Marine Father Says AP Photo Was Wrong

NEW PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER) -- John Bernard says no one needs to see the photo of his son mortally wounded in Afghanistan.

His 21 year old son Joshua, was killed in Afghanistan last month. An Associated Press photographer took a picture of Bernard wounded on the battlefield before he died.

The AP published the photo after Bernard's parents asked the photo to be kept private.

John Bernard also believes the Rules of Engagement in war put the safety of citizens in other countries ahead of the safety of US Soldiers.

The sad story above was at WCSH TV channel 6. I very strongly advise you to follow this link to view the accompanying video. Listen to John, Joshua's dad tell the story.

When you get done there, I invite you all to e-mail AP and let them know how you feel about the cold-hearted way they did their "job" on this story. Here is the link you can use to "contact AP."
I looked around their site a little and found this statement of values and principles. You can follow this link to find out if they are actually living up to their OWN values, nevermind OUR values!

I've already e-mailed the heartless jerks and anyone not comfortable writing their own is more than welcome to use mine. The more people that express their anger and horror over this garbage journalism, the less likely we will see it again. Here's what I had to say to them:

"I was saddened by your complete disregard for the feelings of the family of Marine Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard. To publish his picture against the wishes of his family was a sick and perverted thing to do. He and millions of other American heros over the life of our country have paid the ultimate price to protect our freedoms, including your freedom of speech. You dishonor all of them by actions such as this. Having the freedom/right to do something does NOT make it the right thing to do. The following paragraph is from your own site. It supposedly is how you conduct your business. I would NOT call this incident "ethical behavior." Try living up to it next time!"

"In the 21st century, that news is transmitted in more ways than ever before – in print, on the air and on the Web, with words, images, graphics, sounds and video. But....always....and in all media, we insist on the....highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior....when we gather and deliver the news."