AP explains picture of dying Marine - New England Patriots Forums

***IcyPatriot*** · 09-04-2009, 06:54 PM

AP explains picture of dying Marine - The Associated Press - POLITICO.com

Quote:

The Associated Press is distributing a photo of a Marine fatally wounded in battle, choosing after a period of reflection to make public an image that conveys the grimness of war and the sacrifice of young men and women fighting it.

Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard, 21, of New Portland, Maine, was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in a Taliban ambush Aug. 14 in Helmand province of southern Afghanistan.

The image shows fellow Marines helping Bernard after he suffered severe leg injuries. He was evacuated to a field hospital where he died on the operating table.

The photo is here: WARNING GRAPHIC PHOTO
AP Newswire | Stars and Stripes

Opinion from "Stars and Stripes" :
Photo of dying Marine forces a difficult decision | Stripes Blogs

Quote:

Jacobson’s photograph was discussed during Stars and Stripes’ daily front-page meeting and even placed on the front-page during the design phase to gauge its full impact in context.

“Once I saw a proof-print of the page, this photo gave me serious concerns. It clearly showed traumatic injuries, and clearly showed the dying young Marine’s face,” said managing editor Robb Grindstaff, who made the decision to replace the photo.

“Did this photo document such an important news event in such a compelling way that the news value of the photo outweighed concerns of sensitivity over its graphic nature? In my mind, the answer was no.”

RIP - Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard

Opinions?

wistahpatsfan · 09-04-2009, 07:16 PM

Not that anything the Stars and Stripes says matters, I think the AP made the right decision as long as the family of the soldier gave their consent.

War is brutal, and soldiers die. Everyone should know this - especially now when Obama's threatening to inject 20,000 troops (or whatever number) into the death trap that is Afghanistan. Anyone considering joining the military should be aware of the strong possibility of death because the recruiters sure as hell won't show them any photos like that.

Now it is even more important because the troops in harm's way seem to have been put on the back burner of the national consciousness. We have become desensitized to the fact that we are in Afghanistan killing and being killed for a very vague purpose that changes every six months.

***IcyPatriot*** · 09-04-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wistahpatsfan

Not that anything the Stars and Stripes says matters, I think the AP made the right decision as long as the family of the soldier gave their consent.

I wanted to publish another opinion ... there were many but that one is military people so I chose theirs ... for some balance ... because they are used to running stories for our people overseas not necessarily for impact or for profit.

***IcyPatriot*** · 09-04-2009, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wistahpatsfan

Now it is even more important because the troops in harm's way seem to have been put on the back burner of the national consciousness. We have become desensitized to the fact that we are in Afghanistan killing and being killed for a very vague purpose that changes every six months.

I think the embedded photographer felt the story would impact public opinion ... she may have succeeded. The parents asked that the photo not be shown and for many that would be enough not to show it.

I thought it would make great discussion.

The needs, rights and wishes of the parents and Cpl Bernard.

The impact the story might have on the war itself.

i could list many reasons to make the thread.
An ugly unpopular war that has left the front pages ...

CampPen33 · 09-04-2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IcyPatriot

I think the embedded photographer felt the story would impact public opinion ... she may have succeeded. The parents asked that the photo not be shown and for many that would be enough not to show it.

I thought it would make great discussion.

The needs, rights and wishes of the parents and Cpl Bernard.

The impact the story might have on the war itself.

i could list many reasons to make the thread.
An ugly unpopular war that has left the front pages ...

I'm a Marine, and this picture tore me apart inside, and absolutely infuriated me.

I understand the intended purpose behind publishing the photo; that it might show the masses the brutality that is the war in Afghanistan.

It obviously isn't pretty, and wasn't intended to be taken lightly, but the biggest thing is that the parents specifically asked for the photo not to be run. They were furious about it, as they should be.

Do people really need pictures of us all f***ed up to realize that war f***ing sucks? I mean seriously.

CampPen33 · 09-04-2009, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wistahpatsfan

War is brutal, and soldiers die. Everyone should know this - especially now when Obama's threatening to inject 20,000 troops (or whatever number) into the death trap that is Afghanistan. Anyone considering joining the military should be aware of the strong possibility of death because the recruiters sure as hell won't show them any photos like that.

I personally believe people who are truly patriotic will be even more compelled to volunteer for the military by photos like this. This only made me want to be there in that moment with the thought my experience might have helped in any way. I was seriously choked up about this about as much as anyone probably will be, but if you don't want to run into the fire with me, then I don't want you there.

The issue is the serious violation of privacy, in my opinion.

***reflexblue*** · 09-04-2009, 07:58 PM

I've seen many horrific pictures from the Civil War WW1 WW11 Korea Vietnam etc. of soldier dead or dying What makes Iraq or Afganistan special. All of a sudden the public isan't suposse to know whats going on?

BTW I didn't look at this picture out of respect.

Real World · 09-04-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CampPen33

I'm a Marine...

First and foremost, thank you for your service.

***PressCoverage*** · 09-04-2009, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Real World

First and foremost, thank you for your service.

first and foremost, thank you for your photos of the Italian chick.

CampPen33 · 09-04-2009, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reflexblue

I've seen many horrific pictures from the Civil War WW1 WW11 Korea Vietnam etc. of soldier dead or dying What makes Iraq or Afganistan special. All of a sudden the public isan't suposse to know whats going on?

BTW I didn't look at this picture out of respect.

I'm sorry, but this is a different kind of war against as an atrocious an enemy than we have ever faced, who actually use pictures like this as propaganda for their cause.

Why should pictures like this be shown to the American public? What real purpose does it serve? For those that say that the people have a right to know, and should know exactly what is going on, think about the people that we should protect from these images? Like wives, and children of Marines, and Soldiers that would be the wounded ones.

There is no draft going on. People don't have to enlist and go fight. Most who do want to deploy and fight. They are aware of the danger. Especially the ones who choose infantry based jobs.