2008 Woodie Awards
ACLU and Media Driven by Agenda and Profit, Not Morality
Kirsten Steinke
Issue date: 9/15/05 Section: Opinion
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So a new year begins, and with it, a new campaign by a liberal group to defame and endanger our troops.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has launched a campaign to release additional photos of the abuses at the infamous Abu Ghraib prison. There are approximately 74 photographs and three videos which have not been released, and which depict "more of the same" according to General Richard B. Myers. Although those responsible for the torture have been removed from their positions, and there have been no recurrences of abuse, the ACLU contends that the pictures are necessary to ascertain whether the abuses are part of systemic torture tactics or the acts of individuals.
Not surprisingly, the major media networks have all agreed with the ACLU and have collectively issued a "friend of the court" brief, in which they defend the public's "right to know."
When the Abu Ghraib photos were released to the public in Spring of 2004, the shock was palpable throughout the United States. Looking at the pictures of smiling abusers giving a thumbs up, and the expressions of pain on the prisoner's faces is enough to turn anyone's stomach. Many Americans were torn regarding their support for the troops stationed in Iraq, and the disturbing portrait of abusive, sadistic behaviors of those in uniform. Throughout much of the world, anger towards the actions of these few was misdirected towards Americans and particularly American troops, resulting in violence throughout Arab Street and protests against the war in Iraq.
Why, then, would the ACLU want to release these additional photographs? Why would they seek to reawaken this anger against America and American troops?
The truth is that Abu Ghraib was one of the most successful moments for the anti-war effort, as they finally had evidence of behavior so terrible and so well documented that they were able to convert many Americans in their support. Though they may not admit it, many anti-war activists would love to have this kind of even recur simply because it validates their blind hatred of the Bush administration and any action taken in its name.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has launched a campaign to release additional photos of the abuses at the infamous Abu Ghraib prison. There are approximately 74 photographs and three videos which have not been released, and which depict "more of the same" according to General Richard B. Myers. Although those responsible for the torture have been removed from their positions, and there have been no recurrences of abuse, the ACLU contends that the pictures are necessary to ascertain whether the abuses are part of systemic torture tactics or the acts of individuals.
Not surprisingly, the major media networks have all agreed with the ACLU and have collectively issued a "friend of the court" brief, in which they defend the public's "right to know."
When the Abu Ghraib photos were released to the public in Spring of 2004, the shock was palpable throughout the United States. Looking at the pictures of smiling abusers giving a thumbs up, and the expressions of pain on the prisoner's faces is enough to turn anyone's stomach. Many Americans were torn regarding their support for the troops stationed in Iraq, and the disturbing portrait of abusive, sadistic behaviors of those in uniform. Throughout much of the world, anger towards the actions of these few was misdirected towards Americans and particularly American troops, resulting in violence throughout Arab Street and protests against the war in Iraq.
Why, then, would the ACLU want to release these additional photographs? Why would they seek to reawaken this anger against America and American troops?
The truth is that Abu Ghraib was one of the most successful moments for the anti-war effort, as they finally had evidence of behavior so terrible and so well documented that they were able to convert many Americans in their support. Though they may not admit it, many anti-war activists would love to have this kind of even recur simply because it validates their blind hatred of the Bush administration and any action taken in its name.