I am the mother of PFC Joseph "Graham" Harris who also lost his life in Afghanistan on May 3, 2007. The pain has been excruciating and unfathomable.
Although I do believe those who do not understand should be made more aware of what is going on "over there," I agree wholeheartedly with Alice Babine. The AP should have honored the families wishes!! And along with her, I would not have wanted to see the same images of my beautiful son.
Thank you, Alice, for such a perfect letter. I am so truly sorry for your loss and do understand of course. One Gold Star Mother has said, "This is the star that pierces your heart, and a group which wants no new members."
Thoughts and prayers,
Jean Anne Harris
| Hello all,
I am one of the newest members of your group - Alice Babine, mother of Lance Corporal Travis Babine, killed just one month ago in Afghanistan. Please forgive me for intruding on all of you like this, but I must speak up.
This is not a simple case of posting a single offensive photograph. AP has used the photo in an entire media package, which includes a slideshow narrated by the photographer (Ms. Julie Jacobson) as well as her journal/notes from the days preceding and following the mission on which LCpl Bernard was hit. In her own notes, Ms. Jacobson stated that she did not think the image could be used. In her notes and her narration, it is clear that the Marines with whom she was working accorded Ms. Jacobson a great deal more respect and protection than AP has given the Bernard family. The specific image is even available for purchase on the AP web site!
This action by AP is an outrage. I wrote the a message to Mr. Tom Curley, President and CEO of the Associated Press. I am now working on contacting each of the members of the AP Board of Directors with a similar message. Please add your voices!
Thank you,
Alice Babine
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