A few days ago, the Associated Press decided to publish a photo despite Secretary of Defense Robert Gates' strongest urging to reconsider.
The photo, which accompanied a story that detailed the final moments of Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard's life, showed Bernard lying mortally wounded in Southern Afghanistan. Gates objected to the transmission of the photo, claiming it was disrespectful to the family of the deceased.
Gates might have been looking out for the best interests of Bernard's family, but he was not looking out for the best interests of the American people. The duty of the Associated Press, and of any press, is to account for what is happening on the globe.
We aren't parents, but we can understand the anguish the photo caused Bernard's family. We mean, one of our moms burst into tears the first time she saw the Pieta. However, the publication of the photo serves the greater good by providing a visceral, unadulterated glimpse into the consequences of war.
The Editorial Board of the AP decided to publish the photo after deliberating about Gates' request. They said that the image was "a part of the history of the war" and that it merited publication, according to an Associated Press article.
To say that it merited publication is an understatement. The image of Bernard is one of the most poignant images to come out of the war in Afghanistan. The photo is a necessary compliment to what is the closest imitation an AP writer will do of Tim O'Brien, ever. Since when do AP articles start off with "The pomegranate bush looked ominous?"
The Editorial Board of the AP made the right decision to ignore the requests of Robert Gates and uphold their motto of "capturing the consequences of government action or inaction."
