USA Today
September 14, 2006
Pg. 12

Misleading Headline

USA Today's article on Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's address to the American Legion's national convention misled readers regarding his remarks. The headline, “Rumsfeld: Iraq critics morally confused,” suggests that Secretary Rumsfeld labeled critics of the Iraq war as “morally confused.”

In fact, the secretary never mentioned any critics of the Iraq war in his remarks. Secretary Rumsfeld reminded people of the similarities between past and current conflicts and warned against a “blame America first” mentality that could undermine our efforts in the current struggle against violent extremism.

Judging by the response — three standing ovations — his remarks struck a chord.

We invite your readers to read the full text of the secretary's remarks at www.defenselink.mil/speeches/.

Dorrance Smith, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, Washington, D.C.