New bill would lift ban on journalists photographing returning military dead

[cal04]

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/08/15/new-bill-would-lift-ban-on-journalists-photographing-returning-military-dead/

A new bill would require the Department of Defense to “grant journalists access to ceremonies honoring fallen military personnel.” Introduced by Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) last month, the bill has six co-sponsors and won the endorsement of the National Press Photographers Association this week. The bill states:

The Secretary of Defense shall grant access to accredited members of the media at military commemoration ceremonies and memorial services conducted by the Armed Forces for members of the Armed Forces who have died on active duty and when the remains of members of the Armed Forces arrive at military installations in the United States.

The current Defense policy, which was updated in 2003, states that there shall be no “media coverage of” the returning war dead.

[Island Blue]

1. Good for Rep. Jones.

He's my congress-critter and although I have no plans to vote for him in November, I do appreciate the efforts he has made lately in regard to ending the war, and now this. He has more than made up for the whole "Freedom Fries" embarrassment, IMO.

Now if he'd only be less of a right-winger on so many other issues ... :(

[LanternWaste]

2. I think...

I think that (and this is only a hunch on my part) we'll see more and more members of the GOP take the popular side in instances like this in the next few months. Not so much because it's the right thing to do, nor even to help their re-election prospects.

No, I think they'll be getting on board on many issues they've denied or ignored in the past simply to better advertise the "failures" of the next administration (assuming it will be Obama's).

Regardless of what Sen Obama's plans are re: our involvement in Iraq and the ME, a steady stream of one, two or three coffins per day, seen by the network news watching population during (and only during) his administration will project Bush's failures onto Obama in a very subtle way.

Pure speculation on my part...

[VP505]

6. You might be right about that,

and not the least bit surprising. The Reptilians are always looking for ways to shift blame, with the Republican brand being as damaged as it is they may well favor a more subtle tact.

[MiniMe]

3. If it somehow passes, I see a signing statement in its future

[Dulcinea]

4. I hope this passes. eom

[TahitiNut]

5. Just in time for the NEXT administration

:eyes:

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

7. Oh my God!! People actually die in wars!!

But, killing is so much fun!! As that American general said.

[SidDithers]

8. 5 years too late...nt

Sid