Additional Journalism Commentary

I'd love to know whether any military families agree with me that it is just a terrible idea to broadcast so many surprise homecomings from troops serving in Iraq. Of course anyone can see the emotional appeal of such stories, but every time I see a piece like this, all I can think of is how disappointing it must be for the thousands of kids across the country whose moms and dads haven't been able to plan similar reunions, and especially those kids whose parents aren't coming home at all. To say nothing of the spouses struggling every day on their own! I'm sure it's nice to see another family enjoy such a wonderful surprise, but for children in particular, it has to be a little confusing to see some other dad on national tv hugging his daughter and taking rides around Central Park while wondering how come your mom's can't come home to pick you up from school or whatever. Seems insensitive, is all.