A Thank You

I have one piece of unfinished business from my White House trip for the Medal of Honor presentation to US Army Staff Sergeant Ty M. Carter, which is to thank the White House press and media relations staff for the assistance I was given and the access I was granted.


The following was mailed to the White House, addressed to Press Secretary Jay Carney. Mr. Carney has also been directed here via a tweeted web link.

September 4, 2013 

The Hon. Mr. Jay Carney
Press Secretary
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500 

Dear Mr. Carney, 

I am writing to thank you for the White House Press Office and Media Affairs’ time and effort that led to my obtaining a media credential to the press area, James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, and the Medal of Honor presentation ceremony for Staff Sergeant Ty M. Carter on Monday, August 26, 2013. 

I spoke with two members of the press office staff over the telephone prior to arriving at the White House, Michael and Hanna (unfortunately, I don’t have either of their last names). Both were incredibly friendly and attentive to my questions and concerns, and it’s a credit to your office that they treated me as equal with any other member of the press, even though my blogging activities are a labor of love rather than my vocation.  

As a blogger and new media citizen-journalist, I so very appreciate the access given to me, and I hope it is indicative of an administration policy that seeks to include reporting and voices from multiple sources and opinions, whether they would be considered “friendly” to the administration or not. I sincerely encourage you to continue allowing access to press functions at the White House to non-traditional sources and representatives. 

Thanks again for allowing me in to witness history. It was an experience I will never forget. 

Sincerely, 

Allan Bourdius

As I've written, my interest in attending Staff Sergeant Carter's Medal of Honor presentation was completely apolitical, but I do hope that the White House continues allowing new media sources - of all political persuasions - access to press events regardless of politics. The more voices, the better.