LCpl Bernard's Father Talks About AP Photo

The Bloviating Hammerhead ^ | 9/4/2009 | Jim Bennett

[Saije]

On August 14 in Afghanistan, Marine LCPL Joshua Bernard was killed in action when he was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. As Bernard lay maimed and dying, embedded Associated Press photographer Julie Jacobsen smelled a Pulitzer, so she snapped picture after gory picture instead of helping those trying to save LCPL Bernard. After the young Marine was buried, the AP dispatched a minion to Bernard’s parents, John and Sharon, ostensibly to “get their permission” for the publication of the gruesome photograph. John Bernard emphatically denied their request,

[BuckyKat]

A letter to the editor in the September 5 Star Bulletin from the commander of Kaneohe Bay Marine Base

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I opened your Sept. 4 issue and was shocked and disappointed to see such a graphic photo of one of our Marines fallen in combat, the “19th death of August” in Afghanistan, displayed so prominently on your pages. This sensationalistic image was published against the wishes of the Marine’s family and showed poor judgment.

I had believed our local island newspapers to be more understanding of military families’ sensitivities, especially given the terrific support normally shown to the military community here.

I appreciate the role of the media and the need to keep the American public informed about the actions of our military. While I expect media representatives to report the truth, I also expect at least a modicum of respect for the dignity of our falIen Marines and sailors, as well as sensitivity to the anguish felt by their families.

My disappointment in your lack of discretion has overshadowed my gratitude for your previous, balanced coverage of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and the successes and sacrifices of our service members and their families.

Effective immediately, please cancel my personal subscription to your newspaper.

Col. R.D. Rice
Commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe

[Reddy]

To the Bernard family: I am so sorry about the loss of your precious son. Thank you for raising a hero. I am also sorry that your loss has been compounded by the actions of the photographer and AP. God bless your family as you grieve.

To the AP- you are lower than slug slime.

[La Lydia]

Both the AP and the photographer, Julie Jacobson, have outed themselves as cruel, ambitious, insensitive cynics. I am sure the Pukes of Journalism are rushing to circle the wagons and cover their sorry behinds. But it won’t make any difference. Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people who never had any cause to doubt AP’s motives and its agenda have now been shown what they are all about. For shame.