Lots of controversy over the past few days about the editorial judgement, or lack thereof, by the Associated Press for publishing a graphic photo of a fallen Marine in Afghanistan, against the stated wishes of both the family and the DoD.
Donald Sensing, veteran and minister, puts it in perspective.
The very real suffering of the troops deserves to be displayed and explained (but not, I think, this nakedly). Yet if the AP wishes to show its readers the anguish of war, being "fair and balanced" would lead it to present the heroism and profoundly stirring sacrificial spirit among our men and women in uniform. As is, this photo sadly continues the media's tradition of presenting our troops as victims.Lance Cpl Joshua Bernard fell in battle, but he was not a victim. He determined at the hazard of his life to be honorable in his young adulthood, to make sure of his duty, and to leave everything else for later, though later ever came. He gave over to hope his chance of lifelong happiness and the uncertainty of final success, and in mortal danger he relied only upon himself, his buddies and the Corps itself. He chose to risk death young as a free man rather than live long as one conquered. And when fearful lethality loomed he resolved to resist and suffer, rather than flee to save his life; he ran away not from danger but from dishonor. On the battlefield he stood steadfast, and in an instant, at the height of his resolve, he passed away from this life but not from our lives or the destinies of generations yet to come.
Such was the end of this man's life. We need not desire a more heroic spirit than his, although we do pray that others and their families suffer no such fate.
Lots more to ponder. Read the whole thing.
Posted by Alan at September 6, 2009 09:39 PM