Thursday, February 26, 2009

Ban Lifted on Photos of Soldier Caskets

The argument for lifting the ban is that it lets people see the soldiers' sacrifice. I, for one, don't need to see a photo to know the sacrifice. I'm on the fence on this one. But it looks like photos can be taken only if the family agrees, which is respectful. Robert Gates is expected to announce the new policy at 2 pm eastern. 
AP: News organizations will be allowed to photograph the homecomings of America's war dead under a new Pentagon policy, defense and congressional officials said Thursday.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates has decided to allow photos of flag-draped caskets at Dover Air Force Base, Del., if the families of the fallen troops agree, the officials told The Associated Press.
Gates planned to announce his decision later Thursday, they said. The current ban was put in place in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush.

Update: