Here’s what happened: Barack Obama went to Dover to meet the returning bodies of the Navy SEALs killed on Saturday. Usually photography is permitted during these ceremonies, but the families requested privacy so the media was banned from taking pictures. It was to be a solemn, photography-free ceremony.
But that didn’t happen. Why? Because the Obama Administration decided it needed photos of Obama saluting the returning troops. They needed that photo-op for the White House Flickr page.
So we got this despite the ban on photography:
The only possible reason behind this photo is to improve Barack Obama’s public image. Viewers aren’t seeing their returning heroes. They’re not seeing American servicemen ceremoniously brought home. They’re seeing BARACK OBAMA: STRONG COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. Which is why the photo was taken.
Despicable. The families requested privacy. The media was banned from taking photos. The Pentagon was told no photography would be allowed. And then we get this. Why? Because the Obama Administration needed a photo-op to help improve Barack Obama’s public image.
11. August 2011 at 3:02 pm
Despicable? The only thing despicable is this article, which is nothing more than an attempt to bash the administration at any opportunity. You know, there is an official White House photographer who is responsible for documenting history right? Mr. Tawney, you may need to consider another career if this is a true indication of your editorial skills.
11. August 2011 at 4:26 pm
The families requested no photography. The Pentagon was told no photography. The media was told no photography. It was supposed to be a solemn, private event.
But it wasn’t.
This photo, which is intended to do nothing more than build up Obama’s public image, wasn’t supposed to be taken.
White House photographers don’t get to take pictures of just anything just because it’s historic. Historic decisions are made every day in the situation room and every day behind closed doors.
There are limits to what is photographed. The photographer doesn’t have free reign to record and distribute anything and everything he wants. He can easily be stopped.
The administration made a specific decision to allow the photographer to take pictures — despite what it told everyone else.
Don’t try to frame this as nothing more than transparency and records for posterity. This wasn’t honorable. It was a photo-op. Despite what the White House told the families.