Lt. Col. Ralph Peters quits 'propaganda machine' of top cable news network

Retired United States Army lieutenant colonel Ralph Peters quit his "strategic analyst" role at Fox News network, calling it a "propaganda machine."

Here's what he said

Peters said that he had been proud of his affiliation with Fox News, but that their programming had changed to the point where he was now ashamed of appearing on the network.

In a scathing letter to his colleagues, he explained his rationale for quitting.

"Four decades ago," Peters wrote, "I took an oath as a newly commissioned officer. I swore to 'support and defend the Constitution,' and that oath did not expire when I took off my uniform. Today, I feel that Fox News is assaulting our constitutional order and the rule of law, while fostering corrosive and unjustified paranoia among viewers. Over my decade with Fox, I long was proud of the association. Now I am ashamed."

"In my view," he continued, "Fox has degenerated from providing a legitimate and much-needed outlet for conservative voices to a mere propaganda machine for a destructive and ethically ruinous administration. When prime-time hosts--who have never served our country in any capacity--dismiss facts and empirical reality to launch profoundly dishonest assaults on the FBI, the Justice Department, the courts, the intelligence community (in which I served) and, not least, a model public servant and genuine war hero such as Robert Mueller--all the while scaremongering with lurid warnings of 'deep-state' machinations-- I cannot be part of the same organization, even at a remove. To me, Fox News is now wittingly harming our system of government for profit."

Peters cited the narrative he saw coming out of Fox News hosts that the Russian interference in our election was a "nothing-burger" as one he could not put up with.

"I do not apply the above criticisms in full to Fox Business," he added, "where numerous hosts retain a respect for facts and maintain a measure of integrity (nor is every host at Fox News a propaganda mouthpiece--some have shown courage). I have enjoyed and valued my relationship with Fox Business, and I will miss a number of hosts and staff members. You're the grown-ups."

"Also, I deeply respect the hard-news reporters at Fox, who continue to do their best as talented professionals in a poisoned environment," he said. "These are some of the best men and women in the business.."

"So, to all of you," he concluded, "Thanks, and, as our president's favorite world leader would say, 'Das vidanya.'"

A "weapon to gain attention"

Fox News provided a statement provided to TheBlaze about Peters' exit.

“Ralph Peters is entitled to his opinion despite the fact that he's choosing to use it as a weapon in order to gain attention," the statement read. "We are extremely proud of our top-rated primetime hosts and all of our opinion programing.”