I've been hearing a lot of debate about whether or not the U.S. should release Osama Bin Laden's death photos. Our politicians are reliably divided along partisan lines about this issue, with some Republicans saying yes and some Democrats saying no.
You know what I always think when I hear this debate? How would Americans feel if our President was shot and the perpetrators decided to publish gruesome shots of his death? How would we feel if this person was an important religious figure or celebrity?
Bet that would change the tenor of this debate immediately.
Obviously, I don't agree with Bin Laden's policies or beliefs in any way. However, publishing those photos will prove nothing and instead inflame anger against America and potentially endanger our troops. Is that what you want?
Instead of thinking about whether or not you have the RIGHT to view death photos of someone else, think instead about how you would feel if those photos were of someone you respected, admired or loved. And think also about the harm that could come to our loved ones who are fighting for us in Iraq and Afghanistan (not to mention in other locations in the world).
Would you publish those photos then?
I think that you'll find it's suddenly a very easy decision to make.
