Osama's Body

First off, allow me to wish everyone a happy Star Wars day. May the fourth be with you :)

Today, I want to address the outcry for pictures of Osama Bin Laden's dead body to be released into the public domain. Many people are demanding the release of these photos, ranging from conspiracy theorists to families of victims of 9/11. 

First off, I want to call out the conspiracy theorists on this one. I will be the first to admit that I entertain conspiracy theories from time to time, but in this case why would the Obama administration claim to have photos knowing it would incense everyone into wanting to see them, and then refuse to release the pictures when they could have just as easily claimed to never have any photos. It does not make sense for them to lie just so they would have to lie again to prevent the public from seeing non-existent photos. Furthermore, even if pictures were released, most conspiracy theorists would simply claim that they were altered. Conspiracy theorists are relentless, and generally will not accept any proof contrary to their initial opinion.

Moving on from that, I feel like the Obama administration is making the right call on this one. Osama's dead body is not a trophy, and it should not be released to the public as such. Doing so would cause international unrest, and lead to more danger for our soldiers overseas. Imagine if the terrorists killed one of our leaders, and then released a gruesome photo of his dead body. I, for one, would be infuriated, as would the general public. If a photo of Bin Laden's dead body was to be released, it would be seen as a slap in the face to the terrorists, and other countries would also view it as distasteful. One thing we do not need is for other countries to hate us more.

And, finally, it is good to remember the circumstances of Osama's death. He was shot in the head, right above his left eye, and in the chest. Both at close range. These pictures would not be a pretty sight, and I imagine that, with the exception of his beard, he would be unrecognizable to the general public. I believe that if there is something our society doesn't need, it is to be further desensitized. Slathering the news with photos of this gruesome spectacle would surely do that, if nothing else.

As always I fully encourage any criticism, advice, suggestions, or general discussion in the comment area.
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