While I don't hold the media today to the stature they once held, I feel they need to be free to delve into areas that make us think. Unfortunately, they have not done so for several years, especially in recent years. I'm not overly concerned when they buck the government since that's their job (although they can't seem to do that today!). However, when a family first 'request' them not to publish their dying son, then later, in 'stronger terms' ask the photos not to be used, I'm torn and tend to lean towards the family.
While the story was being written, an AP reporter visited the home of John and Sharon Bernard to learn more about their son. The couple was shown Jacobson's pictures, and requested that they not be used. In a later fact-checking phone call, John Bernard asked in stronger terms that the photos not be used, Daniszewski said.
We're not talking about a flag covered casket, but an action photo of their son dying.
Secretary Gates contacted AP to express his disappointment, too:
Gates wrote a strongly worded letter to AP President and CEO Tom Curley on Thursday, saying it was a matter of "judgment and common decency" not to use the photo. A Pentagon spokesman said Gates followed up with a phone call "begging" Curley not to use it.
It seems some of the newspapers have picked this time to express their views:
The Newark, N.J., Star-Ledger ran a picture of Bernard's memorial service on its front page and the ambush picture inside. Editor Jim Willse said it was "not a difficult decision for us," and said it would have run the ambush picture out front "if the story had been presented differently."
The Wheeling, W.Va., Intelligencer ran the photo inside and an editorial explaining why it did "after hours of debate."
"Too often, we fear, some Americans see only the statistics, the casualty counts released by the Department of Defense," the newspaper wrote. "We believe it is important for all of us to understand that behind the numbers are real men and women, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice, for us."
At least the Portland (ME) Press-Herald showed some courtesy:
The Portland (Me.) Press-Herald ran an editor's note with the story saying it had received the photo but believed it would be in "poor taste" to publish it. Bernard was raised in New Portland, Me.
Ultimately, AP tried to balance the family vs. what they felt was news:
Although the family was shown the pictures ahead of time as a courtesy, "we did not ask permission" to use them, Daniszewski said.
"There was no question that the photo had news value," he said. "But we also were very aware the family wished for the picture not to be seen. That created a difficult choice between our job to document the war and our respect for the suffering of the corporal's family."
During lengthy internal discussions, the family issue was the most difficult, he said. Ultimately, the AP concluded that "the photo itself is a part of the war we needed to cover and convey."
While I've never disagreed with going into Afghanistan, I think 'nation building' in that country is doomed to failure. Believe it or not, not every country/civilization is ready for democracy. Our mission was/should of been to destroy the AQ/Taliban infrastructure with the idea of keeping an eye of their future developments.
Once again, I'm torn on how to report Lance Cpl. Bernard's tragic death. While it is relevant, the family's wishes should be respected. I live within five miles of Ft. Lewis, a major departure Army base, and just this last week, 10 soldiers stationed here will not return home to their families. I see their photos in the paper along with their mourning family members. The anguish is tough to view. I cannot imagine them having to see a photo of their son as he lay dying.
Peace, Lance Cpl. Bernard. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice
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