Slims

I don't think the ban should have been lifted.

I feel it is undignified for a dead-soldier to have paparazzi.

The press are accomplishing absolutely nothing by photographing the homecoming of our fallen soldiers except further politicizing their sacrifices.

I am a soldier and I have discussed this matter with those I work with. To a man every single one of them felt it was undignified and did not want to be a part of any media-circus in the event they died in combat. Especially those with families...apparently wives will have to render a decision about media coverage shortly after finding out their husband is dead.

Photographs of caskets do not add any substance to the news articles about the war, the lives lead by those soldiers, or the actions leading to their deaths. They only serve to attract attention and stir the emotions of those who see them...for better or worse.



However, I do part significantly with much of the military community with regard to footage of soldiers dying. If the footage is somewhat removed and dignified, I have no problem with footage showing the full reality of what troops suffer and fight through...that at least has the ability to give people a glimpse into that world and to increase our understanding of what war really is.

Edit: Of course, nobody has any business sticking a camera in the face of someone who is breathing their last. I am mostly referring to predator footage, helmet cams, etc.

__________________
"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." - Winston Churchill

"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act out their dream with open eyes, to make it possible." Seven Pillars of Wisdom, T.E. Lawrence