These last few days have created feelings that many of us had forgotten in the 9+ years since the immediate aftermath of the September 11th attacks. I can’t speak for everyone, but in the winter of 2001 after the feelings of horror and anger subsided, a feeling of pride, unity, and commonality overwhelmed me for months. I was the least partisan I’d ever been in my life. For a while, I would think to myself, “Hey self, the Democrats may be bumbling idiots that want to create a socialist utopia, but they’re our bumbling idiots that want to create a socialist utopia.” Unity was on the tips of everyone’s tongues as national pride blanketed the country. Interestingly, those months following September 11th, the Bush administration made the wise choice to not squander and diminish that unity.
The Obama administration seems to have no such desire to do the same having decided for Americans what level of closure they can receive in regards to the bloody end of Usama Bin Laden.
Today, President Obama assured the American public that Bin Laden was indeed dead, not only confirmed by DNA but also by his own eyes. You see apparently, President Obama felt the need to look at the photo in order to confirm for himself that what was being claimed had indeed taken place. For the rest of America, that will just have to be good enough.
One of the reasons given is a fear that it will embolden radicals in the Middle East and cause them to retaliate, attack, or otherwise really not like us. Who knows? They may even burn a flag or two. This reasoning holds no water. Anyone who viewed Bin Laden as a Muslim leader in the first place is already no friend of the United States and probably doesn’t need to see a photo to want us all dead.
The photo is making it’s rounds in the United States Congress as of this writing. For what purpose? One would assume that the individuals we elected feel a need to see the photo for their own personal confirmation. Like a wake at a funeral except with less crying. This is an understandable desire and one in which the President of the United States has decided the rest of us cannot have fulfilled.
One would hope that while President Obama is applying moral equivalencies to the situation that at least our own GOP would be wiser. Apparently some, like GOP House Intel Chairman Mike Rogers, are not.
Said Rogers:
“Imagine how the American people would react if Al Qaeda killed one of our troops or military leaders, and put photos of the body on the internet,”
Jimmie Bise has the go-to piece for taking down this flawed way of thinking.
Once again, the concern is for the enemy. No I’m not saying all Muslims are the enemy. But we’ve been told over and over that the moderate Muslims are on our side and just as horrified at the events of 9-11 as we are. That being the case, it should be completely understandable that we need personal confirmation and closure here, just as we understood the same about Saddam Hussein and the need for the Iraqi people to have visual confirmation.
Anyone who claims that this is some type of “death porn” desire by myself and others is missing the point. Anyone who claims that it’s to settle wild conspiracy theories is purposefully distracting from the point. This is about the people in this country that have a need to see what they have been waiting 10 years to see. The orchestrator of an American nightmare dead, and no longer in a position to inflict harm on us. But more importantly, getting to literally see that justice was served.
But to this administration, and apparently to Rep. Rogers, our needs have to take a back seat. We need to make sure that the Muslims that idolized this monster get closure by providing them with a fully compliant funeral within 24 hours of the kill. The media gets their closure because their narrative is complete: President Obama succeeds where President Bush fails. The President himself gets closure because, unlike us, he saw the photo and confirmed with his own eyes and by his own adult decision to look, that Usama was dead.
But the biggest closure goes to Al Qaeda. They were able to witness an administration that is so petrified of upsetting them that they would sooner give an honorable funeral to a mass murderer than provide a simple photo to help close the darkest chapter in American history.
And I can’t speak for you, but that feeling of unity I mentioned at the beginning of this writing? It’s gone. And it didn’t have to be.
Daniel Horowitz
Moe Lane
Dan McLaughlin
Steve Maley
The "open casket" funeral viewing was devised
renny (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 4:18PM EDT (link)so people could see the king was dead–and not by violence–so that his successor would be regarded as legitimate.
I do not care to see massacre photos, but in the instance of OBL, who has cost us enormously in treasure and blood both civilian and military, I believe the publication of the death photos are needed for a world and American public to acknowledge and accept the end of this monstrous enemy.
They'll probably release them sometime before the 2012 election. nt.
earlgrey (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 4:20PM EDT (link)OSAMA PHOTOS
sirjason (Diary) Thursday, May 5th at 7:19AM EDT (link)Ben, for what its worth the only photo that cannot be PhotoShopped is the Infra Red photo. Perhaps the negative is reversed. This shows a bullet hole above the right eye!
INFRA RED OSAMA DEAD PHOTO
http://yourtubenews.ning.com/forum/topics/here-is-the-dead-osama-photo
Please see the before and after death photos of Osama bin Laden here. Link
http://www.davidicke.com/headlines/48055-osama-bin-laden-has-been-dead-for-years
ALEX JONES
http://www.prisonplanet.com/media-runs-fake-photo-to-illustrate-bin-laden-death-propaganda.html
–
Jason Leverette, Patriot
Whatever evolves was first, created-
Semper Fidelis
Drudge has link
SKully (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 4:34PM EDT (link)to Reuters, who supposedly purchased them. Trying to load now, but it’s very slow
“Do not separate text from historical background. If you do, you will have perverted and subverted the Constitution, which can only end in a distorted, bastardized form of illegitimate government.” James Madison
Those are only pictures...
hoosierteacher (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 4:52PM EDT (link)of the scene, and a few other dead bodies. Other sites have faked pictures so far.
No actual photos or video that include public enemy number one have been realeased.
“Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep” – Defoe
So the people
baserunr (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 4:41PM EDT (link)that were so mad at us they bombed our Defense HQ, our Financial Capital, and had a 3rd shot going for our legislative capitol, are going to be so incensed by photos of a dead guy? SO what!?
Been there, done that.
“The day you think you know it all is the day your trouble starts.”
One thing that releasing the photos wont end
Goldwater_Conservative (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 4:48PM EDT (link)is the conspiracy theories. I want to see it just so I can see that bastard dead, but for those calling on thie photo’s to prove that we got him, they will deny it even after the photos are released. So the idea of doing it to try and quiet the crazies is not a good one, and I would agree with that thinking.
I don't think that's the thinking.
hoosierteacher (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 4:56PM EDT (link)I agree with you; the conspiracy nuts in OUR country (like the birthers and the truthers and the Area 51′ers) will never believe.
But the backwards animals that live in the middle east don’t understand DNA. They should see a photo so that AQ doesn’t make them believe we are lying. That’s why we needed to release the pictures of Sadam’s sons dead – so that the people over there knew it was safe.
Besides, we’ve waited years for closure. Why should the president and congress get the closure that we don’t get?
“Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep” – Defoe
I agree hoosierteacher, Looking at how they do executions
clowngirl (Diary) Thursday, May 5th at 3:10AM EDT (link)in this country, the general public isn’t allowed to watch – but the families of the victims do get the opportunity to witness the execution live if they choose too.
There’s something profoundly unsatisfying about only having a report that Bin Laden has been killed with few details, no body and not even a picture. It has nothing to do with not believing it’s true – it’s just a (probably instinctive) desire to see and know for oneself.
I feel that, anyway. It’s kind of like after 9/11 – I felt a compelling need – as soon as the general public was allowed anywhere near it – to go physically see the sight of the attack. And it made it all real to me in a way that hearing about or seeing it on tv simply could not.
I – as someone no more personally affected by Bin Laden and Al Quaeda than the average American – can manage without seeing the photos – but I would hope that – at the very least- those who lost love ones on 9/11, the families of soldiers killed fighting Al Quaeda and those in the military who have served in the war against them – would be given the chance to see them if they want to. Members of Congress haven’t made any special sacrifice or suffered extraordinary loss due to Bin Laden – they shouldn’t be afforded priveledges denied to those who have.
Yeah, they'll release them
renny (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 4:49PM EDT (link)the week before the vote in Nov., 2012.
A sad commentary of the politicization of all of life
YnotNOW (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 6:08PM EDT (link)but you can’t ask for being above such by this administration.
YnotNOW
If not me, who? If not now, when?
As much as some would like to think being nice would make them like us.
kellyclayton Wednesday, May 4th at 5:07PM EDT (link)Not like I have some sort of itching to see a picture of a dead man, but I understand some of my fellow American’s need to. People also need to understand how Islam thinks. This is THE WAR, not a war. They do not go after us because of death photos. They are at war with us because we are not part of Islam. Even more so that we are the biggest obsticle for them to reach the goal of claiming the world for Islam. This war will not end until they feel they’ve won. It’s no joke and they have no concern for political or religious sensitivities other then when they use them to have the rest of us be so accepting and afraid to offend Islam. Even if it seems they’re imbracing other faiths or American ways, it’s only an other ploy for the goal of taking over the world. Being so sensitive as to give him a religious burial, in the way of Islam, says we had a fear of him. Not showing pictures shows a respect. In Islam remember people are not supposed to draw a picture of the late Muhamad.
K.C- I intend to stand in harm’s way. How bout you?
yup, they will never like us, but...
kyle8 (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 5:15PM EDT (link)the Arab culture respects strength and despises weakness. So at least a strong president can gain something through negotiation,
But weakness will be seen as an invitation for more trouble.
“Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty”
Kyle
And they have a serious advantage on us:
rickbull Wednesday, May 4th at 11:04PM EDT (link)They have no respect for life or dignity, not even their own or their families’. They do not think twice about dying in a suicide bombing so long as they can take other lives with them. They have no regard for innocents, and will use their own schools, mosques and nurseries as shields for their warriors and their war implements.
They have no more conscience than sewer rats, and until we learn to deal with them in the same way, radical Islam will continue to have this advantage over us
Even education is not the answer–the good doctor at Fort Hood is proof of that. Prefrontal lobotomy is an idea worth considering . . .
WE ARE THE 53% (who actually pay taxes).
FOIA
Thomas_Hauber Wednesday, May 4th at 5:16PM EDT (link)More than likely a FOIA request will be filed.
Obama may try to classify the photos, but I doubt he is going to be able to argue successfully to a judge as to why they harm national security. He might be able to delay the process, but the photos will get out eventually.
I don’t care to see them, but I can imagine they might be a deterrent to many many young Muslims who idolized OBL.
Good point. n/t
clowngirl (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 5:51PM EDT (link)n/t
An important nit to pick here
lunaticrex Thursday, May 5th at 2:14PM EDT (link)First, I agree you have a good point on the classification. Obama will have to classify the images taken, or rather he will have to maintain or upgrade their classification (they will be classified already because the mission itself would have been, along with any BDA) because that is the only way to keep them under wraps. And the courts may well come into play on that later (say, late-summer 2012).
I disagree with your opinion that “young Muslims” will be deterred if they see the images. Quite the opposite, I would say. You seem to refer to what are called “radicalized” young Muslims. Many of these folks are not well educated, but they are indoctrinated by clerics who essentially tell them what to think. That obviously includes indoctrinating them to the Qur’an and the Hadith, Sunna etc., but also colors everything they see and hear. UBL’s DB in a photo would likely be a tool used to intensify the anger and violent urges against the West, the U.S. in particular.
Imagery such as this can also be used as a means of radicalization. In the absence of previous ‘proper’ indoctrination, a simple photo of a dead guy can anger certain segments of a population, which segment(s) can then more easily be convinced to join the jihad.
That said, Rogers should have kept his mouth shut and simply stated the fact of the decision, though I disagree with the decision. His statement is as offensive as it is ridiculous. The government absolutely should release the images. If we are to believe in the concept of “moderate” Muslims, we must accept that such critters will not blindly rage and attack their neighbors here at home. And for Muslims who are not moderate, well, UBL was apparently alive while they have been killing non-Muslims and Muslims alike. I don’t see any reason to believe the extremists will change their minds (or their plans) because of a photograph.
Finally, to any argument that the images will offend our enemies in foreign lands and cause them to intensify attacks on our troops, well, they are already doing their best against us. They may temporarily DESIRE to kill more troops, but that in no way will increase their ability to do so.
If you pick up a cat by the tail, you will learn a lesson you cannot get any other way.
Mark Twain
…though observing someone nearby doing so can also be instructive.
lunaticrex
kowalski
lunaticrex Thursday, May 5th at 2:24PM EDT (link)To clarify: If they do not release the images, the radicalization angle still works because, with or without pictures, radical clerics will use the announcement to try to radicalize more Muslims, or to increase the general hatred of anything not Islamic. Of course, there will be some (perhaps many) who will deny bin Laden has been ‘expired.’ Either way, it is inevitable that his death, or reports thereof, will inspire fresh rhetoric from radical clerics. And by rhetoric, I generally mean incitement. Pictures will help to somewhat ameliorate this last.
If you pick up a cat by the tail, you will learn a lesson you cannot get any other way.
Mark Twain
…though observing someone nearby doing so can also be instructive.
lunaticrex
Apparently some Muslims were outraged
clowngirl (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 5:49PM EDT (link)because Bin Laden’s proper Muslim burial wasn’t proper enough. He should’ ve been buried in the ground with his head facing Mecca…. Maybe they would’ve liked us to put up a shrine for him too.
I’m glad our soldiers didn’t dismember Bin Laden, stick his head on a post and drag his body through the streets, or otherwise desecrate his remains – but this walking on eggshells is ridiculous. Not only should they release the photo – but it would’ve been nice if more people could’ve looked at the physical remains before they were disposed of. (not a big public thing – but perhaps the families of his victims – at least – could’ve had the opportunity)
And yes, I agree with you Mr. Howe. Obama hasn’t done much to solidify the feeling of unity – especially when he’s mocking those who would like the photos released by suggesting they just want to celebrate, “spike the football” and rub it in the face of Al Quaeda. The legimacy of his own point aside – he could at least show some respect for the other side.
Id say bury himn in bacon but
kyle8 (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 6:17PM EDT (link)that is too much of a waste of wonderful bacon.
“Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty”
Kyle
I understand the urge
clowngirl (Diary) Thursday, May 5th at 2:37AM EDT (link)Feel like telling anyone who’s criticizing Bin Laden’s burial as not Muslim enough that when some evil master terrorist orders the murder of thousands of their innocent citizens and starts a war that cost thousands of lives, about a trillion dollars, and leaves tens of thousands of their citizens maimed for life THEN they can decide how he gets buried.
Blackout during raid on bin Laden compound
izoneguy (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 7:18PM EDT (link)Blackout during raid on bin Laden compound
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/al-qaeda/8493391/Osama-bin-Laden-dead-Blackout-during-raid-on-bin-Laden-compound.html
I think Osama’s bodyguards blew his brains out as the helicopters landed.
They don’t want to release the photos because any forensic expert could tell
Osama was probably shot at close range – 3 – 6 inches.
Those who had once simpered: “I don’t want to destroy the rich, I only want to seize a little of their surplus to help the poor, just a little, they’ll never miss it!” – then, later, had snapped: “The tycoons can stand being squeezed; they’ve amassed enough to last them for three generations” – then, later, had yelled: “Why should the people suffer while businessmen have reserves to last a year?” – now were screaming: “Why should we starve while some people have reserves to last a week?” – Atlas Shrugged
Interesting theory
Common_Cents (Diary) Wednesday, May 4th at 7:42PM EDT (link)“Nasser al-Bahri, one of the al-Qaeda’s leader’s most trusted members of staff, disclosed that in August 1998, whilst they were hiding in caves in Afghanistan, bin Laden had handed him a loaded gun.
“He told me, ‘If ever the Americans encircle me, I absolutely do not want to end my life as a prisoner of the United States. So you will be in charge of killing me,’” he said.
Bin Laden told him: “I would rather receive two bullets in the head than be taken prisoner. I want to die a martyr – but certainly not in prison.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/al-qaeda/8491545/Osama-bin-Laden-dead-bodyguard-lifts-lid-on-life-with-terror-chief.html
“Fathom the hypocrisy of a Government
that requires every citizen to prove
they are insured…. but not everyone
must prove they are a citizen.” -Ben Stein
“In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule.”[especially in DC] – Friedrich Nietzsche
Hmmm...25 minutes of missing video,
blooch Thursday, May 5th at 3:51PM EDT (link)the possibility of a second gunman at the compound…Oliver Stone will have the SEALS disguised as plumbers in the movie.
“Lieutenant Dike wasn’t a bad leader because he made bad decisions. He was a bad leader because he made no decisions.”
I keep wondering
Ben Howe (Diary) Thursday, May 5th at 8:54AM EDT (link)If they won’t show it because a forensic expert would be able to tell that the wound above his eye is an exit wound, not an entrance wound.
You can always find people to give you the answers that you think reinforce the facts you’ve already decided are true.
Follow @BenHowe
The reuters photos of the other guys killed
izoneguy (Diary) Thursday, May 5th at 9:01PM EDT (link)Looked like they were all shot in the back of the head.
Those who had once simpered: “I don’t want to destroy the rich, I only want to seize a little of their surplus to help the poor, just a little, they’ll never miss it!” – then, later, had snapped: “The tycoons can stand being squeezed; they’ve amassed enough to last them for three generations” – then, later, had yelled: “Why should the people suffer while businessmen have reserves to last a year?” – now were screaming: “Why should we starve while some people have reserves to last a week?” – Atlas Shrugged
The display of the pictures of Usama Bin Laden dead is not about whether or not we believe he is dead,
ihateliberals Thursday, May 5th at 8:18AM EDT (link)I think that most of us accept the DNA results. The problem is the pictures do not belong to H u s s e i n Obama they belong to the American people. We have paid for them not only with our money but our sacrifices and the Blood that has been shed by our citizens and our soldiers. It is our right to see these pictures and the excuses presented by the White House for not giving them to us has no merit what so ever.
There is no further harm to come from the Muslim world than has already been incited by the mere death of UBL. No picture or any other trophy or words would incite them anymore than they are already. No troops would be in anymore danger than they are right now. No American citizen would be anymore in harm’s way than they are right now. Through the Presidents insensitivity to the American people he has now opened the doorway to years of speculation and conspiracy theories. Not about his death but about what really happened and when the death occurred etc, etc. I guess the bottom line here is that the pictures were not Obama’s to withhold. The decision was not his to make. These pictures are the property of the people of the United States of America. Obama, give them to us they are not yours!
Transparency
darjon38 Thursday, May 5th at 6:55PM EDT (link)Who was it that insisted the Abu Grahib photos be published> Now that really “ticked” them off.
I do not think there would be much backlash from these photos, they already hate us.
No Difference
roppongibob Thursday, May 5th at 10:52PM EDT (link)The Deathers will spin with or without a photo. Why provide your local neighborhood jihad recruiter with a poster?