Journalistic Scum

After reading this article today, I am compelled to share my anger. At one time, the profession of journalism was an honorable and respectful (even respected) role in our society. Journalists provided objective reporting of events without injecting political bias or personal agendas into their work. That has ceased to exist in America today, where editorial staff are nothing more than corporate shills, prostituting their craft for the almighty dollar. The AP debased themselves by allowing these photos to be released. In my opinion, they have become tabloid journalists, seeking the most sensational photo to sell the story instead of allowing the compelling human element within the story to sell it for them. Any other photo of soldiers in combat would have added the requisite visual element to the article and satisfied the editor's need to sensationalize the article to draw their reader to it.

This is not a First Amendment argument. I am an ardent supporter of free speech and will argue alonside any journalist and ANY American for the right to express my opinion in a free world. However, any competent journalist should have the ability to tell a story effectively and even dramatically without having to add photos. Photos have become a crutch for sloppy writing skills, lazy journalism, and yes, lazy readers. No, this is an argument about social responsibility and common decency, something in short supply in America today. If the tables were turned and these photos were of someone close to the journalist or the head of the AP, they would most likely fight to block the release of the pictures.

It seems almost trite to make this comment...but one wonders why the media cannot figure this out. As one bastion of liberalism after another files for Chapter 11, I would think they would examine their business model and actually listen to their markets to understand the majority of Americans still retain much of their conservative values; not necessarily "Republican" or "Right-wing" values, but values that are built on decency and respect for fellow human beings. We all have seen and maybe even experienced the results of corporate America setting those values aside (Enron, Bernie Madoff, et al). Maybe the ones that survive will have figured this all out.

My heart goes out to the family of the fallen soldier as they deal with the publicity this story is now generating as they deal with the grief of the loss of their son.