FREEP Drudge, ask him to remove Disgraceful Al Jazeera pix

me ^ | March 23, 2003 | FO

[FairOpinion]

I apologize for this vanity post, my first.

But I think Drudge overstepped the boundaries of decency by publishing on his front page a picture from Al Jazeera, showing what is purported to be a picture of an American POW.

The Washington Post has an article on it, in case anyone is not familiar with what happened. So far all American Media has refrained from showing pictures of the Al Jazeera video. For Drudge to put up a picture reduces him to well, I rather not say.

Drudge's EMAIL: DRUDGE@DRUDGEREPORT.COM

Arab TV Shows Captured American Troops http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A14406-2003Mar23.html

To Moderator: If you think my post is inappropriate, I apologize and obviously please remove it.

[ican'tbelieveit]

Every post on this thread.

[The Shootist]

Fine sentiment. But it has nothing to do with the truth.

[Smogger]

If it were my son I would want this atrocity shown repeatedly so that his death would have consequence. Show these mainacs for what they are. Let the liberals defend them, passion and hate is not always a bad thing if it is properly directed at evil.

Amen.

[Alissa]

My 24 year old daughter is so angry, she's ready to nuke the entire country!

And she hasn't seen the picture on Drudge's website.

[FairOpinion]

Just wait until those pictures will turn up on banners of the anti-war demonstrations.

These pictures demoralize our troops too. Just think about it.

[callthemlikeyouseethem]

exactly!!!

[rintense]

And what is the truth, according to you? You would put your need for outrage above the need of the military families?

[ThomWilkerson]

MSNBC, ARNETT Complicit in Geneva Violations??

I noticed during the news conference when Iraqi VP Taha Yassin Ramadan (who is responsible for the mass murder of Kurds and Shiites) boasted to Peter Arnett [now with MSNBC/Nat'l Geo] and other 'objective international journalists' that IraqiTV would soon be showing 'captured American soldiers', that NOT ONE journalist, [esp Arnett!!!] raised their voice to complain that such action and video was a gross violation of the Geneva Accords.

Therfore IMO, Arnett is also complicit in these outrageous Geneva violations against our servicemen and I have written a strongly worded letter to letters@msnbc.com to complain.

[Smogger]

It revictimizes the person.

Don't be friggin ridiculous? You can't "revictimize" them. They are DEAD!! They are free from earthly worries, pain, and suffering.

[FairOpinion]

Because it depends on which side you are on.

[bluecollarman]

"These pictures demoralize our troops too. Just think about it."

You could not be more wrong about this!

[TLBSHOW]

Turn your anger to the right place and that is the enemy of Iraq! The butcher of Iraq and the Islam cult.

[armymarinemom]

Yes the families of military do surf the net for news. We do that more than people who do NOT have children in courntry at the moment. I have a son in country. I surf and we are watching the news almost 24/7 just like most of the military families are. It takes time for a group to notify families. Haven't you ever noticed how long it takes for names to be released by the DOD?

[F16Fighter]

"There seems to be this sense in people that if we let the ugliness of war be seen we will lose support or something. My fear is the other way around - this is a serious war and as such needs be illustrated how serious it is."

DITTO

[wizzler]

Because the Pentagon says they have.

When I asked the question, I was curious why the poster to whom I responded was certain that families had not been notified.

As I said in a subsequent post, this is tricky territory, no doubt about it. It's definitely ripe for debate (a debate that goes on daily in newsrooms around the country). The debate is best served, however, when it is grounded in facts and not speculation.

[TLBSHOW]

that is the enemy of Iraq = that is the enemy is Iraq

[moodyskeptic]

The enemy films these atrocities specifically to gloat and ridicule the US. You mentioned Daniel Pearl and this recent video. It is being used worldwide to generate hatred of the USA, and we should see what their propoganda looks like.
This is two wars: one to crush Saddam and one to convince the world that the US is a benevolent power. Don't just assume that keeping the reality from our own citizens is beneficial, we are dealing with a large anti-war movement here. This is an inevitable part of showing the war up close. I submit that if the soldier cannot be identified, we should not be protected from these images. I don't need our media patronizing me. The pix on Drudge is fine, you cannot see any faces, and if the image sickens you, turn off TV 'cuz war is ugly and getting uglier.
Graphic images of the dead have been published since the Civil War. America can (must) handle reality.

[rintense]

*YAWN*

[Lauratealeaf]

The only video that I want to see is the one of the missile bashing in Saddam Hussein's head. I'm sorry, this makes me sick. I cannot believe that Drudge would post the photo of the dead soldier on his site. My son is a Captain in the Army and is not yet in Iraq but it could have been him had he already been there. I feel for the mother and father. It is outrageous.

[RAT Patrol]

America is not at war against a single perp, we are at War against a monster that many still do not believe is a Monster. They demand proof, this gives it to them. I understand that this is difficult to view, but I think it is helpful to our cause to further legitimize the war.

Rob, I agree with your goals and I know your motivate are right on target, it just makes me sick to think of my loved one or myself being put on display that way.