[Wolfstar]

I understand your point of view. But realize that, in many towns and smaller cities in the country, the funerals of their sons and daughters who die in Afghanistan and Iraq are very big news. I would rather that their deaths be covered by their local newspapers than that they go totally ignored. Besides, this particular photograph seems to show a man who is not blessed by a supportive family. He appears to be alone with only the young Marine to comfort him. If that is the case, publicizing his loss will cause members of the broader community who care to come to his assistance. And that cannot possibly be a bad thing.

[AnAmericanMother]

Maybe I feel differently because I do have a large family.

We were involved in a tragedy here locally years ago and lost a family member. The family closed ranks against the news jackals and photographers. They were intrusive and rude, and we resented their attempts to bother the family very much. Our standard responses were "No comment" and "Out".

[AnAmericanMother]

I think a more sensitive photographer could have achieved the same purpose by photographing the father and the Marine from the back. Backs bowed, arm over shoulder, and the flag-draped coffin in the background. Would have achieved the purpose of showing his loss without laying bare the agony in his face.

Sorry, to me this is just gut level wrong, to have a grown man's naked soul displayed for all the world to gawk at.