Should New Torture Photos Be Released
An estimated 2000 photos depicting torture exist which have not been released to the public. Originally Obama had stated his wish that all things, including these sesnitive photos, be open to the public so that we can see what really happened, and presumably make sure it does not happen again.
After talking with generals on the ground, he has changed his mind, agreeing with the opinion that the photos could only be used to fuel hatred, and potentially endanger soldiers.
The ACLU disagrees, their belief is that the torture itself insights hatred, and the photos will not add more too that. They believe the photos being public are necessary to pursue legal action, and this is a case of justice denied.
Ultimately it is not up to Obama, or the generals on the ground, or the public, but the judicial branch as to whether we will see these photos soon, after the war is complete, or never.
I'm interested in hearing any insight you may have
The Truth Must Be Told
Side Score: 2
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Not Good Timing
Side Score: 4
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I think they should. While, this may not be the most politically sound time to release them, if they don't it might never happen. Or it might happen two decades from now, when honestly it won't matter. While, any person seeking updated information about the issue knows about the torture not everyone understands the true implications of it. The torture is a public policy that the government sanctions, not always explicitly, and thus anything relating to it should be public. I like nearly everyone doesn't want the troops to be harmed but i personally don't see how releasing such photos could endanger them anymore than the danger they currently face in their line of work and location. The government's polices of hiding pictures of the returning dead US soldiers and depictions of US led torture is a dangerous practice that undermines the trust given to the nation by its citizens to protect them. Such a decision is an active move to prevent public opinion from forming against the government's actions. Everything the government does must be justified, because their are always other viable solutions, yet the government doesn't want to find justification for its actions. This could suggest that, their is none or little. If this is the case the government is knowingly participating in immoral and possibly criminal activities. The truth of such actions must be made public so that such actions can be corrected that will properly align the government with its mission of protecting the citizen body, nation, and its laws. Releasing the photos now as well as the investigation can prevent such events from taking place in the near future. If the release of the photos is after a large delay, then there is a chance that further negative and similar events will take place within that time frame. Side: The Truth Must Be Told
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If one is convicted of murder, pictures of the slayings are not made public, at least not by the courts. In fact, just the opposite, any photos would be kept from the public to ensure an unbiased jury. It is up to the prosecution to present evidence to the jury. The jury is not the entire general public. I have no problem with a photographer who uncovers a story publishing his work. This is their job, and it is an important part of keeping the public informed. However, in this case, the photos are not in the custody of some clever photographer who has uncovered a new story. The story has been told, and we are aware of the deed already. Presently we have troops on the ground who may be in danger. While it is imperitive for a country to laws to uphold its laws, I do not believe releasing these photos at this time furthers justice in any way. Those who carried out, ordered, and allowed torture need to be investigated, and prosecuted if found guilty, and all evidence, including these photos, should be available to the courts. And someday to the public, as the truth is always important. But there is nothing to be gained by releasing them now. Side: Not Good Timing
I don't think they ever need to be released. Why do we need to see these photos, if we know what's in them? The people dealing with the issue are the only people who need to see the photos. There is absolutely no need to endanger people over anything like this. Side: Not Good Timing
When we (and our allies) have troops in these countries, and have prisoners of these countries in our possession, it would be ignorant to release these photos. Hearing about terrible things is one thing, but when people can actually see what is going on, they are more likely to react violently or at least unfavorably. Just look at the Vietnam war, the first war that had heavy media coverage. When people starting seeing the war, they lost interest and started to hate it. If I were someone with hatred towards the U.S., seeing these photos would push me into doing something that could really hurt some Americans. Not a good idea. Side: Not Good Timing
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I believe Obama changing his mind about these photos is a fair minded and well thought out about face. They do no one any good save for those trying to get our "non-torture" program back to something reasonable and it puts our military and possibly civilians in harms way for one doesn't know how these photos will be seen or by whom. Overall it's simply not a good things to do. Side: Not Good Timing
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