More Transparency for the Pentagon?
Within the next few days a very difficult decision will be made regarding our fallen soldiers. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is reviewing on the ban on press photographs of flag-draped coffins of soldiers returning to Dover Air Force Base and other military facilities.
The ban was installed by President George H.W. Bush for the 1991 Gulf War; he had been embarrassed in 1989 at a news conference in which he joked with reporters as split-screen television showed the first US casualties of the invasion of Panama returning to Dover. It was continued by his son.
But President Obama said on Feb. 9 that he had ordered the review, which the Pentagon said it would complete in a few days. Removing the ban will allow the American people to see the sacrifices made by the troops first hand.
We all hear stories on television and radio, read articles in the newspapers and magazines and hear speeches made by politicians. But as photographers, we KNOW the power of the image. The public should see these coffins, not only to have a heavier heart when they debate the war, but it may delete the apathy and ignorance of some.
These images are a form of accountability as well. Photos of our fallen, lend more transparency to the Pentagon. Coffins can be counted by more than a few pairs of eyes. With images we bear witness to the effects of atrocities going on in the world. Removing this ban will also give honor to the fallen as their sacrifices will be seen by the public. In fact, many families of these troops have requested a removal of the ban for this purpose.
Of course, there are families, and rightfully so, who want privacy during this time. Can’t those families be given their privacy by preventing photographing and the others be public? As different as each and every soldiers is, are the wishes they may have in case of death.
Likewise, families all have different identities. Why not respect the wishes of families nationwide by showing the flagged draped coffins of those who wish to honor their children in public and not allowing access for those who wish to grieve in private.
March 4th, 2009 at 7:54 am
very good…
March 26th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Maybe this ban was imposed by a president who didn’t want people to see the reality of how many troops have died fighting his wars. People tend to dismiss things they’re not directly involved with. If they aren’t related to any of the troops and never see pictures, they don’t think about it. Its a good tactic to keep people ignorant of the real price so many have paid. I think when people start seeing pictures, they see the reality and may make better choices in the future about these things. I understand how some families may want to keep this private, but THEY should also understand that their family members DIED FOR THE PUBLIC and they really deserve the HONOR of being seen and appreciated.
March 26th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I really couldn’t have said it better myself. Thanks for the comment. UPDATE: the Obama administration did approve to lift the ban and have families decide for themselves if they want a public or private arrival at Dover Air Force Base and other bases.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
perfect article