There was a picture that was featured on the front page of the paper edition of The Washington Post this morning. It was a very uncharacteristically sympathetic photograph for the Post to publish in regards to the Iraq war. The same photo was aired in both online and paper editions of The Washington Times.
This is the photo:
The photograph is very powerful. It reminds people that the Soldiers, Marines and Sailors involved in this war, along with coalition forces, are at their core, human beings. The military can tend to be villainized, especially in the press with stories about Abu Greib, female GI mud wrestling, etc. The coverage afforded the deeds of Americans involved with the war usually involve a slant of how the military is losing the war, how much the Iraqis hate the Americans, etc. Coverage rarely shows the humanitarian side of the effort, including but not limited to this act of heroism involving a soldier trying to save a childs life.
It reminds me of why we’re are there. I don’t think anyone, at this point, would argue with the questionable intelligence that got us into the war. But now that we are in, what is the staying power that keeps us there? That’s an important question. This photograph shows a human side to the military that is rarely seen  one that cares about the plight of the citizenry of Iraq; one that reaches out to an innocent child that may be motherless.
I think it’s an important point to consider.
{ 6 comments }
Mike 05.04.05 at 3:29 pm
I saw the photograph this morning and the article stated that the child had died. It is unfortunate that the MSM tends to only print news that tends to make the “American” military look bad. What else to expect from Liberals who blame American for the worlds problems. The intelligence was faulty, but the decision to invade Iraq was right. Better to err based on faulty intelligence than to do nothing and possibly lose thousands of American lives. A president has to act based on the intelligence he is given to keep Americans secure. Of course you knew I felt that way…
Mike 05.04.05 at 4:29 pm
I saw the photograph this morning and the article stated that the child had died. It is unfortunate that the MSM tends to only print news that tends to make the “American” military look bad. What else to expect from Liberals who blame American for the worlds problems. The intelligence was faulty, but the decision to invade Iraq was right. Better to err based on faulty intelligence than to do nothing and possibly lose thousands of American lives. A president has to act based on the intelligence he is given to keep Americans secure. Of course you knew I felt that way…
Golfy 05.04.05 at 5:57 pm
Thanks for sharing, this photograph is touching and powerful indeed. I always know that these people (military) are there for a good cuase. Great number of Navy surgeons are sent there every year, these surgeons stayed there for at least 179 days … without comfortable bed, wife’s homemade meal and hugs from their children.
Golfy 05.04.05 at 6:57 pm
Thanks for sharing, this photograph is touching and powerful indeed. I always know that these people (military) are there for a good cuase. Great number of Navy surgeons are sent there every year, these surgeons stayed there for at least 179 days … without comfortable bed, wife’s homemade meal and hugs from their children.
Sean M. Crawford Sr. 05.08.05 at 9:09 pm
Very well put.
Sean M. Crawford Sr. 05.08.05 at 10:09 pm
Very well put.
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