1. The Wall Street Journal

   For those of us invested in the stock market, but also for those of us who want US news and world news, the Journal is fantastic. It's available online, for a subscription can be quite expensive, nearly an investment on its own. One of my favorite features is that on the front page in the left-hand column are snippets of the day's news, which gives you a taste of the story and if you choose to read on, tells you where to find the rest of the story.

2. The New York Times

   This is an old favorite. It did go through a bit of a scandal a few years back, but it has recovered quote nicely and provides intelligent coverage of all that's going on in the United States as well as abroad. Also available online, and the subscription is more reasonable. If you like reading weekend papers, the weekend section of the Times is excellent, but remember that most of what is written pertains to those living in New York City, as far as local attractions and the like.

3. NPR (National Public Radio)

   This is one of my favorites. It has so much variety in what it covers and goes to great lengths to bring you what you need to know to be informed about the world around you. There is no newspaper for NPR, but it is available online and you have to check your local radio listings to get the local station. NPR is definitely worth tuning in, especially for Morning/Afternoon Edition, which gives you detailed coverage of the day's top stories on your way to work.

4. BBC

   By far my favorite news source. The way the news is presented is impeccable. The BBC is extremely unbiased and intelligent. Don't use BBC if you're looking for domestic news, but I would recommend it above all others if you're seeking world news. Especially of note is their coverage of the war in Iraq. Like NPR, there is no newspaper, but is available online as well as on cable television. Here in the United States, you can access it through BBC America. If you don't have cable, check your local public television station's schedule, for it is often broadcast at 11:30pm on most public television stations.

5. The Guardian

   This is a British newspaper that I have consulted on numerous occasions when doing research and projects for school. Like BBC, very intelligent coverage, and the newspaper subscription may not be available here in the United States in certain areas. But it is online and it does have its own sections on news for the United States as well as the rest of the world.

In the midst of such harrowing circumstances the soldiers are still able to maintain their humor while revealing sharp observations on the political and humanitarian circumstances in which they are thrust. As the active shield of freedom for this country, the American soldier is well aware of his/ her heavy burden. Yet they are able to express their views in such a manner that reveals powerful insights on the war in Iraq, Afghanistan, politics and life in general. Some say they only mirror the conservative aspects of American society…whether or not this is wholly the case, the men and women in uniform deserve to be heard.

Most news outlets hail blogs and blogging as the wave of the future for news as it happens. Perhaps it is. But how often do they look to military blogs for their reporting? These first hand accounts of men and women on the frontline are more powerful than any report sent in by the most seasoned and embedded reporter. They often reflect an uninhibited view of the people and places of their time. From officers to enlisted men, they all have something to say. It is time for us to listen. There are many stars within the blogosphere and I heartily submit that the next luminaries in the world of journalism may be serving in Iraq or Afghanistan or beyond.