Defense Public Affairs Electronic Lyceum 

 The purpose of this page is to allow readers to see what other readers are thinking and writing about Current Topics. Readers may include their submissions on the Free Speech Alley – Submissions page. (Views expressed here are the views of the submitter and do not necessarily represent the views held by the Defense Public Affairs Electronic Lyceum , the Department of Defense, or the United States Government. 

• John Thomas, Boston Mass: With regards to the Kelly Flinn case. After having seen the job that the American media did on the Air Force, it would appear that some in our military have learned the lesson of public relations well. If this is a indication of things to come, I see no option other than allowing the military greater freedom to defend itself.
• Capt. Mary Meyer, Scott AFB: In theory allowing PA greater freedom sounds like a good idea. However, if this freedom is granted, it will require great discipline on the part of PAOs not to allow themselves to be drawn into mud slinging contests which will serve no one well.
• Maj. Joe Barka, Army Legal, Washington, DC: For years the legal community has worked to insure that military members receive justice under the UCMJ. If PAOs are given the freedom to speak on matters that will eventually end up in court, it will make our jobs much more difficult. What is the priority here? Winning cases or public opinion.

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