On War Images

March 23, 2003

[Admin Moderator]

It is obvious that we are going to need some sort of guidelines regarding the posting of pictures of the brutality of war, such as those broadcast by Al Jazeera today.

As always, our first preference is that people use common sense, discretion, and show courtesy to others. We are not going to define any hard rules here, but instead give some guidelines.

1. If in doubt as to if some picture should be posted on Free Republic, don't post it. Instead, link to the picture.
2. While it is clear that the brutality of the Iraq regime and the realities of what our brave military face should be seen, the goal is not to make Free Republic such a gut wrenching place that one would want to turn away from it. As such, truly disturbing pictures will be removed.
3. Spamming of pictures (or links to picture, or the same comment) to every thread around will result in pulled posts, suspensions, and in worst case scenerios bannings.
4. If you see something that is beyond the level which seems to be accepted, hit abuse and let us know. If we agree, it will come down.
5. If it is clear that the general level of what is allowed is still too intense for you, please turn off the automatic loading of images within your browser.
6. THIS ONE IS IMPORTANT: Do not post pictures of casulaties or links to the same or to information identifying the casualties until we have confirmation the families have been notified, even if other internet sites show no respect for the families. This is not how we want to be noted for: Mother of POW recognizes son on TV

Thank you, and God bless and protect our troops.

---

United States Department of Defense Press Advisory

March 23, 2003

Coverage of POWs and Deceased

Out of respect for the families and consistent with the principles of the Geneva Conventions:

1) We request news organizations not air or publish recognizable images or audio recordings that identify POWs. Additionally, we request you not use their names, first or last, or their unit until next-of-kin notification is complete. We are working hard to reach their families. We will notify you as soon as this is done.

2) We repeat standing policy that news organizations not air or publish recognizable images of deceased members of the U.S. military or use their names, first or last, or their unit, until next-of-kin notification is completed or 72 hours. We are working hard to reach their families. We will notify you as soon as this is done.

[bonesmccoy]

Censorship is difficult to define when there are differenes in opinion regarding the motives for imagery and rhetoric.

CENTCOM briefing is actually discussing the propaganda value of the Al Jazeera video.

It is interesting that the war and information technology is at a nexus where individual citizens can control the priorities of coverage.

FR appears to be the most principled web discussion server on the net.

Argument over definition of content is valid to have.

But, it would appear that you are in the distinct minority opinion on this matter.

While dissemination of information is important, the strategic impact of the info must be considered.

The origination of the photos being disseminated by Reuters is Iraqi TV and AJ. Reuters was the same organization that made a decision to no longer use the term "terrorist". It isn't coincidence.

[bonesmccoy]

Thanks for your leadership in this matter.

You guys are principled and philosophic, yet energetic and action-oriented. It is a rare combination.

[Celtjew Libertarian]

Excellent balance between courtesy and open communication. Thank you.

[EdReform]

Bump!

[firewalk]

Bttt

[apackof2]

thank you

[rintense]

*SIGH*

Another use of the word censorship. This is Jim's website to do with as he pleases. Paying supporter or not, Jim reserves the right to do what he wants.

[Monty22]

I know, but it's still lame.

Oh well.

[rintense]

Well, not sure what you said...

[Duramaximus]

Well stated. This is what keeps this site in the forefront of decency and truth, and DU floating around in the cesspool. You folks are to be commended for your vigilence.

[Monty22]

I didn't say anything, just posted links to sites with video/pics of the POW's.

[callthemlikeyouseethem]

Thank you. I don't need to see these images and would prefer not having the chance of scrolling down to them on an unrelated link. Prayers go out to all affected by these war crimes.

[Beck_isright]

V

[Admin Moderator]

The problem was that at the time, the families had not yet been notified. We were dealing with 80 jillion (at a minimum) abuse reports at once, and it was clear you were posting that info to many threads. We wanted to get you to stop it, but feared that if you weren't checking your freepmail or self-search, that you wouldn't see a message asking you to stop for quite a bit. A one hour pause seemed like the best way to handle it, as it gave us some time to go clean things up and to handle all the other things. Apologies if it angered you too much. Regards, AM

[Monty22]

Understood, no problem

[armymarinemom]

Thank you very much. I was getting ready to jump ship for a while. A lot of us here have family in the military and it is uncomfortable to have some images used in explotation.

[AZamericonnie]

Thank you! Point #6 says it all.

[ewing]

You guys are doing an awesome job so far.

[Magnolia]

Thank you.

[jwalburg]

Sorry.

Should not have posted directly