Legion calls for release of bin Laden photo

By National Commander Jimmie L. Foster - May 5, 2011
Posted in General News

A Pakistan army soldier stands on top of the house where it is believed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden lived in Abbottabad, Pakistan on Monday, May 2, 2011. AP Photo/Anjum Naveed

Osama bin Laden is dead. Of that, I have no doubt. To question this statement one would have to question the skill and bravery of the Navy SEALS and believe that the master terrorist who occasionally appeared in propaganda videos and audio recordings was capable of perpetually eluding all human and technological intelligence.

The unparalleled success of Sunday’s mission makes President Obama’s decision to not release the bin Laden “death photographs” especially confounding. When an event organizer cut off the sound to candidate Ronald Reagan during a debate with George H.W. Bush, Reagan famously said, “I paid for this microphone!”

Well, Mr. President, the American people paid for those photographs. More than a trillion dollars, in fact, if you include the cost of the Department of Homeland Security, two wars, and the care for more than 40,000 veterans who have been wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq.

President Obama said that “given the graphic nature of these photos it would create a national security risk.” I respectfully disagree.

Radical Islam creates the national security risk. There were no photographs that prompted the attacks on 9/11, the missile strike on the USS Cole or the bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Lebanon. Does anyone seriously believe that the terrorists will hate us less than they already do if the photos are not released? Will the “death to America” chants that have existed since the Iranian hostage crisis suddenly morph into love sonnets?

The American people are tired of walking on eggshells to placate a violent ideology that respects neither innocent civilians nor the amazing humanitarian work performed by our soldiers every day. The problem is not blasphemous cartoons or even misguided pastors burning Korans. It’s the people who react with barbarous acts of violence usually inflicted on innocents who had nothing to do with the original “offense.” Where does the First Amendment include exception clauses for cases that might incite radical Islamists? Mr. President, they hate us anyway.

The American Legion does not rejoice at any death. But let us remember what bin Laden has wrought. He is the reason more than 6,000 U.S. military families have buried loved ones lost in combat since 9/11. He is the reason our children are now groped in airports by security officials. He is the reason for the high level of mistrust between the overwhelming majority of peaceful Muslims and those of other faiths.

It is not about gathering trophies or “spiking the football,” as the president mischaracterized it. It’s about showing a replay to season ticket holders who were barred from entering the stadium.

The photos are no doubt bloody and graphic. But do you know what else is painful to see? The burns on the faces of patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Or the eyes of Michael Nordmeyer, the father of 21-year-old Zach Nordmeyer, a soldier and member of The American Legion who was killed in Iraq two years ago. It still pains most of us to look at images of firefighters running into the World Trade Center for the very last time.

There will be some who doubt the official version of bin Laden’s death whether the photographs are released or not. But not releasing this evidence would surely be adding steroids to these nonsensical conspiracy theories.

Some say the photographs will bring closure. Others see it as a need to satisfy a thirst for vengeance. I prefer to think of them as symbols of justice.

The raid on bin Laden’s hide-out is a truly great moment in American history.

Mr. President, release the photographs. We paid an enormous price for them.

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courage9

May 7, 2011 - 10:26pm

This Commander is a laughing joke!! He does not speak for me, nor the 1000's of others who once believed in this organization.

I have burnt my card and wish you all well!! But to remain with a Organization that is endangering the lives of my Marines...I MUST say have a long life...:(

courage9

May 7, 2011 - 10:37pm

WHAT??? Release the bloody photo's?? Are you kidding me?? Are we that stupid??

Those photos will do absolutely nothing to protect my men and women. To the contrary, it will only insight fury. We, as Americans, are better than that!! To show the triumphs of a bloody battle is what our enemies do. NOT Americans!! Have we already forgot the unbridled hatred we ALL felt when we saw images of our dead being paraded on TV? We ALL called them barbaric!!! We need to shut the hell up, and allow it to slowly become a memory! I keep seeing people begging for the photo's! How sick are YOU?? You certainly are not risking YOUR life with your words, but you are risking the lives of my Marines who are currently deployed!

Mr Commander RESIGN! Or don't! I really don't care. I have burnt my card and bid you fair winds after 38 years.

You have brought this organization to it's lowest point in history, and if they keep you...they deserve it.

Jack Walsh

May 8, 2011 - 12:29pm

How does anyone know who lied, and about what. In regards to Former President George W. Bush. Maybe he had incorrect Intel. Only God knows who is telling the truth. About releasing the pictures of Bin Laden I think it would be rubbing salt into a wound. The war on TERRORIST has been going on for neon's. That war will never be over.

Our government is out of control yes. However, election time is drawing near and we need Godly people to turn America around asap. The American people voted these officials in and they apparently did not voice their opinion on how our country was being run years ago.

Our leaders need to go back and figure out when America started doing the out sourcing our jobs to other country's, look at when the government started over spending. Our country is a mess. What happened to our values? Why did they think it was OK to take GOD out of the equation?

John M Dowley

May 8, 2011 - 5:02pm

How does the release of these pictures do anything to placate a violent ideology? It would do nothing except lead to more violnce and hatred. The Legion is way off base with these comments and apparently blind to the terrible and totally unnecessary message the release would send. I am dissappointed in the National Commander.

John M Dowley

May 8, 2011 - 5:02pm

How does the release of these pictures do anything to placate a violent ideology? It would do nothing except lead to more violnce and hatred. The Legion is way off base with these comments and apparently blind to the terrible and totally unnecessary message the release would send. I am dissappointed in the National Commander.

RWRogers

May 8, 2011 - 6:17pm

Mr. Dowley, do you really think our purpose should be to "placate a violent ideology"? Sir, there is no placating a violent terrorist hell bent on killing you and your family. That's what they do! Whether or not the photos are released, those believers of your "violent ideology" will continue in their attacks. Destroying them first is the only prudent choice we have.

I'm not dissapointed in Commander Foster, Mr. Dowley; but, I am very dissapointed in your misguided thinking.

Gary L. Winn

May 8, 2011 - 9:34pm

Why do I get the impression that Cmdr. Foster is voicing his own political agenda (Right-wing conservative) rather than what most Legion members would voice, about the release of the pictures showing bin Laden's blown-out head? Two things: 1, reading most of the opinions in this blog, and 2, listening to what other right-wing nuts are saying in general. In my opinion, it is totally inappropriate for the Commander of OUR organization to put his own politically motivated slant on this matter. Further, to state that his views are essentially the Legion's position, is a presumption that borders on fascism. I think the Commander would better serve OUR organization by keeping his personal ideologies and comments to himself. There IS a real possibility that pictures of bin Laden's mutilated body could provoke more fervor amongst his followers - resulting in more American soldier's deaths. And for what purpose? To satisfy the prurient curiosity of a few doubting knuckleheads? NO WAY!

mikeman46

May 9, 2011 - 12:51pm

There will always be a number of folks who will complain no matter what is done. I agree that the commander of the legion should not let his personal views on this subject be posted on the internet. But then that is my opinion.

VASONSCHIP

May 10, 2011 - 3:06am

Without getting into which "side" I am on about the release or non release of the photos I want to comment on the "This is just Commander Foster's opinion."

I have spoken to a number of folks who were at the Spring National Executive Committee meetings. They told me that it was their understanding that the "Staff" at the HQ were well aware of the comments. Since they were sent out by the Public Relations department, I assume that the Legion stands behind them. Also, from what I have been told by folks who were there, the general feeling of the the people at the meeting was very supportive of the comments.

They shared the new cocktail which has been invented,
the Bin Laden-two shots and a splash of water. (Direct quote!!)

So,it is important to understand that Commander Foster was NOT just expressing his own private opinions.

Trust me, Legion (and Sons of the American Legion) Commanders (National, State) ARE NOT ALLOWED to express their private opinions without "approval"

ret_marine

May 10, 2011 - 8:51am

I joined the Legion because of its' support of our military and veterans. It didn't matter if you were democrat, republican, left, right or center, if you cared about veterans the Legion had a place for you. I believe that under our current National Commander, that has changed. Over the last year, he has used his position in the Legion to comment on a number of political issues that were extremely partisan and had nothing to do with veterans issues. I can only assume that he has the tacit approval of the NEC and Legion staff.

I have "voted with my feet" and returned my Legion membership card to National Headquarters.

early robinson

May 11, 2011 - 12:40pm

With due respect. To show those photos would put the USA on the same level as the animals that show the executions of our servicemen. To NOT release those photos would show respect for OUR cause that OUR troops are now sacraficing for and in turn showing respect for our troops. Further, it would add to the enemy cause of propaganda thus in turn adding to their strengths to commit war against us. We must control the moral high-ground. That is what set's us apart from the animals that we are now engaging in war.
I am very upset however, that our media and our Govt keeps mouthing about our tactical operations. They are Top Secret. Loose Lips sink ships. I am totally amazed but also proud that the operation didn't leak out to begin with. So this is no time to swing our gonads and beat our chest. It's time to be more stealth and more lethal and get the rest of the bastards. Don't give em time to regroup. And if Pakistan isn't going to cooperate, stop the $ and take the nukes away!

DavidinBedford

May 13, 2011 - 1:35pm

Commander Foster,

The President of the United States made a decision.

As ex-military, as I hope you are, you know to follow orders. You can complain about them, but if you ever spread those complaints to the unit, well... God help ya..

Sir, I think it's time you step down.

DavidinBedford

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