological angle. Yesterday, the paper agreed.
The Washington Post announced yesterday that it will back out of a controversial co-sponsorship of a Pentagon-organized event next month to remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and support the troops in Iraq.
The newspaper notified the Department of Defense that it would no longer donate public service advertising space to help promote the Freedom Walk, an event planned for Sept. 11. At the conclusion of the procession from the Pentagon to the Mall, there will be a performance by country star Clint Black, who recorded the song “I Raq and Roll.”
“As it appears that this event could become politicized, The Post has decided to honor the Washington area victims of 9/11 by making a contribution directly to the Pentagon Memorial Fund,” said Eric Grant, a Post spokesman. “It is The Post’s practice to avoid activities that might lead readers to question the objectivity of The Post’s news coverage.”
For a paper whose editorials on the war have already raised questions about the Post’s judgment, this was a no-brainer. Everything about this event is political — and much better suited to the Washington Times than the Washington Post.