Hey guys,
Since the news late Sunday night that Osama bin Laden was killed, there has been an ongoing debate as to whether or not the White House should release photographs of the body of the fallen terror leader. Many have argued, including White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, that the photographs are graphic and gruesome, and that their release could instigate violence against Americans at home and abroad. Carney claimed that the photographs could be offensive to some.
I question that logic. While I have no real desire to see those pictures, I can see why the American public is demanding their release. How offensive could the pictures be? And who are we afraid of offending? Other extremists? Friends and allies of bin Laden?
Can the pictures of a dead bin Laden be any more offensive than video footage of aircraft being flown into skyscrapers? Can the pictures be more offensive than images of people running from the Pentagon and the World Trade Center? Can they be more offensive than a smoking crater in a field from Shanksville, PA? Can they possibly be more offensive than people jumping off the Twin Towers to escape the fire inside the building? Can they be more offensive than the towers crumbling with New York City police and firefighters trying to help the thousands of people trapped inside the buildings?
I’m offended by the events of September 11, 2001.
What do you think?
UPDATE:
This afternoon the White House announced that it will not release the photos citing national security issues.
UPDATE:
This afternoon the White House announced that it will not release the photos citing national security issues.
I believe that there should be absolutely no fear in releasing the pictures of Osama bin Laden. Like you said, the footage of September History Channel regarding September 11, 2001, I get a feeling of rage and anger, and I, as well as almost every other American, I'm sure, takes offense to this event.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the United States of America views this murder as an accomplishment; it most certainly is one. We should be able to access 11, 2001, is extremely powerful, even ten years later, and will continue to be offensive forever. Everytime I see specials on the photographs regarding our success. Al-Qaeda, and those who supported the attacks of September 11, 2001, were delighted to see footage of their "success" on September 11, 2001. We should be able to have the same right.
-Jake M.
Although I have absolutely no desire to see the pictures myself, I don't think that there should be a problem in releasing them. I understand the fear that they are too gruesome, but if people cannot handle blood and gore, then they simply shouldn't look at the picture. It's better to grant the right for those who desire to see the picture, then deny it. If you don't want to look, then don't look; but don't let that fear get in the way of other's patriotic desire.
ReplyDeleteI think that there shouldn't be a problem with releasing pictures of Osama dead. There are pictures of what Osama did to us? Were offended by it and so what if terrorists are offened by it? They did it to us and we were offended so we can do the same to them. Also so what if the terrorists are offened, they deserve it because they"re the ones killing innocent people and destroying families, and the last thing we need to do is care about their "feelings." If they had feelings they wouldn't kill innocent people and children.
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ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have a problem with the release of the Bin Laden photos. The way I see it, the people who hate America will continue to want our nation destroyed regardless of whether the photos are released or not. I just don't think that the photos are necessary to prove he's dead. His DNA has already been matched with his sister's. If people want to see the photo for closure, I'm all for that. But if people want to see them because they think he is still alive, they need to stop being so hard headed. Bin Laden is dead.
ReplyDelete-Brandon Maxwell
Personally, I feel that since the footage and images witnessed by the events of 9-11 were not sensored neither should be any other images involving the government, tragedies and victories.To many seeing is believing and if it will satisfy the average American (or the many that are demanding this) then so be it. Release the photos. I feel as if it would not drive other extremist to attack our country becuase although being an insult to their cause it proves that we as a country are capable of anything. The naieve thing that I've experienced was truely believing and realizing that the terrorist that brought our country down and eventually together all at once was finally dead and no longer a threat. If the pictures were to be released it would be without a doubt that I would try my hardest to find them.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is ridiculous to consider not releasing the pictures. First off, the pictures that were released of 9/11 were much more offensive and thousands of people where dead, not just one. Also, the people who officials don’t want to “offend” already know that he is dead and how he died, so the pictures should not be any more offensive than the fact that he was killed. If the public wants to see these pictures then by all means they should be able to.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Abels
I do understand that some of the pictures could be gruesome but the truth of the matter is...who cares. If it means closure for the rest of the United States then why hold them back. Who are the pictures offensive to anyways?!?!?! Maybe to his family but what he put us through was horrible and the american people deserve closure.
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