On War Images

March 23, 2003

[Admin Moderator]

It is obvious that we are going to need some sort of guidelines regarding the posting of pictures of the brutality of war, such as those broadcast by Al Jazeera today.

As always, our first preference is that people use common sense, discretion, and show courtesy to others. We are not going to define any hard rules here, but instead give some guidelines.

1. If in doubt as to if some picture should be posted on Free Republic, don't post it. Instead, link to the picture.
2. While it is clear that the brutality of the Iraq regime and the realities of what our brave military face should be seen, the goal is not to make Free Republic such a gut wrenching place that one would want to turn away from it. As such, truly disturbing pictures will be removed.
3. Spamming of pictures (or links to picture, or the same comment) to every thread around will result in pulled posts, suspensions, and in worst case scenerios bannings.
4. If you see something that is beyond the level which seems to be accepted, hit abuse and let us know. If we agree, it will come down.
5. If it is clear that the general level of what is allowed is still too intense for you, please turn off the automatic loading of images within your browser.
6. THIS ONE IS IMPORTANT: Do not post pictures of casulaties or links to the same or to information identifying the casualties until we have confirmation the families have been notified, even if other internet sites show no respect for the families. This is not how we want to be noted for: Mother of POW recognizes son on TV

Thank you, and God bless and protect our troops.

---

United States Department of Defense Press Advisory

March 23, 2003

Coverage of POWs and Deceased

Out of respect for the families and consistent with the principles of the Geneva Conventions:

1) We request news organizations not air or publish recognizable images or audio recordings that identify POWs. Additionally, we request you not use their names, first or last, or their unit until next-of-kin notification is complete. We are working hard to reach their families. We will notify you as soon as this is done.

2) We repeat standing policy that news organizations not air or publish recognizable images of deceased members of the U.S. military or use their names, first or last, or their unit, until next-of-kin notification is completed or 72 hours. We are working hard to reach their families. We will notify you as soon as this is done.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Thanks!

OFFICIAL BUMP(TOPIC)LIST

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

You guys, and gals I presume, are doing a great job!

[Trust but Verify]

I'm deeply saddened that you're disappointed. Most of the rest of us agree these are good guidelines that show the proper respect for those in harm's way and their loved ones who do not deserve the indignity of having pictures of their dead bodies plastered from here to eternity.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Thanks, AM.....there's some things that just don't NEED to be seen.

Everyone else, please, if you have children, monitor what they're now seeing and hearing. So far, it's been sort of OK for them....this latest atrocity is far too graphic. I'm NOT against letting them know about the war cuz like everything else, it's better they learn at home.

But.....not this.

[Cold Heat]

Appreciate it!

[cake_crumb]

Thank you. It's especially hard for those of us with family in the Gulf right now, what with the events of the past 24 hours. Media obsessiveness on the bad news and their blatant conjecture of events makes it worse.

The idea of scrolling through a thread looking for information and seeing a photo of someone we know and love in a position similar to that shown on the Terrorist News Network (al Jazeera) is just unbearable.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Thank you.

[Nov3]

While it is clear that the brutality of the Iraq regime and the realities of what our brave military face should be seen, the goal is not to make Free Republic such a gut wrenching place that one would want to turn away from it. As such, truly disturbing pictures will be removed.

Yes we need to hide the reality of what the Iraqis are about. ABSNBCCBSFOXCNN etc did the same thing with the graphic pictures of 9/11 like when people had to jump to avoid burning to death.We really don't need to be reminded of what this war is all about.

No abortion pictures too. That may make people uncomfortable with it also.

Lucianne probably wouldn't do it either.

[Dengar01]

As I said in a previous thread. I'm glad you took down the inappropriate posts and banned the morons who posted the enemy propaganda. I'm glad you guys are doing the great job you are. Like I said earlier, it isn't censorship, it is protecting the victims families and upholding the lives of the brave soldiers lost.

[FreedomPoster]

I doubt you would do this anyway, but you should see this.

[tuckrdout]

ALL pictures of dead American GI's are "truly disturbing". I ask that you either post the dead morgue photos of your relatives, or pull everyone of the photos.

I have a nephew in this conflict. That could be him, for all I know. I do not want his corpse to be shown all over the media. Please keep all photos off!
Have some compassion!

Death is horrible in any circumstance. Cancer is a horrible killer. Drunk drivers kill people in horrible ways. If you post these photos, you should post the results of all deaths in this forum.

[unspun]

Well done.

[jwalsh07]

Good job dude, or dudette.

[Lando Lincoln]

Freerepublic is the best! God bless our brave troops.

[GirlShortstop]

 
V for Victory.... bttt

[timesarechangin]

Thank you ... I couldn't believe what was happening today when I got home from Church, flipped on the TV...I sat dumbstruck, numb, perhaps naieve, I couldn't believe the cruelty and the sickening debate of whether to "show or not to show". I purposely didn't go on the net to avoid it.... Then I realized it was because of these young men and women and their predecessors, that I was ABLE to attend church today.......

God Bless them.....and their families, may they find peace

[k2blader]

Bump.

[PhiKapMom]

Just received this in my email. Would suggest that no pictures be posted on here until directly released by DoD! Reuters is not an American press association and so will not following DoD rules.

PRESS ADVISORY from the United States Department of Defense

No. 026-P
PRESS ADVISORY March 23, 2003

Out of respect for the families and consistent with the
principles of the Geneva Conventions:

1) We request news organizations not air or publish recognizable
images or audio recordings that identify POWs. Additionally, we
request you not use their names, first or last, or their unit
until next-of-kin notification is complete. We are working hard
to reach their families. We will notify you as soon as this is
done.

2) We repeat standing policy that news organizations not air or
publish recognizable images of deceased members of the U.S.
military or use their names, first or last, or their unit, until
next-of-kin notification is completed or 72 hours. We are
working hard to reach their families. We will notify you as
soon as this is done.

[Web version: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2003/p03232003_p026-03.html]

[visualops]

Thanks for the guidelines.
I will say that I think it does play into enemy propaganda to diplay the images of POWs and casualities.
That said, sometimes it does generate the opposite response than they think, IOW instead of demoralizing, it energizes and solidifies resolve.
I know personally I don't think I've been quite this angry since 9-11.