American Morning
What do you think of Obama's decision not to release bin Laden photos?
President Obama said Wednesday he has decided not to release photos taken of Osama bin Laden's corpse.
According to a senior U.S. official, the White House has received three sets of photographs. The first batch, which clearly show bin Laden's body, was taken at a hangar in Afghanistan, the official said. The official described one of the images as a clear, but gruesome, picture of his face. Bin Laden is shown with a massive open head wound across both eyes, the official said, adding that the image would not be appropriate for the front pages of newspapers.
AM asks, what do you think about President Obama's decision not to publicly release photos of Osama bin Laden's dead body?
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Any damage or fallout from releasing the death picture is already done. We have already seen gruesome photos and Hollywood films so we can handle osama's death picture. We need and deserve confirmation.
not seeing the body is fine...but i wonder why they did not take fingerprints or at least remove a finger?
Doubters will be doubters no matter what evidence is put forward, we have nothing further to prove to them. The safety of Americans, civilian and military, should be our priority. Therefore I think it's the right decsion not to release them.
Osama has been killed but he is not gone. His organization still exists, although weakened and requires U.S. continued perseverance and intelligence. We should not release photos unless our national security and intelligence experts make the judgement that it will further our efforts to defeat terrorism. Right now, it appears to be in our best security interests to not release the photos. If Pakistanis need proof of Osama's death, they should bring forward his daughter and wife who witnessed his death.
Let the professionals deal with matters of security, not the media or radio personalities. Most of the 911 victim's families don't want the gruesome images to be released, who are we????
Osama is dead, let us not become the deathers, many more will not believe he's dead anyway!!
I agree with his decision. It is not necessary to prove via photo when we have other technology to utilize as proof. It is not worth putting our soldiers in Afghanistan at a higher risk for danger.
Hey, it only took something like three years to release President Obama's birth certificate, right? How about releasing the Osama Bin Laden photos in a year an a half. That's a good deal, isn't it? Of course it didn't take him very long to release the photos of him watching the raid (from a very safe distance), great PR there for him and his upcoming campaign for a second term.
I have fully supported the President in the killing of bin Laden and the decision to not release photos. However, with his decision to visit ground zero, he has passed on an opportunity to "spike the football" only to do an end zone dance instead. It's unnecessary spotlight-grabbing.
President Obama is right for not showing these photos to the public for the simple fact that it may start more trouble for the United States. We as the American people should stand behind our president and take his word for it.
The decision not to show the photos is a sound one. The President shows great restraint and caution as it would certainly insight anger and retaliation against all Americans here and abroad.
Ken C
Philadelphia, PA
A smart decision by the government that is backed by the heads of the military. In this reality and information age, there is too much information expected. The government keeps information classified to protect the American people. There simply is no upside to releasing the photos.
It is the correct decision. We are the United States of America and should not be in the business of putting out gruesome death porn photos – even of someone as vile and deserving of death as Osama Bin Laden. If they want to release anything release the DNA test results – but don't flood the internet with disturbing photos. Good for Obama – right decision!
Releasing the photographs serves no purpose! All it will do is cause more convesation and become a symbol for some crazy jihadhists.
To add to this, why do we need to analyze if Osama was armed, or if there was a firefight. The man was evil, and we are at war! The next arguement is why did we burry him at sea, well simple you don't want a symbol left of such an individual. All this will go away with the next News cycle, Libya, Syria, the Japan earth quake and nuclear pollution, the budget crissis and ofcourse..Lindsay Lohans next conviction!
All decisions made by the President as related to handling the OBL situation seem right. Lets move on.
I agree with President Obama. I respect his sensitivity. We don't need the gore to know that the job was accomplished.
All of this debate continues to give his name relevance. THEY know he is dead. The rest of us should trust our president ! gee, what a concept. We actually have a president we can trust. I am so proud of him.
War is politics by other means. It is leaders of one side talking to leaders of the other side. Obama has the right, as our current leader to not publish these pictures. “A picture is worth a thousand words” these words he just doesn’t want to say right now.
I have had to view graphic images Americans being executed, beheaded, and blown-up for the past ten years on both television and the internet. Thus, I would like to see the pictures of Bin Laden dead.
It was not only a smart move not to show the picture, it was also the right thing to do morally. There is no need to show the photos when bin Laden's wife, daughter, and other children are still alive. Let them tell the world what happened to him. That's probably one of the reasons why they weren't taken into custody by the SEAL team anyway.
I am not an Obama fan but this is a great decision. Obama was only a symbol of the ideology we have been fighting. Publishing his carcass on the internet won't convince those who will never believe so why bother.
Thank you President Obama for not releasing the photos. Common Sense has prevailed
The media reminds me of children at the grocery store that can't have what they want. Is it a debate you really want an answer to or is it that you can't have what you want and will help your viewing numbers go up? It seems to be a way of complaining and nagging the govnerment for what YOU want.
Release The Photo – The Faster The Better – Get It Over – Educate Our Enemies – The USA Does Whatever It Takes To "Get The Bad Guys" in This Time In History. We Win -You Loose!
Good move by the Prez, might be unpopular with the good ole boys down here but it's the right thing to do. Do we need to see another dead body?
I agree completely. It would do nothing but put overseas Americans in danger.
I think he's right...however, for those who insist on seeing a picture, why not release a picture to all local police departments (as all of our first responders)? Then local citizens can go to their local precinct to see it. I don't need to.
I think it is a great decision. Bin Ladin doesn't deserve to have himself made a martyr, even if it is by his photo alone. It is also more dignified for our country to not be given the opportunity to dissect whether or not the photo is genuine, to photoshop it and use as a joke, or incite negative propaganda.
As much as we may feel the need to see the photos, the truth is that the risk to us of inflaming the extremists is greater than the reward in seeing his body. I think the decision is the right one.
President Obama made the right decision to not release the photos. I support his decision 100%.
We want to see the body of that killer osama , everyone in the great U.S.A NEEDS to have some sort of evidence that he is really dead, the families deserve to see that killer DEAD, if we do not see it how do we really know if it is real or a way to get votes for president again? I want to see that thing dead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think the President is really putting the long term effects of his actions above political gain. I think he is courageous and absolutely right in this. The photos will do little beyond inflaming religious and nationalistic passions.
Great decision – the mental state of people in war torn regions of the Middle East is not discussed enough. People have serious mental health problems as a result of years of war and something like this would worsen the situation for many who otherwise don't care much about Osama bin Laden. He should have also been buried by his family and not the military – out of respect for his family and Islam. We have to remember the golden rule in this situation. He's no threat to us dead. Our disrespect of his family and others like them is a threat to us.
i think he is right. America doesn't need to alienate Bin Laden’s followers any more. It’s done, he is gone, and there is no need to release a “shock” picture to satisfy us.
I think the people who lost loved ones on 9/11 deserve to see the photos for closure. Just as if someone were being executed for mass murders, the family is allowed to view the execution, not to "spike the football" but to have final closure. Some may not need that, but some do and they desrve it. It has been ten years.
Not showing proof is a total sham. We are afraid of retaliation, but yet we have heard nothing from them, that is because Osama has been dead since 2001. Why is it that every Govt. Official says he is dead and not we killed him? Let us not forget that the Budget was in all the headlines right before Osama news, The US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the $725 billion military appropriations bill for 2011, by far the largest single military spending bill in the history of mankind.The 341-48 vote saw vast majorities of both parties supporting it, and was referred to by officials as a “stripped down” version.
Releasing the photo of Bin Laden wouldn't bring anything but trouble! Those who are skeptics will remain skeptics, asserting that the picture is a fake and that Pres. Obama and his administration fabricated the whole ordeal. Those who are agnostic will be disgusted, and most importantly, those Muslims, already plotting and scheming to do something even more larger than 9/11, will become even more enflamed! Let's not inspire anybody just yet guys! Those who need proof are more than likely just as baseless in their desires as Trump was in his wanting to see President Obama's long form!
The man is dead.......it should be up to his followers to prove otherwise .
I think it's a good idea. I'm sure we can all imagine their not something pretty to look at. I'll take the presidents word for it.
The deed is done! It is the right decision. I don't want my grandchildren seeing those photos as we celebrate the death of a hateful evil person who changed the lives of all Americans. They do not realize the impact he has made on their lives and fear they will not grasp the celebration of his death.
A wise decision. This will help us be perceived as a mature, clear thinking democracy defending justice rather than an angry mob seeking vengeance. We need to rise above the insanity of extremists, not increase the volume
I agree with Obama's decision. Leave it be. Lets move on to other news. How's things going in Japan ??
I can understand that seeing the photos of OBL's body might satisfy some people. At the same time, I don't think that it will satisfy others. Some will say OBL is still alive and the photos are fakes.
In addition, I think the showing of these photos could inflame peoplr around the world.
The media is going way overboard in their coverage of this event. We need to be above celebrating this killing and move on. We cannot change the past. We must come together to fix our current problems. Our people are hurting in this economy. That should be our focus.
No pont in releasing.
1)Skeptics will remain skeptics no matter what 2) Arab world will only be inflamed with photos 3) The world already knows Navy Seals and US armed forces are for real, with or without photos of the killed.
Finally, a President with class, wisdom and concern for all. There's no need to fuel the fire for the small minded doubters...they will only continue to doubt. Great job Mr. President.
PLEASE let the pictures lie, as the Preseident says they should, in a closed file for only top secret viewing. We are very lucky to have ended the chapter, and add some long awaited closure to the thousands of victims and their families. Let us NOT take the chance to add an addendum to this chapter that may provide us many more nightmares for uyears to come. GBod Bless America
Bin Laden was a patriot for his cause and I would do the same if Muslims were doing to Americans what Americans do to Muslims.
If Americans were not so ignorant and intellectually lazy they would study the US interventions into the Muslim world and the legitimate grievances that are created.
Rest assured this is not even close to the end of conflict with the Muslim world and there will be 10 more bin Ladens to take his place.
Day of Rage in Washington D.C. on 6/30/11
http://beforeitsnews.com/story/462/358/Day_of_Rage_Scheduled_in_Washington_D.C._for_June_30,_2011.html
The decision is the correct one. We should not gloat. His family isn't mourning him, apparently. We, as a country and the Navy Seals, as well have other business to attend to. DNA evidence is better proof. I assume a member of his extended family gave samples at some time in the past.
It's the right decision and it serves to support the notion that we as Americans can be determined yet respectful people regardless of the gravity of the issue.
agree with decision no need to look at picture
I agree with the president. As a Canadian, I beleive it would be a selfish desire to want the photos released. This is the time to think of the overall good of the USA and its allies. The doubters will ALWAYS be doubters. WE GOT HIM and all the details that follow; should be good enough. Why fue the fire for thse terrorists who want to cause harm to those countires on their hit list. This is one of those times that the world is watching to see what happens and if the right action and attitude will prevail.
from London Ontario Canada
My hat goes off to President Obama for having the courage to authorize the mission, and the intelligence to keep the photo secret. There have already been some militant responses in areas of the middle east, so why add fuel to their fire. I pray he continues to show the samwe couraage, knowledge, calm, and diplomatic accumen he did in this situation.
I believe the President should release a single photo to validate Osama's demise and be done with it. I am very surprised about the politicking going on within the government about this topic. This is a time to unite...not divide.
I personally don't want to see the photo of Osama with a bullet in his head. I want to see the up-close photo of the fear and terror in his eyes the moment BEFORE he was shot!
Smart decision not to release the pictures. The flood gates would open for judement, critisism, and anit-Americanism. The U.S. is already frowned upon in the Muslim community. Some things are better left un-said.
I respect his decision.We got the DNA proof, so in my opinion that's enough. I don't see why people feel that seeing a graphic picture of his body would be more proof than a DNA match. We got him. That's that!
Yes of course president Obama did the right thing. He said that the photos were gruesome and thats all he needs to say.
We should accept the Presidents announcement that Bin Laden is dead. Those who are christians know we do not celebrate anyones death no matter what evil you have done. If Bin Laden was not "truly" killed, do you think the President of The United States would be allowed to make that statement?? Let's stop kidding ourselves here..
He made the right decision...the US needs to take the high road on this issue , not incite additional (re-) action, and move on.
I support the President's decision. He can rebut the doubter's by drawing down the commitment of US forces in Pakistan and eliminating the drone attacks. As Bin Laden is dead there is no strong rationale for overt or covert action in Pakistan. If we withdrawn it will be because the mission was achieved, Q.E.D.
Big mistake! It just fuels the crazies around the world. We need to prove OBL's death to everyone.
Although I don't believe everything our government tells us, I think we can believe them on this, and the President made the right decision. A photo of a dead Bin Ladin would only make him more of a martyr for the terrorists and the skeptics would claim it was "photoshopped" anyway.
I did not vote for Obama and have not been necessarily been a supporter of his until recently. He has demonstrated solid leadership through his decision making and shunned the pressure to release the photos. That is the RIGHT decision made for the RIGHT reasons. Forget the 1st ammendment crying liberals like Alan Dershowitz who are missing the point on this decision.
I understand that the president doesn't want to incite rage in anyone but I think the photos would help the familys of the victims a great deal.
I think the President has made the right decision. If releasing the pictures caused harm to one American military person, it would not be worth it. Some people will never believe it–and it's not our job to see that they do.
President Obama has made the decision I hoped he would. There is no reason to show the photos of Osama bin Laden's death. What purpose would it serve?
Why should we? Why doesn't THEY prove that he's alive? I don't get why we alone carry the burden of proof!
It was the correct decision. As much as peoples' morbid curiosity would be satisfied by seeing the "evidence" that bin Laden was dead the release of the pic would only cheapen the situation. Obama was right in equating the release with "spiking the football". As in other occasions how long would it be before the image appeared on cheap souvenirs? In this case...just take the win and let it go at that.
Yes it is the right decsion. Military leaders asked that they not be released as that could put our troops in further danger....case closed.
I think that the presidents choice to not releases the photos is dumb, because..........I want to see them! 🙂 simple as that.
I completely agree with the President. Why, that's not what we are made of....We didn't go after Osama to start a fight we did it to end one.
Vince
When deciding whether or not to release photos of OBL, the only factor that should be considered is the safety of our military and other Americans overseas. Nothing else should matter. The right decision was made.
I agree 100 %. The "unbelievers" would not be satisfied with a photo would claim it was faked..
Totally agree with the President. Let's all take a moment to remember how we felt when people cheered and danced in the streets over the news of of 9/11. We are better than that...we do not need to be voyeurs or rub it in.
Let it be. No need to incite more violence and we do not need to see everything. I agree with the decision not to release the photos and it can do not good so why bother. For those that are insisting to see it, get a life. Some things should not be made public and this is one of them.
Obama says it is "inappropriate" to show his body yet the video of Sadam hanging was all over the internet. I think Osama is still alive and being interrogated, the way it should be. Why would we bury him at sea within 24 hours to satisfy the Islamic traditions when we could interrogate him for valuable information? They won't show his dead photo because there isn't one.
I think the photos should have been put on a website and it would cost a dollar to to see and all the money would go to help the families who lost loved ones in the war. You know there would be millions who would click to see the pic for a dollar.
6 of 1, !/2 dozen of the other! Isn't there anything more interesting to talk about?
So we show the picture. Is it really him? Is it photo-shopped? If he's alive I'll wait for the video. He will surely send it.
Jack Lohman
Colgate, WI
I'd love to see it but I think he's right for now. Maybe sometime in the future when things are different it can be released.
It should be released just because it gives closure to the American families who lost a family member in 9/11.
I Have trust in what my government tells me. Therefore I believe that it is a good decision to not publicly display the pictures.
I don't want to see another dead body on TV. Enough already.
President Obama is absolutely correct in his decision not to release the photograph of a dead Osama bin Laden. The job is done and there is no reason to release photos of proof. We are better than that and need to show the world that we live by high standards.
I think he SHOULD post the pictures, after all, we want to know if he's really dead! I mean, the government shouldn't be hiding this from us.
We don't need no stinkin' photos. He's dead. If people don't believe it, let them wait for him to show up. Period. Move on.
I am proud and relieved that we are acting with as much dignity as possible in this situation. I agree wholeheartedly with President Obama that the public display of our dead enemies is "not who we are." We killed Public Enemy Number One, we gave him a decent burial, and that's it.
Pres. Obama made the right decision. Showing the picture of Bin Laden would only incite more violence.
I respect the presidents decision. Like it or not
Pls, we could't believe OSAMA is dead we ar just hearing rummous here & there. And their must be a reason y presdnt OBAMA dont want to release Bin landen photo, if that be the case let him be sue to Cout y u dont want to release the photo, i believe there must be a reasons 4 that
are you kidding me look what you can find on the Internet these days this is a cake walk the osama pics it should be shown deep down i think americans want proof
I fully support the president's decision.
I'm glad Obama is not releasing the photos. This will only incite the opposition and put our troops in harms way even more than they are now. i
It makes me sad because I will have nothing to masturbate vigorously too
Very wise indeed. Your President is wise not to release the pictures. Bin Laden is dead and buried by the brave Navy Seals. In our civilized world we respect the dead irrespective of the bad deeds done. Justice has been done but danger still lurks in shady places let the brave arm forces do their work without public spectacle. The work is not finished the hunt for Osama bin Laden's evil disciples responsible for 9/11 must be found and brought to justice we owe this to Ground Zero victims who spanned countries outside USA as well. God Bless America and its Fighting men and women beyond compare.
There is absolutely no valid reason to take the chance of increasing violence.
Time for the media to stop focusing on it, but I know that will not happen.
The pictures will be released eventually. When BHO's poll numbers dip they will leak the images, probably weeks or months from now, when the 2012 election is on the radar.
I personally think that with the way the pictures are described, I don't think he should release them. However, it would be very cool if they could release them on the internet.
It was the right decision. I trust POTUS judgment and instincts.
There has been minimal backlash over his death; saying it could cause blowback is putting the cart in front of the horse.
Showing them would serve as a message to other cowards like bin Laden that his fate could just as easily be theirs.
I don't need to see that to, as evidence of his death. Especially if it is as gruesome as has been described, it has no business on newspapers or television screens.
To my side i'm 100% with Obama! To release those pictures will give oppotunity to islamist group to have a icon.we don't need them and just shut down wikileaks.