Monday, May 18, 2009
Detainee Photos
I agree with President Obama's recent decision to not release anymore detainee photos. Most of the people who will see them are not trying to understand the theoretical and legal implications of those pictures, nor will they try to understand the psychological harm that was inflicted by the activities they depict. These photos run the risk of sensationalism at best, and downright disrespect (to those photographed) at the worst.
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2 comments:
I don't have a problem with Obama trying to keep the photos under lock and key, but he could very well lose that argument. At least maybe in the interim he will have more time to shape the narrative and change a few more facts on the ground.
I have a hard time striking a balance between a need to know exactly what happened and preserving the dignity of those who were photographed. I know if the photos were of me or my family, I would not want them publicly available. With that said, there is a definite need to know the extent of the methods used on the detainee and whether laws were broken. I agree that Obama may lose his argument; my hope is that somehow the people within the photos are not re-injured by their publication. Sensationalism usually takes the place of maturity, sadly.
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