Comment on The Belmont Club,"Point counterpoint"

The problem with the AP issuing a photo of an American soldier dying isn't with the image itself but with the political intent behind it. This is tricky because the image is news worthy. Everyone remembers the Robert Capa image of the Falling Soldier from the Spanish Civil War. The authenticity of that image has been disputed but it's power remains.


If an image of American's in combat and wounded or dying was seen as a cause for rallying the country then who here would object? Mathew Brady took photographs of the dead of Gettysburg that were as powerful then and should be now as anything the AP can send from Afghanistan. The Union will was not broken by that knowledge. Our argument should be not with the images but with the politicians in Washington and the editors of the AP who counsel defeat. The concerns about privacy and decency are real but I do not believe in a blanket ban on imagery.


-------
Under other circumstances, if the man was not already proven capable of using any venue for the most inappropriate political theater, a speech by BHO to school children would be harmless. After all he does more damage when he talks to adults. Given that people fear his taste for 1930s agitprop for good reason we should all be grateful if the event is canceled. If Obama really wants to help children then I suggest that he visit a school and actually teach a lesson. Perhaps he could read to them. Could someone please send him a copy of "My Little Pony?"

Sep 4, 2009 - 8:07 pm