by Lisa Raymond

Created on: May 06, 2011

I don't believe the question is about Osama bin Laden being dead, as much as it is a large part of society's need/want to see blood and gore.  This is backed up heavily by the fake pictures that were posted all over the Web as authentic, even though they were not. 

We teach our kids to do what's right, be a leader not a follower and things like this, but as adults we forget the rules that were "taught" to us as kids.

What does showing a picture do?  Who does it affect? What do we as Americans gain? And lastly, how will it affect the US in the near future, especially our military.  I support the decision not to share the gruesome photos, as I have nothing to gain by seeing with my own eyes that he is actually dead.  Articles have come out now with verification from al-Qaeda has confirmed that he has been killed, the Navy Seals confirmed he is dead, and our President has confirmed he's dead.  I'll take their word for it!

Revealing a picture to satisfy ones curiosity is ridiculous, and in this case lacks sensitivity and can cause more harm than good.  While I am proud to be an American,  I also understand that these recent activities will have consequences in the future.  I feel that by putting out pictures will enrage more people that are already against the US and put even more people's lives in jeapordy.  And for what? A picture so that Americans can be sure he's dead. 

While publishing the pictures would soothe many Americans, it would only fuel the fire as al-Qaeda has vowed that because of bin Laden's untimely death,  *"[there] will be a curse that will chase the Americans and their agents, a curse that will pursue them inside and outside their country, and soon-with God's help-we pray that their happiness turns into sorrow and may their bloods mix with their tears."

Regardless of what President Obama does, he will be ridiculed by some. Nothing is ever good enough for everyone, and there will always be naysayers.  In this particular case, I think it is better to make a responsible decision for the country and err on the side of caution rather than to release something in the form of propaganda that can eventually come back and haunt us all.

I applaud President Obama for his decision of humanity, as he speaks for the Nation not just one.

* http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theenvoy/20110506/ts_y blog_theenvoy/al-qaeda-confirms-bin-laden-death

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