Read the story of Lance Cpl. Joshua "Bernie" Bernard here: http://bit.ly/2aoW3G. First Read reports the controversy here: http://bit.ly/xX6zp. The AP explains their decision here: http://bit.ly/qDUiK.

Why in the world would someone do this injustice to a dying soldier? I hope this Jornalist ends up back in the fire line and gets left behind to gather lots of publishing material. Better yet, leave him with the AP chief as his back up.

This is inexcusable! I can not believe that this soldier's family has to see images of him as he dies! The press should be ashamed.

I bet that soldier would want his fellow American's to know the reality that HE lived and other soldiers are in threat of everyday they are there.

I don't think this is injustice for the soldier.  He made the greatest sacrifice for a country that is torn.  I do not believe that our troops should even be there.  These images need to go straight to Congress and the White House and ask them how they would feel if this was their child...would this war really be worth it to them at that point?  I have nothing but prayers for the family in their grieving, but maybe this picture will help this nonsense war hit DC where it started!  

Totally sick form of 'reporting'. There are a LOT more crucial things that need reporting.  This nation doesn't need sensationalism.  The family has the right to their privacy and shouldn't have to see their son's death shown around the world!  SHAME on AP

What kind of people think this is news? If this picture gets published, let the Marines ask for him to come back to do a follow-up and leave him stranded! May God be with Our Soldiers still there and to Our Fallen Ones Families

The AP are incosiderate profiteers. A man who swore to protect of many things the freedom of speech gets no respect from those protected... for a few dollars more. Down with the AP.

This shows that you lack good judgement and the ability to be ashamed of yourself. To show this dying Marine, for no other means but to make a name for yourself. I'm disgusted at your company and your editor.

Personally i believe that there is nothing wrong with the photo, it is graphic yes, but morally speaking it should not have been allowed to be published mainstream. Everyone knows whats happening to soldiers in these countries, due to everyones media driven need to know every single detail of whats going on. The main issue: The poor guys family; if I had my legs blown off i definitely would not want them to be publicized, not for me, but for my loved ones sake. Surely there are plenty of photos from combat journalists that are discarded or not published due to the graphic or sensitive nature of them, why this one was chosen is beyond me.

Pictures like this have been shown to the public since the Civil War. And from to WWII thru Vietnam and since.  It shows the ugliness and pain of war.  I feel it is necessary for the everyone to see such things.  Maybe it would help prevent war and deaths like this in the future.  I do feel sorry for the family of this soldier, but in the end maybe his death will change things in the years to come.  There is nothing glorious about war.  It is sad, ugly and painful.

how could someone think that is the only way to show the reality of war. a soldier knows what is at stake when they get sent somewhere. that picture is just sickening, the press should be ashamed and there should be a limit on what is able to be shown. Is there no protection of rights with the family since the son had passed away?

A reporter reports the good and the bad, our hunger to see everything drives them to do their job and we eat it up. War is war we should not be upset with AP they did their job and plus we do not complain when you see an enemy soldier dead or maimed?? A life is a life no matter who's side is on, they are all someones son/father/brother get over it

THIS IS A NEWS PHOTO OF ACTION IN A WAR ZONE. DOES ANYONE NOT UNDERSTAND THAT WAR IS A BRUTAL ACTIVITY? MY SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY,BUT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. IT HAPPENS EVERY DAY IN WAR.

The wishes of the grieving family should have been respected and the photo NOT published.  Yes, showing us the real face of war is important.  Respecting the wishes of the family, however; should have outweighed the journalistic interest in this story.  

I understand freedom of the press, free speech, etc.  However, when cannot we (that's you AP, MSN, etc.,) ethically choose to do the right thing as Human Beings and not publish the photo of a mortally wounded soldier if this Hero's family has requested that it not be seen. Lance Corporal Bernard doesn't care at this point, however would it not have been the DECENT thing to do and respect his families privacy and feelings since their son gave us all the ultimate price of his life?

Wouldn't it have been the Right thing to do. **sigh**.

Rest well Lance Corporal Bernard  .....and thank you.

M Radtke
Hastings MN

the media is wrong, and insensitive.  this is terrible and the fact that this is on here is even more terrible.  that poor boy and his family.  my prayers go to him and his family.  thank you for your service and sacrifice.  

My condolences to the family. I appreciate, but am saddened by the sacrifice this Marine has made for us. It is important that we feel the sacrifice as best we can, and see that what our young men and women are enduring, is not just a sound bite on the evening news.  It is important that we all see and know, and never forget.  

I would not appreciate photos of my dying son to be published, especially if I HAD ASKED THEM NOT TO BE PUBLISHED.  

It is an injustice if it is not published.  A photojournalist captures the story as it happens.  The photo tells a story of how real, how bad, and how tragic this war really is.  The real injustice is the Secretary of Defense trying to hide the truth.  Everyone's sympathy is with the family and friends of the soldier, but to wish this same fate on the journalist is unhuman.  Thanks to MSNBC for publishing, not to insult or humiliate the family of the soldier, but to educate the general public on the reallity of this war.

As the mother of an Army medic who has served three tours in Iraq,and who safely returned home earlier this year, I feel so blessed, and so saddened by this photo of this fine young man, and the ultimate sacrafice he has given. I feel so sad for the young man's family, and how horrible this image is for them. When your son is in a war zone, you worry every moment, every day, you jump when the phone rings late at night, you cringe when the front door bell rings, you cannot wait for the next phone call or email from your soldier. We all know that war is not pretty, war is not safe, we know in our hearts what our sons are facing each day, but we don't want to see it! We don't need the reminder of what this poor young brave Marine faced,of what he suffered, of what he has lost, we don't need that, and most importantly, his family DOES NOT NEED TO SEE THIS ! My God, do we not have any decency left in us, are we that desperate, does it really need to be broadcast to everyone? His family is grieving for the loss, for the son they sent off to the Marines, the young man who made them laugh, who forgot to take out the trash, who they worried about during his teenage years, the one in the photo frames in their living room.... not the one in this horrible horrible photo. That should not be the last image they have of their son.

Very saddened to see such a heart-wrenching photo being published like this. This photo is not about the debate “for war or against it,” it's simply about respect and human decency, things of which the AP obviously know nothing about. This is just another reason why I feel the media should not be involved in wars around the world. RIP Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard. I hope his family finds some sort of peace through these hard times.

I have pictures of the AP Chief and the reporter in sexually explicate liaison with an animal (goat). I will be sending them to the media right after I finish this blog..that is if it isn't taken down by them... See boys and girls...what goes round comes round.

this is the first I saw these photos.  My question is why are they still on MSNBC's website?  Let us pay respect and thank ALL our voluntiers out there protecting us by there own free will!

ALL I HAVE TO SAY TO PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T BEEN IN COMBAT IS --WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD, VETERANS HAVE SEEN THIS EVERYDAY THEY FIGHT IN ANY WAR. TO THE FAMILY - I SALUTE YOUR SON AND HIS SACRIFICE, AND HONOR HIS MEMORY .

We are finally putting a face, a life, and name to this insensible war.  My prayers are with the family during this difficult time.  But we, as a nation, must face the brutal reality and death of this war and why we should not be there.  Lt Cpl Bernard gave his life for us, we now must fight to make sure his death was not vain ... get our boys out there NOW!!!!

I was compelled to view this after all the controversy surrounding the issue of whether it morally acceptable to publish it. I can see both sides of the issue... for one, the press should never be pressured to report the story or not report the story. Doing so takes away the freedom of the press as it's written in the Constitution. However, in this case, Robert Gates had to ask... he was pressured to by the victim's family. Not to ask would have made him liable in some sense, but again, look at the privacy and lack of press publication of the dead returning home that the Bush administration advocated for reasons of keeping the American public in the dark. I applaud Gates for asking, I applaud the AP for publishing the photo and I'm sorry I looked at it...

they will do anything to sale what ever,they are the most untrust scum of the world,the get everthing backwords,hope to never see anything a bout them this terrable,god bless our soldier.

This ladies and gentlemen is the price of war, although it is shocking, it is the REALITY OF WAR, and it happens to friends and foes alike. Moreover, this also happens to native women and children caught in the middle. So stop and think the next time we declare war on some 3rd World nation because death as well as casualties will always be present on both sides, including the innocent.

I cannot imagine having the image of my slaughtered daughter shown to the world.

To the people who think that showing graphic pictures is a good thing - does that translate to "The end justifies the means" ?

I refuse to look at the picture out of respect for the family. It is disgusting that we cannot control the use of our own images or the images of our family members.

The Press did this for no other reason than to get attention and ratings.

Using someone's death to advance your careers. Bravo. We're so proud.

Joshua Bernard is a HERO to me and all of us that understand that we live free because these men/women provide it to us.
When a family begs you not exploit their sacrifice, you should show some respect. Maybe if you defended our freedom you too would understand respect, freedom, honor, courage, and sacrifice.  Your family lives the life they do because of the courage of these men and women. May GOD enslave the pain this family feels now and forever give them wonderful memories of their son.  

The real issue is balancing the public interest with the privacy rights of the individual (in this case the family.) Since Vietnam, and no more so than under Rumsfeld's DOD the public interest was ignored for political reasons. Indeed, the whole idea of embedding journalists may be regarded as little more than a way to control and censor them. It is in the publice interest to show images of war, in all its horror, as well as heroic, if manufactured and triumkphalist images, so that the people, in whose names these soldiers are dying, can decided if it is worth the cost.

AP Pres and Reporter- How do you feel now? If the soldier you stood behind knew what you were going to do with the pictures of him as he lay dying he would have still done the Right thing and protect your a**! Unfortunately, you don't have the same MORALS! Shameful!May god bless Cpl. Bernard and his family!

We get to choose what we see from what's made available to us.  If all the press did was show the glory of war, what kind of people would that make us?  Although my feelings are with the family, I think pictures like this are necessary to show both sides of war, and should be shown to every high-school kid before they sign their life away in front of a recruiter.  Making a big deal out of the release of these pictures probably caused the family more pain than the actual pictures.

I am sorry if anybody takes offence but I have to say this.This photo is the reality of war and we are foolish if we don't face it.I have nothing but admiration and respect for those men and women who fight and I believe that this young man knew what his possible fate could be but he still volunteered to go, to try and make a difference for the people of Afganistan. My heart cries for his family and for all families that have lost someone to these wars but this is something that is not going away soon.Maybe seeing this will shock us out of our cosy little lives and make us appreciate the sacrifices that are made for us all.  

I just cannot believe the arrogance, lack of compassion and liberal a** that can allow this to be published after begging of the family.

Maybe the next RPG can take out the reporter!!

Editors note - This comment was edited for language

I can understand, only to the best of my ability as to what the family is going through, although this photo serves a purpose. Just as the photos of Vietnam, South Korea, Hiroshima, and countless other graphic photos have done. We are still in a war and my fellow Americans I fear have forgotten this. Our soldiers are dying, yet our top news story is on a Pop star dying, or any pop star makes more news then our soldiers plight. People need to see what our sons and daughters are going through and the great tragedies they and their families are suffering, FOR US!

My heart grieves for the family of Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard and all of our other families who have suffered the ultimate sacrifice.  Our society is so wrapped up in whats on sale at the mall or whats on TV tonight that we easily brush away the young men and women far from home protecting our freedoms.  I feel we need to be shocked to jar us from our complacency.  Our sons and daughters ultimate sacrifice should not be just a number on a news blog.  




 

god bless this brave soldier, may he rest in peace.

Yes, the faces of war are ugly, I know that very well. However, the family's wishes should have been paramount & honored as to whether this photo was published or not. And as far as MSNBC is concerned, you are no better than the AP asshole who decided to publish it anyway !!!!! So after this post, I will take MSNBC off my PC forever.

I will not view the picture per the family's wishes.  There are enough pictures and images of war...we don't need to publish every single one.  Our country has lost our compassion for each other and that hurts me as much as this man dying.  My deepest sympathy to the family. Thank you for sharing your son for our freedom.

i don't blame them for showing the photos it shows everyone that war isn't all its hiped up to be and all glory and all fun and stuff war is hell yeah its sad but thats not a bad photo as what they've shown during other wars of people getting blown to bits yeah it is a graphic image and there is new uniforms they have for soldiers so if that happens they won't bleed to death cause thats why i think that guy died on the operating table i feel sorry for the family too now everyone knows what war really is

This is someone's son.  Have some compassion for them.  The war is wrong, but showing these kinds of things to bring home the message is more wrong.  

I feel it should be up to the family to decide if they want them published. I don't think if this was your Dad,Mom,brother or sister you would have liked the photos published. We all know the tragedies of war through pictures or not. Where is the compassion? This family did not want these published. Shame on you AP.

First of all I do pray for the family he left behind, but I do not see anything wrong with this photo. The AP did not sit around and say well, I can't wait to rip this guy's familys heart out..

Americans have been sheltered and coddled long enough. They need to see what these kids are giving up.This man and many more have died for US folks...Freedom is not a right, it is a priviledge...and definately not free. It's something Americans enjoy through sacrifices just like this man did. God bless them all.

No parent should have to loose a child much less see there death in pictures. But maybe this will open the eyes of a 19 year old who is thinking about enrolling in the service. If you look at how the services try to glamorize themselves and lure people in with "Be all you can be" slogans and tuition assistance and all the other come join us tactics/BS. I think people should see exactly what our troops are being trained for.
Remember freedom of the press, maybe its time to put a face on the death thats going on over there. This whole "War" has gone on to long and to many young soilders are dying over it, these pictures just confirm that fact.

This is disgusting... That some schmuck took this picture. He most likely knew Bernard ince he was imbedded with him.He should have been trying to help save him rather than standing around taking pictures Show's just how much feeling the media has these days. Not a word from Obama as far as I have heard about the photo or condolences to his family

It is high time we quit sugar coating all these wars.

This image is disturbing to say the least. The photographer shouldn't have taken it, the photographer shouldn't have kept it, and the publisher shouldn't have published it.  As a US Marine myself I can not believe that this is allowed by those with the power to change it.  I fight for the freedom pf press, as with every other right. But it should be that we only use those rights so as they do not infringe on others rights.  This photo infringes on the right to pursue happiness of the friends and family of this young marine.  The people responsible for this should be put with the same unit for just one more patrol.  Then we'll see what photos are taken.

This photo should only be released with the consent of the soldier's family.  The citizens of this nation know what it costs for us to have the honor to live in a free nation.  We don't need to have a family's heartbreak flaunted by the media.

I believe the family's  wishes should have been honored.  The AP should have shown a little bit of  compassion. Losing a child is hard enough, but to see his death publish all over the front page of a paper is just plain cruel and uncaring.

What a surprise that AP would not honor the wishes of a grieving family but instead would publish such a photo. Right, a real surprise!  

Yes, it happens in war, and photos are often published that show the horrors and tragedy of it all.

But, in this case, there was an opportunity to do the correct thing for a grieving family and AP opted out.  

Some might say that others have a right to see the horrors of war--there is something even higher than giving one's life for his/her country, and tht is the vry thing that we truly hold sacred: our personal and private dignity.  Anyone who would sacrifice that would only make what soldiers potentially and really sacrifice in vain.  Are we any better for taking that from him or his kin?  

Yes soldiers may know what could happen should they get shipped off to war, but it is the Civilian leaders in charge who send them off to war and the civilian population who elects those leaders to represent them. These are the people who really need to be seeing these photos as a grim reminder of what it means to send someone to their potential death.

War is hell and this photo brings that point home.

Semper Fi, Lcpl Bernard to you and your family.

These pictures should have never been published. There is no reason for it. This man died for US, if his family asked for these to not be released that should have been the end of it and they shouldnt have been. It makes me sick what people will do for a quick buck. Its sad that the men and women overseas are dying to protect the rights of these scumbags!! My brother served two tours in Iraq and my friends brother died over there. We should respect these heros and think about what they would want. Im pretty sure this poor soldier would not want this picture everywhere. I think out of respect for this fallen hero this picture should be taken down!

This is the next fricking vietnam and the sooner that we see the REAL face of these victims.  Not soldiers VICTIMS of this war the sooner the people will DEMAND that this bulls#it comes to a screeching halt!

I for one am glad that I could see this photo and that the AP did the right thing a released it.  Proud to be American.

This is not an image to be ashame of or should be pulled. War is ugly. all should see...
  Maybe we will be less likley to jump into another war.
  He gave his life for the idealogy of his contry honor him do not erase him..
 we should be proud of the media to show his glorious death for his country. Sad yes, shamefull no.

As a soldier and a veteran, I been there and as a Combat medic have seeing first hand what happens when our brothers and sisters in arms are seriously injured. In order for the media or anybody else to get their point across, what ever that point maybe in favor or against the war. They do not need to bring more pain to the families of our soldiers. there has to be a line drwn some where between freedom of the press and stupidity. Let show some respect and sensitivity for our soldiers and there families. This foto should not have been publish especially against the families wishes...God Bless America and our troops and families..

I think that it is awful that the AP did not obey the wishes of the family. Of what benefit were these photos? To prove the horrors of war?!?! WE KNOW! This was awful to do to the family, as well as this young brave soldier dying for freedom.
The AP should not of done this, and should have abided by the family's wishes and let the family grieve with some dignity!! Not show how he got his legs blown off fighting a war he probably didn't want to be in! He was doing his job, Fighting for freedom!
What the AP did is appalling! Especially, after the father called and pleaded. A true black eye to news media! It's disgraceful and lacks taste, as well as judgement!

Giorgio Johnson
Portland, Oregon

As a former Marine Corps Officer I find that we do each and every person who chooses to serve this Country an injustice if we "cover up" the reality of WAR.  This fine Marine gave his life for our Country and as the photo is graphic it is the harsh reality of what freedom costs.  Just by placing a "blurb" in the paper that another Marine was killed in the line of duty does not show the real cost of freedom.  I do not find the photos offensive in the least bit, I find the reaction of most people to be offensive as to  "that makes me uncomfortable, don't show us that" mentality.  WAKE UP AMERICA. This is what is happening each and every day to someone's son, daughter, husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister, friend, etc.  If I would have been killed in the line of duty and it [by fate] would have been captured on film I would have wanted it posted for every American to see EXACTLY what the TRUE Cost of freedom is. If we face this kind of hard reality more,  maybe more people will be willing to stand up and shout out that enough is enough and bring our troops home.  My sympathy to the Family and Semper Fi.  Your son [to me] is a Hero just as every other fallen member of our armed forces.

I feel the press did the right thing.  They need to stop hiding whats going on over there.  We have the right to know what's happening.  I mean England knows more on what's really happening then us.  

Is the picture a horrific picture to view. YES.
Is the war in Afghan neccessary. YES
We are there to capture a man that killed thousands of innocent Men and Women working for a living on 9/11/09. Lets not forget that.
I pray for the soilders that are putting their lives on the line, so we at home can have this discussion.

God Bless America

I realize this is a free country and this is war,but since the family directly asked not to have it shown there wishes should have been respected.Totally irresponsible reporting and it's just another example of why people are fed up with the media as a whole!!

What about the more than 40 civilians that were massacred today by trigger happy american soldiers in Afganistan ... yes today ... many of them women and children and their fathers and mothers had to collect their body pieces ... not see their photos ... or ... amricans don't care ???

This photo shows the ravages of war. If this were my family member I would want people to know what he did for the country and to experience the pain of violence. Journalists are heroes as well as soldiers, Americans have the right to witness unbiased world occurrences through video, pictures, and interviews. It is their job to report in good and bad times. Everyone should be allowed to experience the emotions of this photo. And those who disagree, why did you look at it in the first place? Because you were curious, just like the rest of America. The government controlling what gets put into news papers? That's not what democracy is.  

This is not news, it is sensationalism.  These type of photos should not have been taken and they certainly should not have been shown to the world. It shows a total lack of respect for the fallen soldier's life and for his family. The photographer that stood by taking photographs of someone dying should be ashamed.  I wonder if the photog even thought to put the camera down and try to help in some way? I am utterly appalled to know that these photos exist and were released to the public and out of respect, I for one will never view them.

This is a moving and upsetting photograph. I am very sympathetic to Joshua Bernard's family; I cannot imagine the grief of losing one's child. I understand his family's desire to have the photograph censored, however, I support the AP's right to publish it. The AP broke no laws in their decision to publish the photograph. Furthermore, when we as a nation begin talking about censoring the fourth estate, we begin walking down a rather slippery slope: a slope that we could easily begin sliding down.
When other gruesome and moving pictures are taken, they very rarely incite the controversy that this one has. If one spends a few minutes looking back through MSNBC's past "pictures of the week," he (or she) will find many cringe-inducing and thought-provoking images. I think it is dangerous to put our brave and praise-worthy soldiers on an altar that we do not afford others. We do not live in a military dictatorship. I respect our soldiers, but I do not wish for their sacrifices to be censored from our collective consciousness.
We do not live in Russia. We do not live in Burma. We live in the United States. I hope the AP continues to publish incisive, controversial, and important stories and photographs.

I just want to know how many dead Iraqis' families were consulted before their pictures were published

First and foremost I must extend my deepest sympathy to the fallen soldier's family. I served in Iraq and the image you see before you is a constant occurence. American soldiers and innocent Iraqis are dying everyday and it doesn't appear to be getting any better. Yes, this photo shocks the core of one's being, however, I hope that this soldier's family understands that their sons was a very brave man. When you first arrive in Iraq, you immediately recognize that this is serious and I am certain just like everyone else who stepped off that plane realized the is very good chance you may not be going home. This war has caused many to lose their lives on both sides of the fence and I think it is time to bring all the American troops home...RIP fallen HERO...

People should know the truth about what is really happening to our brave men and women. This war has become back page which is truely a disservice to the troups still fighting. I believe people need to see this we need to be shown exactly what is happening. Maybe then we will get our troops back. The only thing I would have asked for is to blur his face out of respect to his family. His family deserves privacy and compassion.

This is no different than the photos that came back from Vietnam.  Any one remember what the news agencies caught on film in Vietnam?

I really think this is unfair for the parents of this young man.  No One should see their child dying in combat.  I can not believe someone did this.  Its Horrific. It does not give his parents the respect they deserve.

Obviously this picture being shown is just a way to get publicity.  I have 3 kids and I am sick looking at this picture of this poor man dying.  How dare someone put it on display like it's a trophy or something.  My prayers are with the family and the inconsiderate jerks who published this picture. May GOD himself save their souls!

From everything I've read about Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard, he was a fine young man of quiet humble character - utterly dedicated to his Christian Faith and a life of service - that he considered his military commitment an opportunity to serve these United States of America.  That is you. That is me. That is the kid across the street riding his bike, the woman across town grocery shopping - as we watch the news - mow our lawns - yell, scream and punch each other at the town hall over healthcare and figure out what we'll barbecue for Labor Day as we sip our cool drinks in an air conditioned home.  Every single American should see these pictures - talk about and honor our fellow American Warriors sacrafice.  We need to be reminded daily that WE ARE A COUNTRY AT WAR - that our fellow countrymen are out there - away from any common comfort of home or family - driven on guts and an utterly selfless belief that what they dedicate themselves to is of the noblest of causes. Honor Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard with a straight on hard cold view of his injury and death.  Hold his mission and his death close to your hearts - then you tell others - you bear witness to this valiant young man's sacrafice for you and for me.  Then you get down on your knees and you thank God Joshua M. Bernard was born to this patch of earth.  I pray God holds this oh so young man on high.   I thank God and Joshua's family for raising such a man and then gave him to you and to me - to us - our United States of America.

If this were your child, would you want these pictures to be displayed? I don't think so, it is simple, do unto others...Take the pictures down and show humanity.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I am glad to see that his comrads were there with him, and that he was not alone. He is more than just a name.

While I sympathize with the family of this Marine, I do not believe the photo does an injustice to his service or life.  The photographer did not take the photo knowing that the Marine was dying at that time.  Had he lived, this photo would have been a depiction of his comrades rendering first aid to their wounded Marine buddy.  It is much easier for the American public to divorce themselves from War when it is not visited upon them.  There are photos from the Civil War that are more graphic than this.  The video of the young lady "bleeding out" during the Iran protests is much more disturbing in my opinion.  How many people actually viewed that video?  I for one couldn't bring myself to watch that.  However, I think the AP should have honored the family's wishes - empathizing with the grieving parents and honoring their wishes would have been the best way to remember this Marine's sacrifice.

MAJ, USA

This is war, this is life.  This was my husband's life every day, seeing this.  He still sees it some times in his sleep.  Get real world, this happens every day over there.  May God bless him for his sacrifice.

This photo touched me more than I expected.  I have soldiers in my family who are in Afghanistan.  My heart goes out to the family, but this photo exemplifies the saying, "America, Land of the Free Because of the Brave."  Any soldier who dies in defense of freedom is a HERO and should be honored as such. I am grateful I can sleep safely at night because of these brave men and women.

Everyone who posts to this needs to read the whole story. So many of us are outraged for the fellow soldiers and the family, but all of them were allowed to see the photo before it was published. Only the family reacted to the publication and rightly so. I would have probably said the same thing if it were my son or daughter. However, it is the job of the reporter and photographer to show the whole story. War is hours of boredom interspersed with moments of terror and pain. The photgraphers photos show that alone and in no way demean the life or death of this brave young man. Maybe everyone should look at the photos of the poor young men and women who have sacrificed their lives in this endeavor so that we'll be less flippant in the future to arbitrarily send them to theit deaths.

The family wishes should have been honored!

That said, this is the face of war.

I salute you, LCpl Bernard, for making the ultimate sacrifice.
Semper Fi!

Why is this subject always viewed as an either/or proposition? Yes, both sides have valid points (family privacy and the public's need to know) but wouldn't blurring the faces involved and changing the names be the obvious solution?

Personally, I think the main reason realistic photos of this nature have not been shown is because we all prefer this war to be as distant and as antiseptic as possible. The American people are responsible for sending these young men and women to war, but we don't want to experience the accountability for what our actions have actually meant.

Journalism owes us the truth... whether it is painful or not... it owes us the truth.

Why is it that everything has to be so in your face, so brutal, and so insensitive?  We have all seen the war movies, heard the stories, and know that soldiers are getting killed every day in the middle east.  Why is it that the media feels that it needs to exploit these poor men and women for the sake of publicity and monetary gain?  
If the country had no idea what was going on, sure, the picture would serve some value, however, WE KNOW and are trying to fix the errors made in the last 8 years.  Give these poor boys some respect and some common decency.  These pictures only serve as propaganda for the other side, they do nothing but hurt us and our troops.

While in deed graphic, and somewhat disrespectful to Lcpl. Bernard's family, I think the photos should be shown to honor this young Marine's sacarfice to his country. I find it horrific whan any of my fellow Marine's die in combat, but it was not in vain. We don't do it for money, glory, or fame; we do it for our families and our country. One should take great pride from these photos; there are people out there willing to die for the very freedoms that allow the media to show these photos. There is a real war going on and real people are dying. Rest in peace Devildog! Hoorah!-Sgt. Rosario/USMC

I am disgusted at the choice to show this photograph. What were these people thinking? Or maybe they just weren't thinking. Why would any human being want to show this image of a dying soilder across the media? This Brave young mans family has suffered enough and to put them through this is absolutely ridiculous. These families suffer enough every single day that their young men and women are gone. Every phone call brings fear every knock on the door brings a since of dread. Why would you do this. Do you not think that the American people do not know what goes on over there? We are reminded every single day with the airing of a story. This is absolutely unjustified and should be stopped and with drawn immediately. God Bless his family and him. God forgive the AP. You should be ashamed of your selves.

God Bless
Lance Cpl. Joshua Bernard and his family! Thank you for your service!

War is not pretty, bravo for having the guts to show the facts.WWII picturs come to mind   USMC

as a Wife of a Navy solider it makes this real that this is happening to our young men and women.  Yes people it is a shame that it had to be public, but because of him and others we are still free.  Its called freedom of the press.  I want THANK every solider out there fighting this questionable war.  I have two small boys who could be in another war someday....  Rest in Peace Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard, and prayers and sympathy to the family.

My sympathy to the family of thie brave man who gave his life.

I am astounded by the coldblooded publication of this image and of the complete disregard shown for the family of this Marine, not to mention the lack of compassion and decency shown by AP.
Showing the coffins yes, that brings the cold hard truth home to us all as we see then, however this, this does nothing but cause the family further grief and pain.
It is disgusting, disgraceful and plain greed that lays behind this publication against of the wishes of the family.
Gentlemen of the press...what a joke that is !!!

Politicians on both sides of the Atlantic now need to listen to their people, bring the troops home and let countries where the tribes have fought amongst themselves for hundreds of years sort their own problems out.
How many years did the Russians waste in Afganistan?
How many men did they lose?
Does America need another Vietnam?
Should Britain send her young to die ill equipped in a foreign nation?

Do not allow the blood of our young men and women to stain this barren soil where peace and democracy will probably not be found in our lifetime, if ever.

People are not getting the full story over here.  We think things are going well in Afghanistan, that our soldiers are winning this war, and that's enough for us.  The reality is, they're dying everyday.  We see numbers over here and it's become so second nature that most of us don't even care anymore.  This photo shows a real person.  Not a number.  His name is Joshua and he was obliterated by a rocket.  Maybe if we see more photos like this one we'll finally realize that there is no value in fighting this war.  There wasn't for Joshua or his family.  I also agree with AngryObserver.  We don't even consider the many thousands of innocent Afghani civilians that are also victims of this savage war.  I wonder what God thinks of us now.

It's strange that in a society that wants the truth to be told and shown that we can't accept seeing the brutality of it. It is definately sad for a family to see it's loved one in this position, but it is a consequence that we must understand is possible in war. The AP thought that they were doing the world a favor by showing war in it's true form. Unfortunately, with the news of all of the deaths that have occurred already exposed, it should be impossible for one not to know that this happens. If the government was a little more upfront about the realities of war then maybe people would not feel compelled to show such graphics. Want this to stop? Then bring our troops back.

And then this "photoblog" apparently decides to go ahead and show the picture to the entire world????? So we can decide if it should be shown????
(I didn't follow the link to the photo, by the way.)
Hey AP...How about some 'journalistic responsibility' showing the good our service men and women are doing over there. They believe in what they are doing but I guess that's not news-worthy.

We can't hide our heads in the ground. This is REAL and it is honorable to all VETS and DISABLED VETS because this is proof that it is real out there and how many of us support them??? I am sorry for his family, but there are others that are grieving, for their son and other's. This is the price they pay for US to have the FREEDOM that is now quickly eroding in front of our eyes here on US soil.

When we see photos of people dying from a natural disaster there does not seem to be this kind of out cry. When we see photos of young people dead on our own US streets from gang violence, there is not a call from Gates asking to stop the presses. Why are people so upset at this photo? Maybe it would not have been published if Gates did not call the AP and try to stop the freedom of the press. Maybe he called the AP because he is afraid enlistment will go down, because they will see the truth about War. My Marine will be there soon. I pray, God how I pray, that he will come home safe. But if we all just keep hearing numbers, as the Press reports now, then we all will never know the true story, the true sacrifice. Only the love ones of a dead solider will know that pain.

After realizing how much attention this would get, that's when the AP decided to put this out there.  It has nothing to do with viewer's opinions or the opinions of this soldier's family.  As a sibling of combat veterans, I would not want this image out there for the world to see.  It's not being used as a tool to show the harsh reality of war, it's PUBLICITY!!  The media will do anything for viewers.  Our men and women deserve more respect than that.  Think of it from Bernard's point of view, do you think he'd want this image of himself out there for everyone to see?  Have a little respect and get take this off the web.

This picture is the truth of what has occurred. If you don't like that truth, work to change it. Hiding that truth from anyone, including the poor guy's parents, is lying. What this world needs now is more honesty and less lies.

When are you people going to WAKE UP and face the fact that our service men and women are being killed by projectiles being hurled at them through weapons of mass distruction?  They are not just falling over from heart attacks or dying in their sleep !! Why is is such a suprise to see a photo like this??? Too bad we can't wrap it up in a nice pretty package for you cry-babies so you can sleep better at night.  If you haven't served our country or if you don't know someone personally that has served our country then you know nothing of the cost.  Even those not KIA, those of whom are wounded in the line of duty pay the price every day as does their family and friends. We owe it to each and every one of them to speak on their behalf and let our Government know that enough is enough and if you are not OUTRAGED by what is going on then you are not paying attention. You waste your outrage on the photo but it should be directed as to why we are still there with only 1/4 of the troops that are really needed to make a real impact. We either need to make a real commitment overseas or bring our troops home. It is like bailing out a sinking ship with a thimble... it does nothing to help the cause or to bring an end to this WAR.

I am appalled that a so called journalist would take these pictures in the first place.  I am sure she could have gotten her story without causing the unbearable and unrelenting pain this man's family will suffer.  She must not be allowed to excuse her role in this travesty by claiming "it's my job" or "the boss made the decision"  Her action was reprehensible as was that of the AP president "Curley"  I hope she somehow learns to regret her part in this.  But she won't she got her story and her minute of fame.  

As a Marine double amputee( Viet Nam)myself, I see nothing wrong with the pictures. The name of the mortally wounded Marine should have been with held, pending authorization from next of kin!
Let the American public see the things we go through for our country - to most, the wars could be in a distant galaxy, if it doesn't effect them, they don't really care! We did/do and we went

Semper Fi

God keep you, Cpl. Bernard, and comfort and strengthen your family, friends, and comrades. Thank you for protecting my family and country, even unto death. I am pleased to see journalists doing their jobs as well, especially when it is troubling. No one has to look at this photographic record who doesn't choose to.

I am appalled that a so called journalist would take these pictures in the first place.  I am sure she could have gotten her story without causing the unbearable and unrelenting pain this man's family will suffer.  She must not be allowed to excuse her role in this travesty by claiming "it's my job" or "the boss made the decision"  Her action was reprehensible as was that of the AP president "Curley"  I hope she somehow learns to regret her part in this.  But she won't she got her story and her minute of fame.  

I think these images show what's going on on our end. Everyone should be affected by these images. Everyone should know what the people are fighting for go through, many say that this war is pointless and don't respect the men and women who perish for us. This is real this man knew the risk in joining the marines and he paid the ultimate price. It should be up to his loved ones as to if these photos are viewed but I believe that everyone should know the truth as to what's going on in the war.

Showing images of war is old news.  Anyone who does not know by now that war is violent and deadly can go on-line and view photos of death in any given war.  The real issue here is that the family's wishes were known, and disregarded, and that journalism was named as the excuse for disrespecting a grieving family.  Bad form, AP.  I have chosen NOT to view the photo, and hope others do the same.

I am horrified and outraged that anyone would have so little compassion for the mother and father of this brave Marine. I can only speak from the point of view of a mother by saying that there are images indelibly imprinted in your mind of your children through the years as they are raised. As the mother of two sons both actively serving in the military right now I can say THIS is not the last image that mother or any mother should have of her precious son. To lose a child no matter how old is the most unimaginable horror. Shame on that photographer. Yes we live in the USA, land of freedom but what about just doing the right thing? I'm heartbroken for this family and praying that the God of all comfort gives them peace.

I feel it is appropriate for the media to document the suffering that war brings. My son is in the 10th Mountain Division and has done one tour in Iraq and experienced a vest bomb and IED while there. He documented what he saw and how he and his squad experienced the horror of this awful war.
This war is destroying the lives of these young people and the soldiers on the line are the ones taking the hits. I truly hope that photos like these continue to emerge and that all public support for the war ends. It's horror upon horror that should be seen. The sacrifice of these THOUSANDS of young people needs to be felt more by this country. People need to see the real blood and treasure spent on this ill-thought out venture.

Can we not face the reality that our actions as a nation realize? It is horrible that this young man died for our freedom. It is unconsionable that so-called patriots don't want to face the reality of our nation's policies. Soldiers and Marines are going to die. It is the cost of freedom. while some of the posters here may have served in the active military in a wartime situation, I will venture that hardly anyone posting here has offered there life for the freedoms that they enjoy. As a veteran I am appalled that those who have failed to rise to the defense of their own freedoms and chosen to risk their own lives have given such a loud and raucous voice against those who have made that choice. The people should see the result of our choice to fight a war. It is not clean. It is not a sanitary affair. It is life and death. People must see that young men and women die in defense of our freedom. Otherwise, we run the danger of not seeing the cost that our young people are paying.

Yea right! But here all you people are viewing the image! Hypocrites!!!

Total shame.  How would this report like his mother or his kids see him bleeding to death in a strange place?  This is not reporting and has nothing to do with First Amendment, most likely it has to do with economics and profit.  Shame on you...

This photo is distasteful and it should be up to the family to approve its release. Whatever the reasons for a mans death or injury, showcasing it to the world is insensitive. War is ugly and horific, it should not be treated like a show.  

Although it was against the parents wishes to show the photos(s), I did not find the photos offensive. It appears a respectul distance was kept and the focus is not on the extent of this brave young soldier's injuries.  If this was just a photo without the story, we would never be able to predict the outcome.  I have watched many war documentaries, including those depicting german concentration camps.  This is the sad reality of war.  Rest in Peace LCpl Bernard.

Shame on you!
I can deal with a picture of the final results beacuse it's like looking at someone in their casket, but don't DARE show the sequence of pictures of him going from lively and active to wounded to dead!  It looks too much like a "death watch" (even if the photog didn't expect him to be wounded) or it seems like watching an animal be stalked and killed by a big cat for meat. Shame on you!

I FIND THIS REPORTER PATHETICALLY IGNORANT...WHO WANTED HIS 5 SECONDS OF FAME......WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND, STOKES.

The only reason I think that this photo shouldn't have been used is because his family specifically asked for it not to be.  If they had approved it, I would be ok with the press using it.  God Bless all of our soldiers and thank you for your sacrifices you've made to protect us and our children!

Those who are so opposed to show the real tragedy of war are merely trying to protect themselves from their own deep hidden feelings of guilt and shame for being cheerleaders of the Bush administrations immoral war.  

I grew up with the Viet Nam war on TV every night during dinner. We saw this kind of stuff every night on the news, and since it was the only time my hard working Dad could watch the news, it was on during dinner.

My parents did have the sense to put my chair at the table with it's back to the TV, but still I listened.

It did not warp me nor did I find it offensive. Of course, being a kid, I would rather it have been cartoons...

What it did do was give me a REALISTIC idea of what war really meant, and that is something I am grateful for to this day. The during dinner part wasn't great, but still...

For all of you who think this is offensive - OF COURSE it is offensive, it's freaking WAR. People die and even worse in wars. Maybe we should try to figure out a way to stop having them instead of sanitizing it so that the average draft age young person is still stupid enough to enlist without the realism of what it really means to serve.

And BTW, I come from a military family. I have the utmost respect for our troops.

Semper Fi.

God bless this soldier and all soldiers that stand to protect our freedom.  Thank you! I'm so terribly torn on this one.  I think both sides to this argument are right. I think that posting this picture is a heroic action and a shameful action.  Our country needs to be reminded of what's going on if we ever want to end this war and get our soldiers home.  I would tell the family of this soldier that their son's photo has reminded the entire country of the soldiers that are over their fighting now.  We should look inside ourselves to stand up to get them back home.

At a minimum, we’re now taking the fight to the Taliban.  Lcpl Bernard and all his fallen comrades died fighting enemies who glorify slaughtering innocent civilians.  In my mind, this is a worthy cause of the sacrifices – far more worthy than the “false intelligence” war of Iraq.  

I pray that Lcpl Bernard’s family will find solace in that Lcpl Bernard did not die in vain, that their grief and anguish are not for nothing, and that these photos will hasten the end of the Vietnam War of this generation.  Then perhaps, in all the sacrifices, progress can be made and lives can be saved.

You clicked on the image, did you not. We all want to see the image and then have a cow about telling someone else what they should not do.

We do not want to see the images cause they make us feel bad. We would rather be ignorant about the pain and suffering war causes.

I feel badly for the family as I would have had the same reaction if I was in their place, but the rest of you naysayers need to grow up. This is the reality and what are we going to do about it except write post and call others names (including myself).

I cannot believe MSNBC or any other news agency would post those picture.  Just because these Soldiers and Marines are fighting for us and defending our freedoms, including freedom of the press, does not mean the press has the freedom to abuse the rights these Soldiers, Marines, and Airmen provide.  

While journalists have a duty to report on the war they have a higher duty to those they are portraying and representing.  Is it worth causing more grief to an already grieving family for the shock value of these pictures?  

I personally thank the Bernard family for their sacrifice and LCpl Bernard for his service.

SSG, US Army

It may be hard to watch this, but I think that we sometimes distance ourselves to from what is actually taking place over there that it isn't as real as it really is.  I'm so sorry for his parents, but if it was my son I'd want people to see how costly our freedom can be for those in the armed forces.  God be with his family during this sorry-filled time.  

AP's decision to publish  - it definitely showed the American population what our troops are going through. Hearing that troops died can be brushed off seeing how they actually die is a LOT harder to brush off. Do I agree with their decision to publish? From the family's standpoint NO.  From a veteran's standpoint - YES because the U.S. NEEDS to know what our troops go through and NOT what Hollywood puts out or the edited version shown on the news. You want to know what it's really like read the newspapers from the Middle East and Africa.

Before viewing the picture, I was sure that the press had gone too far.  They should have given more respect to the wishes of the grieving family.  However, immediately upon seeing the picture, I knew it was one of the most powerful wartime photographs I have ever seen.  Probably on par with Capa, et al.  It is too good to hide, and the wishes of one family must give way to the greater understanding of all of us of what war is like.  I am sure that this family is truly at a loss - and that they did not want that.  Yet, in their patriotic duty, they have given us both their son and their privacy.

It is indeed sad that this soldier has lost his life.  It is our duty to acknowledge that he STOOD THE LINE FOR ALL OF US. It is our duty to be reverent and thankful for his loss and the service given. It is our duty to remember him, to pray for him and provide an eternal home for his mortal remains.

I believe that in these instances, the family has the right to see that his memory is not exploited.  In this time of the hyperbole of politics, it is particularly important that we allow the parents to fufill their duty to protect this valiant service and memory as he lived.

I am sure that the opposite side is thinking of their right to freedom of the press and an informed public.  The image is no different from those of Viet Nam with individuals being shot through the head or a little girl running down a village road nude and a-blaze.  It's history, but it need not contribute to the current atmosphere at home that more and more is constructed to polarize. The memory of this soldier should not be interjected herein and the wish of his parents granted.

Thank you LCpl Bernard.  +May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace!

Looking at these photos evoked a Pandora's Box of emotions for me.  I am proud of this true soldier for paying the ultimate price in a very complex situation that has no easy solutions.  I am proud to see this man's fellow soldiers express intense human grief for their fallen friend.  I am proud that I am an American.  I am also saddened by the loss of a human being.  I am sad that this man died at an early age.  I am sad that this man's family has been dealt a terrible blow.  I am sad that the human race can not learn to use peaceful means to resolve their differences.  I wonder if we as members of the human race will ever learn?

I would first like to say that my heart goes out for the family of this outstanding Marine for giving his life for his country. I am serving right now in the USMC. I have to say how appalled I am that this reporter chose not to honor the family wishes of this fallen Marine. This Marine gave his life in War time, so this reporters rights will continue on in the future, I would be devastated if my husband, brother, brother in law or my fellow Marines that I have had the honor of working with and working for was splashed on the cover of anything if they were displayed in the horrible manner. Shame on this reporter as well as his boss for not thinking of the not only the family, but the fellow Marines, Soldiers, and AirMen that have given their lives, or have come back from the war and live with the terror of what they have been through, and reliving the terror they have seen over there all over again through these pictures. I believe in the rights of every American, thats why i am in the service, is to protect them, but this was wrong in every sense.

The issue is not the photo per se. The issue is the judgement - or lack thereof - by the AP Chief to release the photo knowing full well the request of the Family not to do so.  No doubt his "journalistic integrity" compeled him to do so.  One must wonder how long it took him to reach a point of living with such lack of compasion, judgement and ethical orientation that allows him to choose this course of action.  The same should be said for the editors who ran the photo.  

Here's an idea, have the AP Chief go and shake the hand of this fine Marine's Mother and look her in the eye and have him explain his decision.        

that jack off who published the pic should be strung up with dental floss and hung out of a skyscraper window during a wind storm........It's a disgrace not only to the family but to the media..

His family doesn't own him, nor the pictures of his unfortunate injury.  The horrors of war should be published and seen by everyone - - perhaps only then will we have an emotional reaction, abhor the realities of war, and resist violence.  Peoople watched the Viet Nam War on TV at dinnertime, and that may have contributed to anti-war protests.  Then, the media was blacked out by politicians for many years.  What good does it do to have reporters embedded with our troops if they are not allowed to report the truth?  Kudos to Curley.

I have lost a brother and a close friend in the War on Terror from being in Iraq and I really feel like the AP did not step out of line by publishing this image.  I know there is always going to be people that have opposing views, which they are completely entitled to; however after dealing with my personal losses I do feel that too many people today forget the cost of war and would rather not think of this harsh reality.  I know my family and would have a difficult time seeing an image of our loved one injured, but at the same time I do not want people to forget, because I think about my brother and friend everyday.  RIP Lance Corporal Bernard and Semper Fi

After reading the majority of posts I fear that we are a country divided.  Those who prefer to hide behind the patriotic code words and those who have working objective brains.  As long as the follow this right wingers off to war we will have plenty of dead kids to take pictures of.  

Photographers and journalsist who risk their own lives to show us what's going on must show what they experience. I accept nothing less.

You don't like it good.  Sit with that queasiness.  Stare at his face.  Welcome to the battlefield.  It's hell.  Now you know America.  War is more than talking points and ideologies.  I say show all the photos in their gory gruesomeness.  Because its our war and our pain too.  No dodging the bullet from your Lazyboy.

What your politicians don't want you to see.
If he was my son I would WANT this to be shown. I am a former Marine myself. I know war is not pretty, and my heart goes out to the family but the rest of you need to see it first hand, to see what we are going through, what we are doing and what our government has NO PROBLEM with having us do for NOTHING but politics.
RIP devil dog

We cannot deny the realities of war & this is reality.  While tragic and my heart goes out to this soldier and the family, this is real and we need to face it.  Identities need to be assigned to the mere conversations we have about "the war".  People need to realize these are REAL people making REAL sacrifices.  I believe this soldier having made the ultimate sacrifice would want people to see this war for what it is- a damn shame, as all wars are.  

God bless this soldier and those he left behind.

As long as war is profitabe and we buy into nationalistic and individualistic ideologies, we are all manipulated into segmented controversies within ourselves, thereby dividing us within and without, hence all comments are without substance. Lets say you look at yourself and are appalled or not appalled, you have lost sight of reality, it has not entered into your being(consciousness), hence, war is just an idea and your thoughts are wasted energies like an aged person that is waiting for decay. Let us each be an ambassador to each and every other human being and stop forcing our moral delima on others as opportunists. When each and everyone is at peace the world will be at peace. So war is competition and Competition is war, so what if we lose a finger or toe or some physiological or psychological setback? We all need to see the consequences of our actions.

There is insensitivity being displayed here. But it is expected that a soldier will die in the line of battle. However the revelation of such a tragedy is better disclosed to the family verbally and not visually. Think about the psychological impact and trauma faced by the family of this soldier who not only have to deal with his death but now have graphic image of his demise. Piss Poor journalistic decision.

War is ugly.  
Freedom is beautiful.
Disrespect towards the wishes of a fallen hero's family is a loser's way of being a bully.
AP needs to 'rethink' it's policy.
May all who serve come home free from the pain of the memory of war.

I think that it would have been an injustice not to show the photos, - it is important to bring awareness to what our troops are going through overseas. Those getting upset about these photos are most likely those who are ignorant and have no interest in knowing what is truly going on in the Middle East.

I would have been equally infuriated if this was my son or daughter, but over time I would have come to realize just how important and powerful the photos actually were.

I don't blame the photographer for taking the pictures, he was embeded with the Marines and took pictures as he was supposed to. What I object to was the PRINTING of the pictue after the family of the fallen Marine and the Secratary of Defense pleaded with the president of AP not to release it.
The president of AP is a vile human being. I would advise him not to take a trip into a war zone where the U.S. Marine Corps. is operating.

I've been in the Air Force for 11 years now.  Right now I plan on retiring after 20.  If I don't make it to 20, and someone is there to capture what could be my last moment, broadcast it across the land.  In fact, I will update my records to make sure this request is honored.  My family, as well as the American public, can make the decision to look or not.  People need to see what is going on.  They need it to be personal to give them a reason to care.  War is ugly, it's not a video game; and people die in heinous ways.

Being there to take that picture doesn't warrent someone to deserve death.  The photographer was doing their job just as Lance Corporal Bernard was.  (May he rest in peace.)  

Perhaps in this age of technology and up-to-the-minute news updates, we as Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines should make the decision before we deploy to publicize photos of our dead bodies or caskets.

I am so tired of the media thinking they know what Americans want to see. The media is not what it use to be.

The publishing of these photos is not a liberal ideal - it's real, it's about a war we, the Citizens of the United States of America did not ask for and to all you who are complaining, remember this: YOU LOOKED!
However, the AP President should have honored the family's wish not to publish. Shame on you!

Rather than comment on the morality of publishing this photo I chose only to thank the family of Joshua.  Your son lived his life with honor and died in the service of his country.  May God help you find peace and meaning through this most trying of times as you deal with his loss.  

Although it is an often used cliché, freedom is never free.  Thank you Joshua, may your sacrifice and the pain of your family live on in our hearts and minds.  May we use that memory to strive for peace for the generations yet to come.

From the Mother of a Female Marine ... I think people SHOULD see that WAR is REAL ! Show the public the sacrafices
these soldiers are making.  Weather or not it was WOMD or not OUR soldiers are there DYING !!  

WAKE UP AMERICA! WE ARE AT WAR!!

Maybe we need more photos like these to show we should NOT have or support wars. May God be with his family and RIP to the soldier.

The truth scares people. We would rather play hours of bloody video games and watch gory movies rather then have a heart... because in a world of zombies and vampires, having a heart is a dangerous thing and we know it all too well...

This man died in a bloody battle. THAT is never fun to admit for the "winning side", because dying IS NOT WINNING according to the rules of engagement against enemies. His family is horrified to see the simplicity of his death, the gun laying so fallen, the singular color of the sky, the water ditch and wirey tree, the indifferent textures to the families place of horrors. My heart feels broken for them. They wanted their son to kill the OTHER guy so much! It's VERY much easier to paint our memories with poetic colors, where the sky is dramatic together with our passion and the birds of the air all turn their heads and cry out in harmony with our pain. This picture does not allow that kind of "paint". This picture brings "it" (the truth) home. It means we are frail and we bleed very horribly. I think we need to see IT and know our real condition, so we don't get too cocky in this whole sordid affair. Gates is SOOOOOOOOO concerned about the welfare of Bernard's family? HA! I don't buy it. It's EASY to be concerned AFTER Corporal Bernard is now dead... but where's all that concern for the men BEFORE they've "given Uncle Sam their all"?  We've got the cart before the horse!!!! "We will die to defend the values of the flag, but where's the flag that will die to defend the values of the people???????????????
I personally think our dear Gates is protecting something ELSE OTHER THAN the interests of Corporal Bernard's family and these pictures should be published. It's our war, is it not? And if not, then whose war is it? Opps, I think I just let the cat out of the bag...

For Bill, Albert and the other posters who think these photos should be published:  I say you have never fought in a combat zone or lsot a friend or afamily member in one. Shame on you for outting your ideaology before the wishes of this young soldier's family.

Having seen, heard, and smelled the same type situaton shown in this picture while in Viet Nam more times than one, I can't imagine why anybody would even take that picture, much less publish it after the family asked him not to. I don't know what will happen to him if he returnes to imbed with another unit, but I know what would have happened to him if he had done that in my unit. Suffice to say he would not be taking any more pictures of my dying buddies. I'm surprised the Marines let him do it this time. RIP Joshua.

As a historian, veteran, and a photographer, from the first Brady images of the Civil War, and every war from then to now, photography has shown the horrors of war. Seeing the USS Arizona leaning further into the water, and the image of the little girl running down the road in Vietnam after having her clothes burned off from a napalm attack, war has been brought into our society. What has changed is the rapidness of the images. Brady had to wait for weeks, while today if it happened this morning, then it can be on tonight's evening news. We must understand that war is hell.

The AP took a turn to the right awhile back. At this time in the history of this country, by definition, that means a shriveled heart and soul in the interest of swollen coffers. Recall that during the Bush years, flag-draped coffins couldn't be photographed in the interest of privacy for families. AP had no problem with that. For God's sake, have you no shame?

I am so sorry to the family of Bernard. Lance CPL Joshua Bernard and many others have sacrificed their lives so that we may live ours. STOP THIS WAR NOW... enough is enough

I am a veteran.  Please know that when we enlist, we knowingly give up many rights and freedoms that we (I) enjoy as private citizens.  This fine soldier stood by his brothers and they stood by him.  Since we feel we have a right to know every detail of war, then be prepared for the knowledge that comes.  Whether or not I agree with the photo or journalists accompanying soldiers into combat is not an issue.  As a soldier, I often contemplated whether or not my life would be asked.  By the grace of God it was not.  My greater concern was that the life of one of my comrades would be taken.  God bless this man's family and the many soldiers and families whom we do not know by name.  I can not assume the motives of the press or of the many of you who have posted comments.  I am responsible for my own.  I humbly dare to call this man my brother and grieve that his life was taken that I may live mine, and not just me, but the people--both foreign and domestic--who have hope of a better life because of his sacrifice.

The truth scares people. We would rather play hours of bloody video games and watch gory movies rather then have a heart... because in a world of zombies and vampires, having a heart is a dangerous thing and we know it all too well...

This man died in a bloody battle. THAT is never fun to admit for the "winning side", because dying IS NOT WINNING according to the rules of engagement against enemies. His family is horrified to see the simplicity of his death, the gun laying so fallen, the singular color of the sky, the water ditch and wirey tree, the indifferent textures to the families place of horrors. My heart feels broken for them. They wanted their son to kill the OTHER guy so much! It's VERY much easier to paint our memories with poetic colors, where the sky is dramatic together with our passion and the birds of the air all turn their heads and cry out in harmony with our pain. This picture does not allow that kind of "paint". This picture brings "it" (the truth) home. It means we are frail and we bleed very horribly. I think we need to see IT and know our real condition, so we don't get too cocky in this whole sordid affair. Gates is SOOOOOOOOO concerned about the welfare of Bernard's family? HA! I don't buy it. It's EASY to be concerned AFTER Corporal Bernard is now dead... but where's all that concern for the men BEFORE they've "given Uncle Sam their all"?  We've got the cart before the horse!!!! "We will die to defend the values of the flag, but where's the flag that will die to defend the values of the people???????????????
I personally think our dear Gates is protecting something ELSE OTHER THAN the interests of Corporal Bernard's family and these pictures should be published. It's our war, is it not? And if not, then whose war is it? Opps, I think I just let the cat out of the bag...

With my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Lance Corporal Bernard, and ALL the brave soldiers who have lost their lives in these horridly senseless wars. This photo is the image of the wars that the gov't really don't want us to visualize. We don't need to be protected, and our fighting soldiers need us to know what they face day in and day out so we can grasp why it is they suffer PTSD, and the magnitude of the injuries that left them disabled.

I wish I had seen so much outrage at the video release of Nada dying in the streets of Tehran. But, apparently, it is only worthy of "respect" when it's an American.

We watch so many movies about war, it is glorified beyond extreme. When we are children we play war with our friend with toy guns, and at the end of the day we go home. We grow up with these commercials that ask us to go and fight for our country. An Army of one, be all you can be. We call our soldiers heros and limit their medical benefits. We use them for reasons that we will never be told about. This picture isn't about a single man, in the military there are no single men or women, their is a unit and up. This is about the bloody cost of war that is almost completely out of our minds. People are only pissed off because they have to see the not so glorified part of the war, your friends and famliy members blood and guts laying on some fucking street on the other side of the planet fighting for reasons that didn't matter enough to make sure there were enough people to get the fucking job done.

You want to be free, fine, make your sacrifice, but don't sugar coat it, or glorify it. The price is going to be heavy, and it will be in the blood and guts of our loved ones.

I commend this Marine for defending the country of freedom and right against the people who want to kill the innocent, but also for bringing us back from our illusions of what war really is, and brining back to the surface the mistakes that took to where we are today.

Quit living with your heads in the dirt people. The shame should be that there wasn't enough concern paid to afghanistan to make it secure when we had the opprotunity. This man would be alive and probably home with his parents right now if certain decisions were made years ago. Delusions of Grandeur cost this man, this Marine his life. His mission continues after death, to bring us the reality of war, and not the hollywood version, or romantic version of it.

I am a service member currently serving in Iraq and I am very disappointed the press have chosen to publish these images.  I recognize the importance of the news media and for it to remain uncensored.  However, this demonstrates a lack of responsibility and compassion by the editors.  I believe the media could have exercised a degree of restraint in it's choice in timing to publish the images.  Such graphic documentation of Lcpl Bernard's sacrifice would be more appropriate for a book or special broadcast chronicling the dedication and sacrifices of US Service members and our allies in Afghanistan.  This type of headline exploitation is simply another example of the news media's growing lack of morality.

However, now that the images are out there, I hope American citzens take notice of the dedication and sacrifice of their friends and family to keep them safe and free from danger.

war is brutal and ugly, we need to be aware of what were are doing when we send in our young and brave to fight. if war become clean and impersonal then we are more likely to do it again and again. If the American public can not accept that death happens they we don't need to be at war. My heart goes out to his parents, it is just wrong that a father should outlive his son.

First of All the AP was not out of line for showing the reality of War. They show pictures of dead Iraqis, and Innocent DEAD Afghanis EVERYDAY! War on Terror?? Yea Right! Obama has the blood on his hands now. Instead of Bringing the troops home as he lied and said, he is increasing troops for the World order agenda. There hasnt been a real president since JFK. I feel bad for this soldiers family. BLAME the Military Industrial Complex!!  not the AP!! the AP didnt send your kids off to die. for what?? first osama bin laden, next saddam, now the taliban? c'mon wake up people.  

I'm sickened by this - don't talk to me of war and it's realities. The reality is a family is mouring a son, they know the realities of war. To have the reporter speak of an obligation to report the truth? The truth is that this reporter will always be remembered for the pain and aguish of a son that was frozen in time for his family to see. I hope the image is with the reporter every minute of every day as it will be with the family of the fallen soldier.

I remember many years ago when my local paper published a picture of a medic, his bandaged and bloody head hovering over a dying soldier he was futiley trying to save. We asked no questions then of whether a photo should be published or not. We watched not for purient interests. We viewed the pictures in our papers and cringed at the humanity being destroyed before our eyes. Those here who think the reporter and AP are publishing in self-interest are completely misdirected. I know the reporter must have developed close relationships with the platoon and knew each Marine individually. Each Marine felt the loss of their buddy, and I am convinced that the reporter did as well. But the reporter's responsiblity is to inform us of the cost we require of our young soldiers and marines. It is an incredibly high cost. You are living an easy life, wondering what stupid cell phone you should buy next. Shut up and realize your damn life means nothing because you don't have the guts to put it on the line for freedom.

Air strike kills more than 70 in Afghanistan
 A U.S. jet dropped 500-pound bombs on two tanker trucks hijacked by the Taliban before dawn Friday, triggering an explosion that Afghan officials said killed more than 70 people, including civilians.


I think we should see photos of what two 500lb bombs can do to a street full of human beings. This violence is all that many people around the world know of the USA. I am sick of it.

I thank LC Bernard for his sacrifice. A sacrifice he knowingly made to protect the interests of our elected government. I thank the Bernards for letting the USA see the truth.

If you feel rage over this...VOTE. Vote against any incumbent. Subvert the dominant paradigm.

God Bless Mr. Bernard.

I have a child in the military at this very time.  I think that the picture should be shown. And shown to the Congress, the President, and everyone else.  Simply because we have lost so many of our young children to this DUMB war.  They are fighting for our government and the people in our country.  Why is that when the reality of war hits people in the face, they want to turn their heads and say no I don't want to see it.  This is what is happening to the 6000 or more young people that have died in this war ALONE.  This is reality and this is what our young people are having to face each day. While we sit over here living our lives, enjoying our lives.  We have lost too many to this stupid, stupid, did I say STUPID war!!!!! I feel for the family and my deepest simpathy goes to them.  But that child gave his life for us. And yes, we need to see what all the rest of the children that have been lost over there and are constantly loosing not only their lives but arms, legs, and being burned half their bodies.  I would want to see what my child went through, simply because I would want to know if he was alone or with someone.  I pray daily for our troops.  I want them HOME not tommorrow, not next week, not next month, not next year. I want them ALL home NOW!!!!!!!  

This wrong!! I hope this AP guy dies a horrible death and it is caught on film for all of us to see!! I would cheer.

I'm conflicted...on one hand, I know this is painful for Cpl. Bernard's family and friends, but then, this brings home, in an inescapable manner, the reality of the sacrifices that our troops are making.
Is the war worth it?...Is Afghanistan worth the deaths of young American warriors? I don't know.
But I will honor the memory of a young Marine who gave the ultimate gift for his nation.

Semper Fi, Josh.

Even after the family requested of the Associated Press not to publish the photograph, they chose to do it anyway.  Associated Press has decided to sear the collective souls of humankind for profit rejecting the family's wishes is proof of that.  AP has become worse than a tabloid, lower than the Paparazzi.  AP, you're disgusting.

Sensationalizing the moment of a young soldier's ultimate sacrifice is disgusting beyond my capacity for words.  

Sensationalizing the moment of a parent's great sacrifice is arrogant and cruel.  

Doing so against their wishes is incomprehensible.  PERIOD.

Yes, I clicked on the link.  And I deeply regret my error.  I'm also a vet, and a very lucky one to have not suffered as this young man did.

I implore you to take down this picture, and have some respect for a young man and his family who have paid the price to allow you this freedom.  

I also suggest that you take the ad revenue from this unfortunate showcase and donate it to a military-serving charity.  This is not your money.

I think there should be more of the truth reported.  What gets me is probably half the people who found this offensive play some very violent graphic video games and dont think twice about it.  The reality of war is that people get killed.  The offesive part is that we dont belong over there.

WAR IS HELL!!! Can't you handle reality? Wake up to the fact that our troops have no business over there. No weapons of mass destruction were ever found. All intelligence reports indicate bin Laden is in Pakistan. How naive can we be regarding these pretexts given by proven liars like Bush and Cheney? Get our military out of the Middle East ASAP. Our government is bankrupt. How many trillions have we spent on this immoral, futile war?? Just a coincidence, right?

I don't have a problem with the photo itself, for it simply dipicts an event that happened. However, my problem stems from the fact that this soldier's family sincerely REQUESTED this photo not be published. Why?  Who in the hell wants to see a picture of their loved one maimed, bleeding and dying, plastered all over the front page of any paper? Not me. Can anyone imagine the pain and the anguish this soldier's family is going through right now? Having to relive this painful lost so vividly? It's purely inconsiderate and just down right COLD.  The reporter responsible for this should truly be ashamed.  His family REQUESTED this photo not be published for pete's sake. To not honor that request out of respect for the living members of this soldier's family is unconscionable.

This types of photos HAVE to be shown - too many people have forgotten our fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and friends who are fighting in these wars.  We have to remember our people out in the field and support them.

War ... it's success and failures, have been recorded throughout history. You can find images of victory and the ravages of war etched in the stone temples and cave walls. The recording of war has, and always will, require addressing the beauty and the ugliness. Why should we come to believe that the images of failure (death) are any more valid that victory (living) ... neither belief transcends our need to understand what war is all about. Why would we engage in war if we did not think we could kill someone to WIN!. This is not political, this is a human issue.

Congratulations to all of you that willingly vote for Censorship. Free speech and the right to it are exactly what this young man gave his life for. Do you think that a swastika shown in the press is any less hurtful?
This IS the cost of WAR.
God bless his family in their greif

I believe that the pictures should have been shown. I cried when I saw them. I express my condolences to his family as he has given the ultimate sacrifice. As long as the poiticians are running this war, it will be a Viet Nam. The "civilians" killed in the tanker attack today are the ones behind the attacks on our troops. When are we going to learn that there are no civilians in the war on terrorism. That is how the terrorists feel about us.

DAMN THE AP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Those idiots don't have a clue!!! Next time an A**hole Publisher reporter gets his balls shot off, (oh wait, what balls), I want the nearest Marine to grab the camera and take a picture. The AP should be ashamed of themselves. The hero family of a hero asked for some compassion, but oh no, we have to report the *&#$(%*#$ news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Be damned AP!!! Be damned!!!

What was this Newspaper thinking when they published these photo's!! Have we become the desensetized in this life , that would want to share such images , while the family of this fallen "SON" and"BROTHER MARINE" lies dieing! Do you know what kind of moral booster you have given the enemy? Has a dollar over whelmed  you sense of  sympathy? Just a uncalled, unwarranted, stupid thing has been done to this country and the family of this young Marine! and his Family! To the Parents of this Young Marine, We will keep him and your family in out praryers!to me another Brother has paid the altimate sacrafic!!  TO the publsiher of this paper , may your night be filled with the iamges you have printed to profit from!!! you are a filthy low life!! you have passed the freedom of speech and entered the the domain  of ignorance!!

Publishing this photo for the world to see is completely disrespectful to this marine. Yes, the people need to know what is going on over there, but to have this marines last moments plastered all over the internet against his families wishes is disgusting. As a hospital corpsman if I saw any pictures of my marines like this I would fight to have them removed!

SEMPER FI
My fellow MARINE BROTHER, I hope everyone thanks you for your service to this country so the people that need foodstamps, welfare and anything else get it. You my Brother gave his life for his country so people here can live the life they want and have the freedoms here like no other country in the world. Americans tonite better be saying THANKS.

I was a Marine in the battle of Khe Sahn, HMM-262, and shot down on March 28, 1968, off of Hill 881.  If I were killed, I would not want my mother to see pictures of me dead.  People are more callous than ever now and feel little for their fellow man.  There will be a price to pay for the changes in our belief system that have surfaced over the past forty years.

Bro, ret in peace

My heart breaks for this poor young man's family. I appreciate his ultimate sacrifice, cannot imagine it. Everyone now knows what this man did for his country

For all the people who think this is wrong, with all due respect, imo you are weak. This Marine gave it all and knew at any moment his time could come. What this image shows us is the reality, the horror of war. This is not the worst either, not for one second can you feel that this is an injustice of media rights. It's you who complain when you have no idea what the truth is but when it is shown to you , you quiver in fear and disgust. YOU should be ashamed not the ap and not the family of this Marine. They should be proud, sad in the greatest loss but Proud. This young man did what half of you did not have the balls to even look at much less do for yourselves Bottom Line   this is war   its not pretty but someone has to do it or there would be a hell of alot more people getting blown apart in this world. Rip Young Marine and say hey to Chesty for us   Semper Fi

We should see more images like this one... on the front page of every paper.  People need to see what war is really all about.  Good job AP.

This is the reality of war people.  Guts get splattered.  Period.  The picture is a just another form of reporting the news.  To hide it would be misleading and keep the public in the dark about what's happening in this war.  It not only the job, but the right of the media to publish facts as they happen.  

Why is it "OK" to publish 1pictures of soldiers, firemen, policemen holding dying children, but NOT "OK" to publish Soldiers saving our Country???That dying man represents everything that has kept America free. Without men like him, we would not even "know" there is a war.

There are thousands of other pictures that can tell a story. No reason whatsoever to print that. Greed is the media's only reason. 0 trust for any media.

I am an Army Wife.  I have had many friends and family members serve in this war and others.  We support our troops as best we can while dealing with the fear and loneiness for those loved ones.  How dare someone, anyone make the decision to publish a picture of a loved one dying in the field.  I work in the medical field and know all too well how to distance myself from an emotional situation but even medical personnel know never to work on our own family members due to the emotional impact.  I can only imagine the grief of the family during this time and then having to fight for the right to keep their grief private is deplorable.  The soldiers are always prepared to serve their country in whatever means are necessary.  However, the families aren't always so well trained.  A more appropriate time to publish the photo would have been easier perhaps when the grief wasn't so raw.  It would also have been cooperation on both sides.  I know I wouldn't want that image in my own mind if it were my loved one, and truthfully no soldier I have ever spoke with would want their loved ones to see that either.  I also know that it takes only one photo like this for people to say that this is the reason we should be there and it is a photo like this that makes the protestors say we shouldn't.  It doesn't prove anything more than how this young man died and how cruel someone can be to get that great picture to earn that big raise, pulitzer prize, or whatever else.  It all comes down to money and what we as a whole will pay to see.  You have my support Lance Corporal Bernard's family and friends and thank you Lance Corporal for giving all for your brothers.  

I'm astonished at those who state that the photos are necessary to show the world the brutality of war. Haven't you seen enough of it during Viet Nam, Korea, WW2 and etc.  The publication of the pictures was a dishonor to the Marine and his family. As an ex-Marine myself I can only mirror the comments made by Heather "RIP Lance Corporal
Bernard and Semper Fi.  

Exactly why and what did this 21 year old kid die for again?

I don't think the family should have seen the pictures, BUT, WAR is a terrible thing that causes unnecessary deaths. I believe in my heart if there was only one belief system in religion(whatever that may be)there would be no wars. It is all about religion that causes deaths in war. We are all ONE and were brought here together on Earth for a cause. Let's use our time here in PEACE, FAITH and UNITY!!

Bless this soldier and his family, and may all of us know he and they are American heros.  Should the picture run?  No.  But the cost of liberty is great; we humbly thank the soldiers and their families who make it possible.  Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness grow without boundry, and it is for this reason our troops will fight until all of Earth's people experience this manifestion in their lives.  Frankly, it sucks that life is this way.  But its the will and natural order of all mankind---freedom.

Yes it is disturbing but it is war.  War is ugly and sometimes necessary.  I support the war and troops but I hate to see any American or Coalition Force member die or get hurt.  
I agree with showing this, it is real.

Someone said "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall see God"..
Some folks writing here believe words secured their soul and their freedom to pursue happiness.  They don't understand and probably have no idea what honor means.

"Well done soldier"! The author of the first line has welcomed you, no more war for you.  I pray to join the brothers of my battlefields and you someday. I spilled my blood and was spit on returning home. I see some writing here today.

Vietnam Vet.

I learned a long time ago the media is a disgusting disease. Here is more proof..

Another prime reason why photojournalists are/should not be allowed to be embedded with front line combat units. As a veteran of 4 wars I can attest that all a photojorunalist/reporter is looking for is to sensationalize a story. In this case, with this Marine, who made the ultimate sacrifice, it crossed the line and the reporter/photo journalist should be barred from any additional combat missions. That said, there is a place for journalists in combat situations. To report the "truth" and be accurate in their reporting. Filming the death of a soldier does not draw any bearing to the horrors of war. War is indeed hell..this is not new. In fact war has been going on for a long time and unfortunately will go on in the future. The AP and whoever made this decision to publish these pictures need to take a real reality check. Put themselves as the parents and see their reaction.

News agencies are creating news and no longer report the news. Common respect for people and families has been lost in part due to so called reporters out for high profile stories. I miss the days of Walter Cronkite (?) and the way the news was shared with the public. War is hell and people die innocent people as well as cowards hiding among the innocent. We tie our troops hands with rules to put them in harms way. Then the news company creat news by taking advantage of them at their weakest momments. I just finished a book by the title of "Lone Survior" about a Navy Seal group and the restiction they went through only to loose 3/4 of their team. The media's favorite question after a terrible tradgedy to a survivor is usually something like "How are you feeling". What kind of ^ hole asks a question like this, I'm sorry I forgot a news reporter.

As a parent of a soldier I certainly would not want the last picture I saw of my child to be his maimed body. I sincerely doubt that this marine would have wanted that for his family. I agree that AP displayed poor judgement and a lack of compassion for not honoring the families wishes.  

The photo should not have been published, it is too graphic and serves no purpose. We should respect our soliders fighting while the rest of us remain at home, living within our everyday mundane routines while life and death co-exist within every moment of a solider's war life. In any regard-to report the news as it unfolds without filters or edits-the family's wish absolutely should have been honored as their son honored us.

With all due respect to this soldier's family, when a man or woman pledges his or her life to the country, they can expect that the country has the right to see and to understand the sacrifice.  They no longer just belong to their parents, but belong to the whole country.  We the people need, and have the right,  to understand what is behind the human capital that we are pledging in Irag and Afghanistan.  We have been shielded for years.  Had we seen more photos like this, we would have wrapped these disasters up years ago.  It would be a much greater injustice for this young man's sacrifice to have gone almost unremarked, like so many before him.  Maybe by seeing exactly what our young people are facing, the people of this country will wake up and demand that we resolve the issues that got us there in the first place.  

Without doubt, AP grossly abused its power when it chose to dishonor Lance Cpl Bernard's grieving father's request that they NOT publish the photos of his dying son.  The only thing far greater than sacrificing my own life for my country would be to sacrifice the life of my son or my daughter. Give the family one -- just ONE -- choice left to them, and honor it.  That was NOT too much to ask or expect.  AP is failing miserably in its documenting and reporting responsibilities in Iraq and Afghanistan if, out of all the bloodshed of war these past six years, they haven't been able to shoot similar photos of dying soldiers and find at least one family agreeable to sharing their grief with the world.  Shame on AP for seeming so desparate.

I hope all those who decided that the picture was necessary never have a picture of their loved one takem of their last minutes.  I don't think they would have made the same decision if where one of their sons.  I hope they can sleep well at night.  Actually they probably do which is more the pity.

 Well this is gonna make my day next Tuesday HELL. I am treating hundreds of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, as the solo Psychiatrist in a remote Veterans Administration Clinic... Thanks AP, for making my job a LOT Harder then it already is.
OH that's right, it's already harder! I am already dealing with a  Vet after the photos were shown...

I am sure the AP released these photos to sensationalize the war and for the purpose of making President Bush culpable, as the mainstream media is in Obama's hip pocket anyway.  It is regrettable the AP went against the wishes of the Family and the Marines to further their own political agenda.  I feel badly for the family and fellow soldiers that the photo was released but at the same time I expect this from some of the players in our liberal media.

This is a picture of war...a war that the American people chose to go into ....so we are told...if people cannot face what they voted for in our former President George Bush..then turn away. The truth is..this boy is not alone...many hundreds, thousands of our children...have DIED for a senseless war! I also would like to add....many Iraqi and Afghan people, including children...please just bring our boys home! End this cycle of violence....no more need to die for OIL!

I want to thank LCpl. Bernard and his family for the ultimate sacrifice he paid.  I am ashamed that our media would not respect the wishes of the family in this case to keep his dying moments private.  I pray for the judgement of Secretary Gates and our leaders to do what is right in these very difficult times. War is hell.

this is the cold hard reality of war ,
of which in major wars we have been involved in, the casulaties we are suffering are minor in comparison .
in past wars thousands could die in a month,do we forget that.the reporter is only doing a job and at possably at as much risk as the solders , ernie pile died so that we do not forget the horrors of war and so also is this reporter this is not to glamorize war this is to remind us that a son a daughter is sacarficing their lives so that others may live free , as did many of our fathers brothers and sons in the past , you go to war people die
i pray for his family , yes its horrable , but so was the pic of the vietnamese solder getting a bullet through the brain , some where some day one of his family may have seen that photo also , or thousands of jews who in pics may have seen a relative in video or pics lying in a pile of bodies, right or wrong side not easy for any family .
look at the pic , stare at it and remember we sent them there , feel bad , well than you are human
there is plenty wrong with this country right now and god help us all , but do not take away from this young mans honor by making a fuss over this pic , just imagine how his buddys who were like brothers to him there in person felt , he and they would want you to know this is real.  with scores of corrupt politicians
runninng for office , those are the ugly pics , thease kids are trying to save us , while the politicans are running us into the ground
god bless this young man and his family and i would hope at least all your prayers are with him
 

There are those who find this picture "Out of Place" However as much as I do not like something like this myself.... it is the Ugly truth about war it is not like the TV shows where the actors get back up and go home every night It is War and this guy Lance Corporal Bernard gave his life in this War...If AP had not publish the photos we would just forget about it since another number means nothing to us.....This puts a face on how bad war is and shows very well the cost of war.Corporal Bernard R.I.P may something better come out of this and Thank you Sir.

The decision to show this photo is a typical East Coast mind set.  Anyhing for a buck.  I'm surprised that there wasn't an advertisement for Band-Aid bandages accompnaying the image.

All for money - that is why someone would want to publicize this.  To get attention and internet traffic. This person and the AP cares nothing for humanity.  The sad thing is that this photo will echo for years in cyberspace.  May justice come back to the AP and the person who stood by and took a picture instead of coming to the person's aid or doing something useful to help. If there are any unpure motives in these people I pray they change their minds, or get their just desserts.

I personally think we should see more of the graphic images of war.  As Americans, most of us never experience war firsthand.  Unfortunately, I think this leads many to underestimate the brutality.  This photo really brings home the TRUE cost of the war, young men dying before they've had a chance to really live.  I think this photo serves as a testament to the personal sacrifice of men like LCpl. Bernard.  LCpl. Bernard, Rest in Peace and Thank You.

Shame on the AP there's absolutely no value in posting the image of Lance Cpl Bernard.

Although this is a reality of war, the AP should have deferred to the family's wishes.  This was wrong and they need to start paying ttention to what they are doing.  This was a selfish act!!

First and foremost the family's wishes should be honored bottom line. It's wrong.

My husband is currently in Afghanistan and with that being said above, I feel pictures like these need to be seen more often, all we hear about is how their innocent are accidently killed and we are turned into the vilians.

No one sees the pictures of the injured soldiers and what impact is left of the soldier and families there or when they come home.

You are lucky to even hear when a soldier dies now. As far as I am concerned every news station and website should list every soldier that has died. That would be politically incorrect though.

This country has no clue what is really happening over there every day and sometimes I think that's the way they want it to be.

There are two sides to this country- military families who hear on a daily basis the horrors that are toooo gruesome to be learned about...and everyone else...

The Shame is that this is another young man dying for no reason other than mankinds inability to live by Gods Laws, this is not the way life is supposed to be for us!

I don't think the family should have seen the pictures, BUT, WAR is a terrible thing that causes unnecessary deaths. I believe in my heart if there was only one belief system in religion(whatever that may be)there would be no wars. It is all about religion that causes deaths in war. We are all ONE and were brought here together on Earth for a cause. Let's use our time here in PEACE, FAITH and UNITY!!

Whats everyones problem? Do you think wepons of war  dont do damage? Would you care if it was  Taliban soldier?This Marine was wounded at the time these photos were taken, he is not dead. Its a tribute to him that he was able to show the world what the ultimate sacrifice looks like.
Most of you people disgust me, people DIE in war, people get blown up maimed , and disfiggured in war.
The American public has seen too many movies where the actors "die" only to be seen the following year in another movie. You think War isnt for keeps  THATS what bothers you, you are offended that people actually get hurt and die. you shouldnr be mad at the photographer, you should be mad at war and the politics and polititions that start them and keep them going.

It is a compelling image and a testament to the bravery of our soiders risking their lives for us in far off lands.

I found it sickening that the Bush Administion banned photos of soldiers' caskets.

War is hell and we should not santize it.

Thank You. God Bless You!!
God Bless the Marine Corps!
Semper fi!!!

Imagine how every enemy of America rejoices when they see the terrible wounds afflicted upon one of our soldiers. That is what happens when these photos are distributed, Furthermore, why did the AP even go show the photo to the father if they were not willing to abide by his wishes? The photo of the lone boot and the mourning fellow-soldiers aptly conveyed the sense of devastation without being graphic and driving the horror home to his family and friends. Perhaps the graphic photos of war should be saved for print in a book about the war...and done only in black and white.

Disrespectful.  Distasteful.  Degrading.  It is disturbing that the AP feels this is reporting.  While this is the reality of war, the AP's decision to post photos of this in this likeness has stripped away this young soldier's dignity in his ultimate sacrifice to our country.  Semper Fi. God Bless America!

I have a son in the Army and he is still here in the states. I thought when our children , the young men and women who are over there for all of us to enjoy our freedom,should never have been sent. I am crying for the loss of this brave young man as that could and might be me. I did not look at the picture and I do not think it should have been published. Clinton could have gotten Osama Bin Laden years ago and did not. Leave the people in those countries to demolish themselves and keep them out of this country.Although with the present administration they do not care or even acknowledge that our children are there.My heart goes out to Lance Corporal Barnard's family and how we have lost a truly good young man.

If the AP can show images of this then i think they should quit their crying when some one shows the towers coming down. They cry oh its to offensive. But this is ok because it's educational to the people on the impact of war. Dont have to worry about offending any muslims, it's just an american dying.

The telling words of journalism could have told the story, the picture was not needed.  AP is reduced from being a news organization to a tabloid.  I'll get my news somewhere else.

P.S.  My sincere condolences to the Bernard family for your loss.

just because a tragedy is "withheld" doesn't mean it didn't happen....putting your head in the sand has never worked.

How many times a day do you actually think of those in harms way?

Semper Fi LCpl Bernard

Marine Combat Veteran, Vietnam 1965-66

Marine Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard and his family have now paid the ultimate sacrifice multiple times. First for the cause of freedom, second for the War on Terror, third for the eradication of the Taliban from Afganistan, and lastly as a victim of AP President Thomas Curley's incredulous insensitivity to their war hero son. As a veteran I truely believe that freedom is not free, and it is a debt that cannot ever be repaid. But our debt to these brave men and women, and to their family's, should begin with the ultimate respect for them. Shame on you AP, you have disgraced the sacred trust that we, the citizens, grant to the press thru the laws of this great nation. Your first responsibility is to promote decency above all, and to protect those who gave the ultimate sacrifice protecting the very freedoms that you enjoy.

The pictures aren't even any good. Motion blurred and out of focus. Why they even got published anywhere is beyond me.

I do not see anything wrong with the two pictures that show the wounded Marine, who I am sorry to say die'd later. These pictures are not as bad as the ones that Time Mag.showed during the Vietnam war. I serviced two tours of duty there with the Marines,1st and 3rd Marine Divisions and saw worse up close first hand. I understand that this young man's father was a Marine 1stsgt.like myself, if he has not objected to these pictures then no one else should.

This is war..I am saddened by his death and all the deaths of our soliders fighting this war..we need to see what our soliders see and experience what they experience everyday..we can not live blindly in our country..this is there world and we should be apart of it..even when it is death..I am not a solider or a journalist..but I support them and the task that is in front of them..my prayers are with them and hope they will come home soon...

It's a reality we have to deal with when we're at war! The american public has been told to sit and roll over at the same time so initially they're confused. First, the people complain on how the media can be selective or on how they edit the the material. Well guess what!? This is journalism and they're doing what needs to be done. They're delivering a story, which comes attached with a  photo to show you, the american public, that our children are dying out there due to political reasons. We should be upset with the political figures in office who continue to promote and fund this meaningless war, which they profit from. When will you wake up America!? They continue to send you like sheep into the slaughter with what results or benefits? Let's see what "Freedom" we'll regain after this war on terror is over. Maybe a tax hike here and there to cover the expenses. It's been a lie and if you can't admit to it then you my friend are in denial or just plain stupid. Maybe you'd like to see more die in the name of freedom. I suggest you stop complaining about the Associated press and get off of your ass and oust those in congress who support this crap! I wouldn't be surprised with those whom are complaining would agree with war on irans border. You're so gullible you'll believe anything.

My brother is currently in Kandahar, Afghanistan and I would be extremely offended if a photo of this nature were published of him. I agree that it accurately portrays the wounds, both physical and emotional, this war has brought to millions of American families, however, when decency is overlooked to make the news, we are no better than children poking fun at the less fortunate. Yet, we do not have the excuse of not "knowing better", we damn well know better. This is sick, and should have never been published in respect for the family of this brave soldier, and for the respect of the armed forces in general.

Most of us can recall iconic photos from other wars which document the violent death of participants.  Who can forget Robert Capra's "Death of a Loyalist Soldier" from the Spanish civil war?  Or the grainy movie of the D-Day landings on Omaha beach where we see the American GI dropped by a German bullet?  Or the summary execution of a communist guerilla in the streets of Saigon?

The only difference between this photo and the other iconic photos from previous wars is that we know the personal tragedy that this family and this unit has endured.  I agree with the AP photographer that it is important for American citizens in the midst of this long and deadly war to be aware of the sacrifice that we are asking our soldiers and their families to endure.  As graphic as this photo is, it compels us to truly and sincerely think about whether what we are doing in Afghanistan is worth the cost.

I agree with John Keegan's statements about casualty imagery.  People have a problem with it because it brings attention to "the paradox of modern warfare".  That is, western society has become increasingly humane in all aspects of life while at the same time engaging in wars that "destroy human beings in more technical and creative ways".  It's hypocrisy.  

If that brave soldier was my brother I would want the photo published to show the nation the reality of war.  Maybe if the average citizen grasped the horror they would think a bit deeper about the necessity of our current operations.

my friends
i am shure our ememies are laughing at what we are doing to ourselves in this county , they do not need to ruin us , we are doing quite well on our own , just take a look !!
as we have seen to which obviously some of you are blind . our ememies care nothing about death to anyone man woman or child , be it american or their own people

I invite any of the supporters of this image to feel free to publish a photo of their dying relative for the world to see.  After all, maybe we need to see more graphic images of drownings, cancer, car accidents, heart attacks, children run down in the street, etc to better understand the brutality of our world.

As a retired Marine I veiw the release of this photo as a somber reminder of the realities of war.  I feel pain for the young Marine and pain for those he has left behind...

.... but also from a Marines perspective, there is no greater honor than to die protecting your fellow Marine, serving your country and your God.  This young man died a hero's death.

Remember this....

Some people live their entire lives wondering if they've made a difference. Marines don't have this problem.

Any wasted life is tragic, what is more tragic when such live have been wasted in illigal wars waged by war beneficiaries to promote selfish agendas and biblical myths that plaged our country for the last nine years.
I will not be happy to see the Taliban marching as the rulers of My down town Chicago, I bit they are not happy to see Us marching as rulers not Tourists in Kabul.
We need to stop this crazy Vietnam II, we should be smart enough to learn from recent history; it is not that remote to forget it was in the 1970s for God's sake!
Why our country has been turning to country of corporations rather than descent people; Corporation that think that the world is one big ranch that if a fair play to go out and grab other's resources and home lands under the deceiving titles of spreading democracy and freedom, or fighting terrorism, when infact, we are terrorizing the rest of the world with murderous wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza, Somalia..etc. either directly as the case in Iraq and Afghanistan or by using our popette proxies all over the world.
Then we wounder why we may not be likable but the affected countries of such reckless policies.
We are pretending that we support democracy and freedom, when infact we took it away from the Afghnees, Iraqis, Palestinians...This culture of hypocracy and lies that was so obvious with Bushs' Administration; painted us as the people of Jinkins Khan whose followers murdered countless number of humans in cold blood for being in their way during their campaign to control the entire known world to them. Infact, they murdered around ONE MILLION Iraquis in Baghdad at the time. Of course, then came Hulaku II in the name of Bush Senior, then after the Infamous Hulaku III as Bush junior.
The principles of physics never fail, ever action has its reaction that it may equal its amount and comes back around to its source.
A colleague in the service once said, that this country caused so much harm overseas, that he wishes he won't be hear if they retaliate. I hope they don't, I hope we can reconcile with the world and put the politicians responsible for the messes behind bars so we can lead the world on the right premises, other than Bully them!

I applaud the AP for publishing the photo of Josh Bernard.  It's about time the US public actually sees the harsh realities of war and the danger our soldiers face on a daily basis.

People should be outraged not by the AP reporter who photographed Josh's bravery in combat, but by the political figures who put Josh in that predicament to begin with.

To most Americans, the deaths of soldiers are simply unfamiliar names in a newspaper or a casualty count on a web page...sterilized for mass consumption.  

Well, wake up people!  War is violent, brave people die gruesome deaths, and the realities of war are offensive.  The public needs to see the truth and it's about time we did.

Peace be with Lance Cpl. Josh Bernard and the family he left behind.  Thank you for your service to this nation.

War is not pretty and this very image is a reminder of what is going on in Iraq and Afghanistan. I would hope that the TRUTH of the photo would compel people to protest this war like the Vietnam war was protested. It is time to end this insanity. The reality is that young men and women, mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, husbands and wives are dying at an alarming rate in this senseless war. My prayers go out to the family of the soldier and as far as the photographer.... she was doing her job documenting this atrocity. My daughter has been over there and will soon be going back to serve in the armed forces was her decision as an adult and she knows the potential consequences as do we. Get your heads out of your behinds and see this photo for what it is, the truth and horror of war. Get mad at the President and Congress to call a halt to Bush's War.

This hits a bit close to home for me.  While I firmly believe in our freedoms as Americans and I'm firmly against censorship, I'm also torn as being the family member of someone who serves in the military.  What is boils down to is respect.  Yes, we have the freedom of speech.  Yes, we are free of censorship.  But we have a responsibility to eachother to be respectful of one anothers wishes.  The family asked that the picture not be published. Let's show some compassion, let them grieve thier loss.  Show some respect for the dead, US Marine or not, he was someone's loved one first.  

IT IS NECESSARY TO SHOW THIS KIND OF PICTURE TO THE U.S. PEOPLE AND THE GOVERNMENT AS WELL... TO GET OUR POINT ACCROSS.. THAT POOR SOLDIER WAS VERY YOUNG, FULL OF DREAMS AND THINKING ABOUT COMING BACK HOME SAFE AND SOUND, ABLE TO GO TO COLLEGE AND HAVE A FAMILY.. BUT THAT IS THE BIG LIE THEY ARE TOLD...BEFORE THEY ENROLL.. REALITY IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENTE...THEY GET KILL AND THESE SOLDIERES ARE JUST A NUMBER.. WE TAKE FOR GRANTED A LOT OF THINGS AND MAINLY THESE PEOPLE DIYING AND BY DYING ARE NOT ACCOMPLISING ANYTHING..WE STILL HAVE A SCREWED UP SYSTEM, THE ECONOMY IS NOT THE GREATEST, STILL POOR PEOPLE AMERICA AND DEFINETELY WE ARE NOT STOPPING TERRORISM... MY HEART GOES TO HIS FAMILY.. BUT WE HAVE TO SHOW THIS TO STOP THE WAR.. ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.. AND STOP PRETEND THAT IT DOES NOT EXIST.. CLINTON, BUSH, AND OBAMA.. IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN THEY ARE VACATIONING SOMEWHERE IN TEXAS, MARTHA'S VINEYARD, ETC. ETC.. AND WHERE ARE ALL THESE SOLDIERS??? TAKING THE  PUNISHEMENT AND EATING DIRT.. PLEASE STOP THE WAR!!.. WITH THESE ENDLESS WAR.. WHAT HAVE WE ACCOMPLISHED?

It seems to me people who are offended by reality are often ones who don't want to be confronted by the way they voted. Those votes come to roost. These are not robo-soldiers going over there.

As a sergeant in the Marine Corps I think it is disgusting that a photo like this would be released against the wishes of the family.  If I go down and my mom has to view images like this I will come back to haunt the reporter.

I find it ridiculous that the press would even consider publishing these pictures. As a former soldier myself, I have fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Secretary Gates' request for the press not to publish the photos are not to obstruct freedom of press and hide what's going on in the wars - he's the same man that changed policy to allow photographs of US soldiers coffins arriving stateside. Rather, it's his attempt to take care of that Marine's family so they do not have to see their son's dying moments broadcast across the news. Where are the pictures of people dying from gunshots during a robbery in Washington DC? Those aren't on the front page, where you can see the victims bleeding and dying - this is an attempt further anti-war sentiment with blatant disregard for the Marine's family. The military is protecting your rights, how about you respect their privacy!

I commend the AP for bringing the reality of conflict into the living rooms of the American Public. There is no greater love then from one who gives all in the service of our Country. In my humble opinion, this points out the need to either bring the massive retaliatory capability of the United States and "finish it". Or, bring home those who have selflessly committed to stand in harms way and give the last measure that Freedom will continue to flourish.

I have no words to express my grief at the loss of one of ours. And have no words to express my enduring support and respect of those who continue to give their all in the defense of Freedom.

Real nice trigger finger that journalist has, they should join up.  I am sure it was a dream shot for them and was only less so that they had only one man down to take a picture of instead of the entire group. Oh, what am I saying, they need at least one to drive them back to base to get the story out by dead line. To the postings regarding the "truth of war", if you want to see a close up of such things join up like I did, like he did.  To have a grubby journalist bring you that shot safe and easy in your home, and you belive you have a right to see it, shows you to be the coward you are. Only ones who have a right to see it are the one in uniform and we don't need to.

The American People are a tough breed and can live with the scenes of war. Our T.V. shows and movies are far more graphic than what was viewed in these pictures. As a Veteran and a retired Police Officer, some of the instances I have seen in my life time will remain with me forever. I can empathize with the Soldier's family in not wanting the pictures of their son to be published on a personal level. However, it is my opinion the pictures should be viewed by the American People so they can relate to the sacrifices being made in their behalf by these gallant young men and women. The proof of this can be seen each and every day by all, if they would care to visit a V.A. Facility. There are hundreds of Veterans who have made that sacrifice and it is plainly evident by the missing limbs, eyes and the scars of battle they bear. In a lot of cases, these are the lucky ones who have returned to us and will pick up the pieces and go on with their lives. The others, who have made the supreme sacrifice, will not.

You Obamanations should be castrated for showing this. This shows that we soldiers do not give our lives for our country, our lives are ripped apart and stolen brutally, as yours should be, you insensitve socialist pigs.
Sergeant-Major Anthony Anoia

Show the picture, don't release the names, problem never occurs.

The men dying on the beach at Normandy?  Heros! We have all seen video of men being mowed down.  This man? A Hero!!!!!!  It is our military that trains and sends in reporters so why is the report a surprise.  Why does the reporters view of all this need to be suppressed.  I feel we need to realize how dreadful war is and maybe it would help encourage us to stay out of wars.

sad, really, that i took the time to follow this. not because of him, nor his demise, rather the fact that peaple actually believe that war is a fun lil' game played in a fun lil' place. wake the *sigh* up people, you pay for this, own up too it by doing NOTHING

The reality of war should be shown.  We need to know what's really going on, unlike the past few years.  People are dying for no reason.  Show the real story of what is happening not the sugar coated fantasy of the past 8 years. I applaud all who report the truth.

The price for freedom of the press, words, speech, is burdened by a picture honestly depicting a fallen countryman.  Let that freedom live even though sadness comes from honesty. So that we all may live better, let all his countrymen rally for what he gave his life for. We need that honesty to be who and what we are. We too have minds and hearts that are with him.

Nothing like showing the kids of our service members just how your Daddys going to die. It's ok though, Mommy there to comfort you in the middle of the night. The media's agenda is more important than your mental health.

Look at this kids eyes in that picture. That's gonna be his parents last memory of him. The look of confusion and imminent death.

Much has evidently changed since the Vietnam War and the images that we saw every day of soldiers and civilians mortally wounded.  Much worse images are shown routinely of dying and dead, dismembered soldiers of
World War II.  This is the harsh reality of wars.  We cannot stick our head in the sand and not realize daily what is happening to our young men and women.  Do I want to see these images?  No!  I wish we did not have wars that were killing and maiming and thus have to have these images.  They need to be shown to enlighten and remind us all of what is happening and the reality of it all.  God bless this young brave man and his family and comrades.  They are fighting to keep us safe from Muslim extremist who would not think twice about sawing our heads off.  We need to see these photos as we did during Vietnam era and we need to be sickened and angered.

This is no way that publishing this photo has done any good.  The AP show close their doors forever over this one.  The man gave his life to protect the freedom of the AP and this is how they repay him.  If everyone wants to send a message to the AP and other news organizations lets just stop watching the news programs and buying newspapers for a week and see how fast things change.  If we as a country band together and start hurting the BIG GUYS in their pockets then we can get something done about things like this.  But as long as this country will only pay lip service to something like this and by tomorrow we forget about it then this will continue.  Band together people and lets hurt them where it hurts the most in their pockets.

MEDIA DOGS

MY SON IN LAW WAS KIA IN IRAQ
THEY DIDNT PUBLSIH ANY PHTOTS THANK GOD THERE WAS NO DEATH CHASING CAMERA HOUNDS THERE

TOTALY NO RESPECT FROM THE PRESS
DEATH SELLS AND GETS RATINGS

MAY GOD PAY YOU BACK PRESS CORP

The price for freedom of the press, words, speech, is burdened by a picture honestly depicting a fallen countryman.  Let that freedom live even though sadness comes from honesty. So that we all may live better, let all his countrymen rally for what he gave his life for. We need that honesty to be who and what we are. We too have minds and hearts that are with him.

FIRST of all this is not a dying soldier.  This is a wounded soldier fighting to live who eventually succumbed to these severe wounds.
SECONDLY, without information like this, our media is plaqued by cr&p like Michael Vick and Michael Jackson (for two months).  Have some respect for our men in battle and acknowledge their fight.
THIRDLY, that leads to the question of WHY are we there?  WHY are we patrolling someone else's mess and religious confusion?  WHY do we sit here an complain we are not fat enough with wealth and economic stimulous.....

I think the family should be consulted as to whether the photo should be released.  But personally, I feel we need to see the brutality of war.  All of it.  It's the cold, hard truth of what men & women are facing every day over there & why so many come back traumatized.

There are some moments in life when privacy is needed and dying is one of those times. AP should pull the photo out of respect for the marine and the family. Many of us who have experienced war know the consequences. The photo is an overstatement and unnecessary.

My most sincere sympathies to the family, believe me when I say all good Americans grieve alongside with you, unfortunately, only God can understand and comfort the pain the lost of your son has brought to your family. Joshua brings to my mind another warrior, also named Joshua  "...No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage..." Joshua 1:5-6. Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard, I salute you! America lost a good son, heaven won a warrior, thank you for keeping us safe at home, may your sacrife and the reporters unethical decision somehow help to bring the rest of your brothers in arms home.

May God Bless this Marine and his family.

Semper Fi brother.

I see nothing wrong with the photo. For the people against it, If you have a big problem with it then why are you veiwing it. Its war soldiers die every day this one photo just got a chance to be published. All of my heeart goes out to his family and the other families who have lost loved ones.  

I am a Vietnam Marine Veteran-- on TV back then they would show dead and dying veterans : although very very sad, if the parents and veteran do not object to it, then I think it is ok to show how terrible war is-- for both sides.  This is the only way for wars to stop-- to shock all peoples into realizing the need for talk and diplomacy.  Lets try and "mature" as a planet--moving from violence-- toward diplocacy-- then peace.

My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. I think that the reality of conflict is well know and the sacrifices are high. This picture should not have been published and I hope that AP and the journalist that took it, never have to see their son or daughter in a picture like this.

I am sick and tired of hearing the AP defend the tactlessness of it's reporters.  Where do you draw the line between "just getting the story" and stepping on the rights of others.  The photographer and the AP should be dragged out in public and flogged, tarred and feathered.  I'm sick and tired of the press feeling that it is their right to be disgraceful and step on the rights of others.  If it were any of those who are involved in this situation on the AP side, they would want this to be kept private.  Have some tact and and grow a brain and actually think about how this could affect people for a change.  It is apparent that the new media is out of control.  This isn't enforcing the freedom of speech or the freedom of press.  I had a teacher once tell me that my rights end where the next person's begins.  The AP should have listened to the family and not published these photos.  I fully support the firing of the photographer, the president of the AP and others who are involved.  Then maybe they can grow some cajones and go over to Afghanistan and do what many young men and women are doing...a real job.  You should all be ashamed of yourselves and I hope that one day you can understand the pain and hurt you have put this family through.

I cannot condone the use of these images especially after the family asks them NOT to be used. How is it in America the family can so no to photographs of a returning warriors final journey home but these photos are allowed? As the proud father of a U.S.Marine who has seen multiple tours over in the sand box I can understand not wanting the photos released. Can the publisher look at the fallen hero’s mother and explain why…? Myself and other parents may not like to see our family over there, but don’t disrespect them for it, call your government to let them know, don’t use our brave men and women as political ploy to make policy.

 Which is more important, journalistic integrity or embolden our enemy with these photos?  Both the AP and the photographer have blood on their hands.  No doubt these as well as other clips that have been made public in the name of journalistic integrity will be used to train our enemy and embolden them .
 My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young fallen hero , you are in my prayers. May you  find peace and take comfort knowing that we all grieve with you in  this precious loss of life.
 God Bless America ......
 God Bless all our men and women in uniform all over the world....

This boy was already dead when AP asked his father for permission to print the picture.  At that point compassion for the grieving parents was in line.  Nothing AP gained was worth the pain inflicted on his parents.

It is good to see these images, too often the news sugar coats the hard truths of life. This image was actually quite tame to some I have seen in international news. People need to grasp the reality, I'm glad MSNBC showed this.

To those who want to capitulate to Islam to avoid conflict.  Move to the East, convert and get on your your knees 5 times a day. See how happy you are then.  Yeah, war sucks but Islam sucks more.  I am not for being in Afghanistan, they seem to want to suffer and be murdered by the Taliban and we should allow them that. It is after all what they had before we showed up and will be what they have when we head out. It is Allah's will, just ask them.

My thoughts and prayers go out to LCP Bernards family. War is ugly and a sad reality to so many of these people who live in this part of the world. The pictures drive hoem the point that war is ugly. In my opinion, the pictures are not any more graphic than a WWII picture or any Vietnam War pictures. No parent likes to lose a child under any circumstance. Let's give this family some room to grieve for their son. Let's put a positive message out there instead of constantly berating these young men and women who serve and the people who report it. This young man lost his life and he has my utmost respect. It takes a special person to put on that uniform, whatever branch it may be. Either stand behind our troops or if you're brave enough - stand it front of them. Give them all the support they deserve. I believe they've earned it.

The truth is painful and disturbing, but it's still true. When making a decision to stay in a war, we as a country should be fully informed of the conditions and casualties of our choice to remain in Afghanistan. A picture says a thousand words, and I believe it was pictures that eventually got us out of the quagmire of Vietnam. As horrible as it is, look at it, America, then make an informed decision.

There is no greater love than he who lays down his life for another! I dont hear any controversy over displaying Jesus being crucified on the cross from Christians. Just like this picture, it sends a message and tells a story. It took me seeing the movie "The Passion of Christ" to truly understand what Jesus did on the cross so that I would not have to spend eternity in Hell. Maybe if we saw more of the reality of what was really going on over there we wouldnt have so much division here.  Maybe we would all remember how seeing those horrible scenes of those planes crashing into the Twin Towers made us feel...insecure and afraid at first but patriotic and religious after the initial shock. American Flags were everywhere, churches were filled, and America was once again One Nation Under God not over God. Without the pictures, we would have counted it as just another news story and went on about our way the following day. As a former Corpsman in the USN, I can tell you that I saw films of people being killed as part of my training for a reason. There should be more controversy over how people are shown getting killed on prime-time TV, SciFi, video games, etc. When the video of the American being beheaded was shown, I chose not to watch it, but my husband did and cried for hours.  The point here is the same as for this picture.....you had a choice thanks to all the American Soldiers since the beginning of America!  God Bless this soldier's soul, his family, our troops, their families, and the USA!

Given the circumstances, common decency
dictates that the image should not have been
published.  Very poor taste and judgment, AP.

How many people (including myself)chose to look at the photo? I would have to agree with all of the comments that say that it needs to be posted. Everyone should know that our military puts their lives on the line everyday for our freedoms. People were conflicted for a long time about the images from 9/11 but without these images people cannot appreciate what it means to be free. What it costs. My heart does grieve for this marine and his family but if my husband (who is a soldier) or my son (joining ROTC and plans to be a soldier) lost their life in this manner I would want the world to know their sacrifice. I love my family and my country and am grateful to those who have lost their lives protecting us all. I think it is important to know and to remember.

As a journalist and a photographer (although I do not know the photographer), I do understand why the photo was taken (however I personally don't approve at the moment, of it being published).

Remember, if he survived and had a heart warming, hero-making story, the photos could have received potential praise (especially if clean instead of blurry shots). So please, do not demonize the photographer.

However, he did pass. Although those photos show something happening, it's not clear. The final photo in the slide show (gun barrel down with helmet and dog-tags hanging from it, with soldier pay his respects), tells more of the story than the photos in question... and would have been the better choice by most papers (and was most likely the choice by most too).

But, I would like some of you ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ISSUE, to really THINK about it this for a second; thinking before reacting. The Associated Press will show photos of buildings as they explode with bodies being blown aside... Sometimes even photos of children dying due to some terrorist action. However, the Department of Defense at times even praises the AP photographers for their work.

Now we have a hero, defending what he believes in, his sacrifice possibly allowing (at least in part) the rest of his team and the photographer to survive. Yet, somehow it is wrong to show the photo? This isn't a photo of someone getting mortally wounded; this is a photo of someone giving his life protecting life and what he believes in.

Totally inexcusable to publish this photo. Try and show some dignity. Al Qaida and all the other Arab hostiles are getting a good chuckle right now. Obviously the embedded photogs can't control themselves... send them all home and no more embedded journalists. Period, end of story.  

Once again history is repeating it self.....     Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is to be praised for his actions and AP President Thomas Curley will someday experience  remorse for his actions.     Above all else Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard family request should have been honored.    I wish to express my heart felt sarrow for Joshua's lose of life to his family & friends. I would also like to say THANK YOU to all who serve our country.    

I believe that the familiy's request should have been honored. Instead the liberal press decided to over ride that request in order to put forth their liberal view of the war. To assume what the dying soldier would have wanted is ridiculous. He is the ONLY ONE who would know what HE WANTED. Thus the decision belonged to his family and the AP should truly be ashamed and apologize to the family; for using the photo of this dying soldier against their specific request.

MSNBC and AP should have listened to Secretary of Defence Gates and NOT published these photos.  It does not promote any cause nor shed any enlightenment.

the face or image of war is something the US people need to see

remaining sanitized from what is going on will continue the ignorance of the cost of sending our sons and daughters into a foreign land to defend interests of corporate America

As the wife of a US Navy Corpsman, I am blessed for his save return physically. Mentally is a different story. Not only did these 2 Marines came to their brother's aid but they too will forever be scarred by these images and the LAST thing ALL MARINES and CORPSMEN need is to be reminded of this image, which I'm sure will FOREVER remain in their minds. This was a *no brainer*; AP should've granted the family's wishes.
To the Family my condolences.
To the MARINES and DOCS: Semper Fi

As a Marine Corps combat veteran of Viet Nam, (Da Nang 67-68), I cannot express my complete disgust at the publishing of this photo.  The excuse, please note I did not say reason, this was published, was to show the people the horror of war.  If there is someone out there who is unaware of the horrors of war, this picture will not help.  The reason it was published confirms the saying “if it bleeds, it leads”.

For the AP to go against the family and SecDef Gates wishes shows, in my opinion, lack of respect, ethics and common sense.  Obviously, common sense is not so common at AP.  They only want the headlines and circulation (money) that go with it.

Had I been KIA in Viet Nam, the last thing I would have wanted would be to have my parents view pictures of my last minutes, my wounds and my brother Marines and Corpsmen trying their best.

We, in Viet Nam, had Jane Fonda.  Afghanistan now has Julie Jacobson.
The phrase ”giving aid and comfort to the enemy” comes to mind.

The photo is a true depiction of war and all the ugly tragic realities of it.  We sit in our comfortable homes at night and do not realize that we have men and women overseas fighting to defend THEIR lives, ours lives and OUR country.  Are we oppossed to publishing this photo because of the explicit nature, or because it's an open-handed slap that jolts us back to reality of what's really going on overseas?  Yes the photos is shocking, however, what's even more shocking is that we still have men and women overseas fighting a war that should have never been.  

Completely wrong to shoot this photo - should spend more time and media at Walter Reed to see our soldiers healing rather than dying, purely a political reason to publish this photo by the AP editor without showing any compassion for the family of this young soldier - a manifestation of what is wrong with today's media, too bad Walter Cronkite passed because I'd like to have his take on this.

What is gained from showing this picture? Does the AP think this picture is so moving that it ends the war? That it will help in someone deciding whether to join the Armed Forces or not? Neither of those reasons mean anything compared to the pain that not only the family has in seeing their son in this condition, but also those that were friends of this soldier or others in the Armed Forces that have to face the reality of this everyday. Now you have just escalated the fear and concern of every family and friend that has a soldier serving. Congratulations AP, for being the fear mongorers of the US.

This is real!  This man died for our freedom.  I can understand those of you that believe that it is wrong to view this image, but for me, it made me cry, but also made me proud.  I don't know this man, but I love and respect him. To me, this picture shows the ultimate hero.  Men and women are dying every day at the hands of war.  We hear about it every night on the news, and we are sad for the soldiers and for those that they left behind.  But as we have seen their posed service picture, and heard their stories on the news, has any of it ever hit us as hard as seeing this photo of this brave man?  Has it made us appreciate what these men and women are sacrificing for us every day?  I think the majority would say no.  My thoughts and prayers go out to this man and his loved ones.  My husband served in Desert Storm, and thankfully came home safely, but I know many did not.  However, throughout all of this time that we have been fighting this war, nothing has touched me so deeply as this photo.  I made it real for me.  Something that makes me appreciate all servicemen and women even more than I ever have.  GOD bless every single one of them, and may they return home safely.    

Take it down! it doesn't serve any purpose but to agitate and swirl the emotions of family and others.    There is a war on drunk driving too, but I do not see the human side of those incidents published. Perhaps the decision makers would like a picture of their daughter published as she is dying after an drunk driver hits her car.  Come on now, lets hold decision makers to a good level of common sense!

My first tour in the Marines was with G 2/3, to my fellow "G Men" and the other Island Warriors I grieve with you the only way another Marine can.

ASSOCIATED PRESS CAN'T GET MUCH LOWER.  HOW DISGUSTING FOR A NEWS ORGANIZATION TO STOOP THIS LOW.  AP, YOU'RE NO LONGER WELCOME IN OUR HOME - YOU AND ANY PRODUCTS YOU SELL.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!  AND GOD BLESS LANCE CORPORAL BERNARD AND HIS FAMILY.  

AP HAS PROVEN THAT STUPIDITY CAN'T BE CURED.

I cannot understand why someone who supports this war would not be proud of the sacrifice this man has made for what he believed in. And, why whitewash, or sanitize, the reality of what it means to make that sacrifice? It is not an arbitrary or purely theoretical choice that soldiers make to risk their lives. Images like this give a sense of what it really means in "blood and treasure."

Lance Corporal Bernard, one of the many brave defenders of our rights, unselfishly paid the ultimate price to give the AP reporter the right to choose to publish this photo.  Sadly, she chose to exploit him and add to his  family's pain.  As a veteran I, as well as every other servicemember, knew that when I raised my right hand and swore to defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I was VOLUNTEERING to go into hostile areas to PROTECT the citizens of the United States of America....and if there was bloodshed--that didn't mean we get to quit fighting because some reporter published a picture of it back home.  I don't know what message the reporter is trying to "shock" into the minds of the American public.  We all know we're at war.  Perhaps she should publish a picture of an unidentifyable civilian jumping out of one of the twin towers 8 years ago and remind everyone why our troops cannot leave Afghanistan until the Taliban is wiped out.

I wish that people saw the real effects of war more often.  Yes, the whole thing.  Body parts blown apart.  Blood everywhere.  People should be shown what really happens both to honor the dead and not hide the realities of war.  If people knew what really happens in combat perhaps we just might be less likely to jump into war.

I think it is important to report truthfully, not censor.  The men and women in the war become only numbers and America feels no grief by numbers.  This photo depicts a number but we are outraged by seeing the reality of war.  We need to not forget why we are at war and the high cost we pay.  Rest in peace LCpl Bernard and prayers to his family.

Reality of war is a face that some don't want you to see. Images make it reality..... hiding those images only makes YOU feel good. I HATE THE WHOLE IMAGE OF WAR!

This is REALITY it is time we all as people stop hiding the truth of WAR!
It is not a pretty picture and our military personnel are being KILLED! Why don't we use this photo to help put an end to this BOY TOY, called WAR!!!

I hate the press! Thay tear away every day at the very moral fabric of this country! I only hope the people who made the decision to disrespectthis families wishes...will realize what they have done, and in some way have to sufferthe same anguish.

Alot of people here to think that it's some kind of heresy to post a photo like this... but then again as long as the war stays 12,000 miles away and we don't have to think about it much more than what we hear in a 5 minute "blurb"  on the news...it's all okay, right?

Whatever your feelings on the war (we should have gone, we shouldn't have gone, we went to the wrong place) we need to realize that as a whole this is the price our country is asking young men and women to pay.  

It's the truth, it's real, and we shouldn't sugarcoat it.  

The truth, which we've been avoiding since 09/11, will either do one of two things...

A. Solidify us in our resolve in the war to defend our government and country that was under attack...
-or-

B. Make us consider that we've committed a grave, grave error paid for by the blood of those who obediently went where their government sent them.

However, until we face the truth of what we've over the past eight years, and the price we've paid for our decisions we'll straddle the fence for many more years to come.

Jethro  

Yes, this is hard to view. But, many either weren't around or don't remember what was on the evening news every night during the Vietnam War. We saw death in large numbers on the TV regularly. It brought home the ugliness of war and especially the sacrifices of our soldiers in a war zone. Most of us can't even begin to understand the number of fatalities that occurred on a daily basis in WWII. The only way to form an intelligent opinion about a  war is to be exposed to what's really happening.

I personally feel that people are kept from understanding the reality of war. It does not make sense to me to hid images that are truth. People are asked and encouraged everyday to participate in war but they are not simultaneously exposed to the harsh and unfair reality of war. Why do we hide from this truth? Is it fair to not let people see what happens everyday in war and yet continue to accept that war is a solution. We protect ourselves from seeing disturbing images and consequently delude ourselves into thinking that this pain and loss is virtuous. Let people see all sides of war especially the bitter truths; we are in this together, let us understand together.

This picture should be on the front page of every newspaper and magazine in America untill the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are ended.
People need to realise that war is more than insipid bumper sticker slogans and empty "support the troops" posturing.
War is violent, bloody and cruel - just like the picture.

lets try again , shame on the press. ten minutes from now they will have forgotten, Those who served, those who were his family, will not forget.his last minutes are between those folks.

The AP should have honored the wishes of the family and not have published the photo. Ultimately, I believe it is the family's decision.  The AP has done an injustice to the family and certainly to the fallen Marine.

Kudos to AP for having the courage to tell America the real story and not hide it like BUSH and his cronies. And no, these are not death chasing photographers. Journalists are invisible people ..they are supposed to observe and report and not play sides or hide facts. So no point in spewing venom on AP. The photo captures the reality of war and  a Hero was born. It honours their sacrifice. Others on this blog who are ranting about the privacy and dishonour probably woulda been happy if he was just another statistic...another footnote...a two second mention of his name in the news...and then forgotten. Whether you agree or disagree now everyone knows freedom is not cheap and heroes like Joshua have paid the ultimate sacrifice for you to comfortably sit on your butt and speek your mind...IN FREEDOM !!!

Pure propaganda. Let me state first of all that I am not for this war.  I wonder if the "journalist" who took this photo would have the same point of view if it were his son. For example, the "journalist" had a son who was shot in the face on the streets of America and the point of the article were to restrict gun ownership.  I am sure he/she would not want it to be published just because it was a reality of gun violence. Sure hope he/she can sleep good tonight. I don't think Mr. Bernard's family will have as easy a time of it. God bless your family and you Joshua.

I do not understand why the name of this fallen hero was released with the photo.  The publication of the tragedy is important and vital to a free press and to our knwoledge of the war. That said, it is not so important that it violates the privacy of the family - especially when it is in direct opposition to their wishes.  I am perplexed by the decision of AP to list the name.  Was the photo alone not enough? This fallen soldier is one of our own.  He wore the uniform and followed his oath and completed his mission. He deserves appropriate recognition balanced with privacy for he and his family.  Because of the soldier's service we are very lucky not to have these scenes as part of our streets here in the USA.  Because of the service of the photographer, we all know what we expect and need from our leaders. Perhaps the management of AP will rethink their decsion and act more appropriately in the future.

The problem is that we do not see the truth about these wars. Americans are dying. His family knows he is dead, we know he is dead. When we hide reality, then reality becomes blurred. This image is real, we cannot say, "Well, maybe this is or maybe this isn't happening there." It is happening, every week and it will continue to happen. Our government has manipulated the images and the press to such an extent in these wars that we as a nation feel like these guys are just there, running through a town looking for terrorists during the day and partying there butts off at night. We are so catered to now by our government, our families, our friends to be so politically correct makes us unable to even stand for anything anymore in fear we may offend someone. Who cares, offend away, how do you think real change happens???? Status-quo is not working here, we need a change, we need to offend a nation, to stand up and demand change and demand an end to our troops dying because our government and the government of these nations have their own agenda. I am the last to side with those troops who signed up for service trying to get free money for college then complaining when they actually had to fight in the line of their service. BOO HOO to them, but I am the first to suppoer the fact that the service they are doing is a disservice to our nation and the troops themselves. Wake up America, it is this type of image that we need to light that fire within a proud nation, stop making it the next guys problem. This is our problem and we need to work to fix it and we need to realize that our reality in the press and government is as fake as Joan Rivers face.

The problem is that we do not see the truth about these wars. Americans are dying. His family knows he is dead, we know he is dead. When we hide reality, then reality becomes blurred. This image is real, we cannot say, "Well, maybe this is or maybe this isn't happening there." It is happening, every week and it will continue to happen. Our government has manipulated the images and the press to such an extent in these wars that we as a nation feel like these guys are just there, running through a town looking for terrorists during the day and partying there butts off at night. We are so catered to now by our government, our families, our friends to be so politically correct makes us unable to even stand for anything anymore in fear we may offend someone. Who cares, offend away, how do you think real change happens???? Status-quo is not working here, we need a change, we need to offend a nation, to stand up and demand change and demand an end to our troops dying because our government and the government of these nations have their own agenda. I am the last to side with those troops who signed up for service trying to get free money for college then complaining when they actually had to fight in the line of their service. BOO HOO to them, but I am the first to suppoer the fact that the service they are doing is a disservice to our nation and the troops themselves. Wake up America, it is this type of image that we need to light that fire within a proud nation, stop making it the next guys problem. This is our problem and we need to work to fix it and we need to realize that our reality in the press and government is as fake as Joan Rivers face.

While the photo does show the reality of war, it is still in very poor taste and judgement to publish when the family requested that they not be.  

I also question if any consideration was given to the damage that this reporter has caused to the relationship between combat units and current and future embedded reporters.  Not to say that the embedded reporters would be in any danger, but they will certainly not be trusted or welcomed.

How about giving the family the $$$ they've gotten for this foto. As for the Secretary of Defense, have every service member sign a photo release, this way ANY photographer would think about it twice before publishing any photos.

How quick we are to forget the events of September 11th.  How quick we are to forget our feelings of the injustice and horror of it.  Now, we curse this war and question why we are there.  How is it insensible to defend one's country against something like that ever happening again.  Yes, this photo is tragic.  Yes, I mourn for this fallen Marine and for his family, but let us not forget why we are there.  Let us not forget the numerous previous attacks against Americans by groups similar to those we now fight against.  This Marine knew what he risked and he knew the consequences of defending what he felt to be right.  Don't dishonor his memory by pretending that his sacrifice should be hidden away from those he he was sworn to protect.  As a fellow Marine, I belive he would be honored to know that the world was made aware of what he did and what he gave up.  Semper Fi, Marine.  Rest easy.

i would love to show you photos of taliban or alquida solders being tortured for info to save our troops lives , now thats the stuff worth showing . but dear god no we are to civalized for that . then just kill em , after all we dont want them to suffer ( do we bleeding heart  A HOLES )
oh and please lets not forget to take good care of the poppy fields we are protecting for them , geeez how could they asfford to fund a war aginst us without it to sell to u.s junkies
we cannot even cut the balls off of child murders and molesters after all its not right to do that to them
so dont think some poor terriorist  
should be punished ( god help the U.S )

To those folks who feel it is an injustice to a soldier's family to publish photos of the ravages of war- I say this--  Do you think we dont lie awake EVERY night with images worse than the ones posted running through our minds?  Our sons and daughters risk their lives every day so that you and your children can sit at home and complain about what is or isnt politically correct to publish about the reality of war!    

Do you think those that have fought for your freedom didnt SEE and EXPERIENCE pain, trauma or heartache?

THANK YOU to this young man's family for raising an honorable young man, you and your family have made the deepest sacrifice in the name of freedom and justice.

A Grateful Military Mom

With such movies as Saving Private Ryan, let me ask you what MORE horror did this picture show than that movie?  Having said that, WHAT was the purpose of showing this wonderfully brave soldier's last moments?  There was nothing in this picture that shocked us so that this world will no longer wage war. As everyone before me has stated, war is not pretty and these attrocities continuously occur.  The insensitivity of the media -- and I include ALL of it from local little town newspaper/radio to the major news reporting agencies, is just growing and growing and growing.  They are absolutely shameful.  I grieve with this soldier's family but honor him for the ultimate price he has paid.  

My utmost sympathies to this brave Marine's family.
Why do we continue to ignore the high price of war in lives, pain and more.
The reason these pictures are so controversital is because they are happening now.  Does anyone complain about WWII or even Vietnam war photos?  No, because time makes us forget the sharp pain, blood and death.
Maybe seeing the real horror will help end this conflict - soon - for all of us.

All those liberals above who said words to the effect that this is further evidence that we should not be in Afghanistan need to remember: WE ARE FIGHTING THE PEOPLE THAT SUPPORTED THE 9-11 TERRORISTS!  OH, did you forget that?

This exposition of a soldier should be a crime...If I were mortaly wounded in combat defending freedom...this would be the last image I would want my family to remember me by...For those of you trying to use this photo as a partisan political jab at any administration, you should be deeply ashamed!!  This man died for your FREEDOM...Let him, and his rest in peace!!!

When reading the story yesterday I said to myself, part of the military is violent and this was a sad report for the Marine Corps, a grateful nation and especially Lance Corporal Bernard’s family.  I applaud the Secretary of Defense and cannot believe AP, MSNBC and every other news agency that ran this photo for the sake of “news”.  Remember, yesterday you did not run the photo and today the minds met and thought it would be a money maker(news). You should respect the family’s wishes.  This is my opinion, but like you, I will share this with everyone I come in contact with and let’s see the ratings after.  

The press should remain free to inform the American public about the horror of war.  A good journalist could have accomplished that with a well written, descriptive piece of literature, without the need of graphic support from a grizzly picture.  A compassionate press would have spared the family the anguish of seeing their son's final moments splashed all over the media, including the internet. But it is not the press, but we the viewing public, that stimulate this type of reporting.  America has become a nation of gouls, and we thrive on graphic representations of death and suffering, and we are willing to pay to see them.  The marketplace drives this measure of reporting, and it is the marketplace that will reform it.  For those of us who are so fascinated by such spectacle, I invite you to visit your nearest recruiter, so you can get a first hand look at the glory of war.  God bless the men and women who have volunteered to endure such hardship so that we can sleep more secure in our homes each night.  Thank you LCpl Benard for the ultimate sacrifice you have made in the name of your countrymen.  May we never forget your bravery, nor the suffering of your family, as we pursue the mundane tasks of our own ordinary lives.

I am a Navy wife.  I would be very offended, disappointed and heartbroken if a picture of my husband dying this horrible death were posted for the entire world to gawk at.  This is the last memory that this young man's family will have of him!  Something that a lot of you need to understand is that the young men and women serving our country in the armed forces are doing so voluntarily!  They choose to sign their name on the dotted line and take all that comes with wearing the uniform.  Most are signing for the benefits and college money hoping that hey never have to see combat...BUT they know going into it that it could become a very real possibility.  The military did not start this war, they are simply carrying out the orders of their commander in chief and honoring the oath they took the day they signed up! Don't blame the military for what is going on over there, instead blame the people who sent them!  We should all know by now that terrorism is REAL!  In a matter of minutes 4 commercial airliners were brought down on OUR turf before anyone could react!  Americans are too comfortable and think..."It won't happen to us!" But it did!  And we have 2 choices....either we fight here on our land or we go over there!  I am thankful and forever grateful to the men and women in this country who make the ultimate sacrifice for people they don't even know.  They sign their name knowing that some day they may have to go to battle to protect our freedom.  The freedom to sleep in a nice warm bed, go to the movies, eat a hot meal,sit at a computer and comment on blogs about the war, see our children graduate high school or take their first steps!  I think a lot of people take for granted that this war, even though we all disagree with it, could very well be right here in our back yard!  It could be the American civilians and your loved ones being blown up everyday! The state of the economy and life in America right now stinks!  But as bad as it is right now...it could be worse! We could be in Iraq!
To those of you serving our country in the military and those who have served...THANK YOU for my freedom! THANK YOU for keeping me safe in my home and for allowing my children to get an education and enjoy all that life in America has to offer...good, bad, or ugly!  And THANK YOU for doing it voluntarily! Thank you to all of those you leave behind for supporting you, no matter how hard or how lonely it gets while you are gone, and being there to welcome you back home every single time you deploy! You are all true American HEROS!!!!

The one thing this photo shows that you really don't get from the story is, seeing those Marines out in the open, with no cover, risking their lives, to tend their fallen brother. Though I wish they would have respected the families wishes, this photo shows the bravery and courage displayed by our soldiers, and that Joshua Bernard was never alone. I hope people can look past the graphic part to see this, and that Joshua Bernards family can take comfort in seeing that their son was not alone, that soldiers were risking their lives to help him.
Semper Fi Joshua.

The press can be ruthless. The man gave his life for his country, now give him and his family the respect
that he deserves. Do not print the picture.

To those of you who think a dying soldier's picture should be shown so everyone knows 'the face of war, what war is really like, etc.'....have you ever heard of 'body not viewable'? Do you think families should be forced to view the remains of their loved ones when they are unrecognizable too?

When my husband was deployed, I feared something would happen to him. I guess I never thought I had to fear that if something did happen, it would be splashed all over the media.

Another thing, if you want to see the face of war so bad, go yourself....quit sensationalizing the death of this soldier.

Greetings everyone who thinks this is just a bit wrong or a lot wrong. Boo to those of you who think its okay.
I earn a living taking pictures in MN. I did not serve in the this war or any other. But I support those men and woman who daily dodge and unfortunately sometimes catch bullets, grenades, RPG's. Any photographer worth calling himself one, would have the sense not to hand over the files in the first place. Shame on you. No one wants to see pictures of THEIR FELLOW COUNTRYMEN maimed and torn apart in automobile accidents, why would anyone want to see a soldier bleed to death in the dirt and filth of the battlefield? Have you no sense of decency. Give Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard and his family some peace.

It is very sad that the media would not respect the wishes of the family of one of our fallen warriors. If the family would have given there support is one thing but they did not. The AP and any media outlet who published this photo should be ashamed. God Bless Lcpl Bernard and his family. Semper Fi.

The family asked that this particular photo to not be released nd their wishes should have been granted. Other families may not care if photos are published but this family did and it should no have happened. Yes, what happened to that soldier is a reality of war but there are other examples out there. May God or whoever your family prays to be with you in this time of sorrow and sorrowfully I thank you for your sacrifice.

The family asked that this particular photo to not be released nd their wishes should have been granted. Other families may not care if photos are published but this family did and it should no have happened. Yes, what happened to that soldier is a reality of war but there are other examples out there. May God or whoever your family prays to be with you in this time of sorrow and sorrowfully I thank you for your sacrifice.

While the publishing of this photo isn't exactly good journalism, I appreciate the fact it was... its a constant reminder that we are a nation at war, for the war-fighter, war on the ground is much more than politics and policy. We must must never forget the sacrifices that are made on a daily basis, sacrifices so we are even able to sit here and blog freely... He died a MARINE... Semper Fi-

There are two issues here: 1) AP published the name of the soldier, and 2) how to depict the reality of war.  From the photo, without the printed name of the soldier one could not determine who the soldier is.  Of course, after the AP reporter met with the family and told them they were printing the photo, the family would have known who it was.  The AP should not have identified the soldier.

Americans think war is something to play at, and something that is foreign to them in their daily lives.  Only those families who have been participants in war, or have loved ones in harms way today feel what war truly is.  We as Americans are conditioned to think of war a a game – think of all the video games on the market today, all themed around some form of combat.  We condition our children to believe war is “ok” since it is not part of our everyday lives and not something we touch and feel.  For those families with loved ones in combat, those conditionings have been done away with, and the reality of war is there each and every day.

These photo are continuous reminders of the horrors of war; defining for us reasons we Americans should not be so quick to pull the trigger in the name of security and American interest.  While it is very painful for families to be reminded through these photographs of the horrors of war their loved ones suffer, they should be drivers in our quest for a peaceful world; one in which war is not a weapon, but a last resort in DEFENSE of one’s country.  If not for the reporting of war through these photos, we would soon forget how terrible war is; and by extension the extreme sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces we put in harms way.

We can only hope and pray that one day these photos will be a thing of the past; a past that is never to be repeated.

Although the photo of this young man has stayed in my head and in my heart since I looked at it...keeping his sacrafice where it should be...always in our minds...any and all debate should have stopped with the request of a broken hearted family..I agree...you should be ashamed of yourselves.

Unfortunately, if more pictures like these were circulated maybe people would realize what the real cost of war is. I say show the photos.

being a veteran of 25 yrs, i commend these young soldiers for their sacifices they give/gave to keep this world a better place to live they are all heros as far as the video where is this persons compassion , he must be sitting on it all the time, yes vietnam was theirs to ,but this is modern america give this greving family respect and honer , they know that their son gave his life for his country , thats all they have to know if they want more details ,they can ask the military they dont have to see it, this reporter should be assigned a desk jod in sibberia better yet, FIRED

I see all of these postings saying that the press "shouldn't" publish these out of respect for the family.  Where would we draw the line? Should we not report government officials extra-marital affairs in fear of hurting the spouse?  With freedom, comes responsibility, and not everyone with freedom exercises good decision-making. I must agree that to even take the picture was in poor taste, but the family has the option (freedom) not to look.

It is a harsh reality. I feel for the family but also feel that Americans do need to see a small glimpse at what is happening when soldiers lose their lives over there. This was a brave soldier who died for his country. I'm sure he saw images like this every day.

I'm sure his family is exstatic to know this is out there for all in the world to see. Their son, father, brother and or grandson in bloody pieces.
I'd be sick. I am sick for that family and their loss. I am so sorry he had to die like that.

It only takes one crack in the sidewalk to make the whole thing crumble.  Maybe this view of what really happens in war would be the crack.  Bring them ALL home.

sitting here reading and commenting
i applaud one statement of i forget who on here said it but no truer words have been said
TO ALL OF YOU
LOOK AT THE PIC - AND AS YOU WRITE YOUR COMMENT REMEMBER BECAUSE OF THIS YOUNG MANS SACARFICE ALL OF YOU NO MATTER WHAT YOUR FEELIGS HAVE HIM TO THANK FOR YOUR RIGHT TO SAY ANYTHING AT ALL . AND SOME OF YOU JUST SIMPLY SHOULD BE ASHAMED , AND THE POOR KID DIED FOR YOU
AS WE TLAK OF HIM LETS ALSO REMEMBER
HIS BUDDIES WHO HELD HIM AS HE DIED
AND THE PHOTOGRAPHER WHO TOOK THE PIC , I SUPPOSE IN SOME OF YOUR DERANGED MINDS THIS MENT NOTHING TO THEM . AS ONE SAID IT WAS JUST A CHANCE TO SELL PIC,S
GO HAVE ANOTHER DRINK BUDDY  

To the family of Lance Corporal Bernard, my deepest sympathies and prayers to you in this your darkest hour.

To Ms. Julie Jacobson, I will not malign you, you are a reporter, and you are, as many before you, just as much a part of our freedoms. I am certain that your editor is quite thrilled with the sensationalism that you have brought about by this act. I realize that your journalistic endeavor has broken no written law. You merely took a series of photos, like those that did so in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia/Kosovo and a host of other hostilities. But somewhere along the way I truly believed that we as a people came to somehow respect and honor the wishes of a soldier, and their family, not to be made into public forum. That somehow we had transcended to a moral high ground and respected the fact that these soldiers are equally as entitled to their dignity in such situations.  

But I see the “Almighty Press” is far above even that as they choose who shall and shall not become the next tabloid fodder. I must ask though Ms. Jacobson, will you keep this photo on your desk to remind you of your finest hour?

As a former active duty Marine who served in Desert Storm and also cleared minefields, I saw death throughout my tour.  I personally find it extremly distasteful that the AP considers it ok to publish this image after the family explicitly requested it not be.  Obviously the AP / news services just want the advertising dollars...scum.


this picture is disturbing

Having served at the end of the Vietnam conflict (remember by our constitution only congess can declare "war") and having viewed countless G.I's being blown apart on the news...I still volunteered. That was when I was 19, today I know the results of the 50,000 men slain? Nothing, absolutely nothing...I'm sorry for the family ofthis young man, I have four boys that age and younger. Senseless slaughter to me is not acceptable. We need to get our boys home and rebuild our country. These senseless deaths in an unwelcome country are a travesty that only petroleum companies and faceless cowards of our nation's political system clearly understand. The American citizen is ignorant to the machinations on capital hill. We are being sold to the world, our country is falling due to high negligence from our leaders!

I agree that the family's wishes should have been respected, but this is a story that needs to be covered lest we forget where we are sending our men and women.  This man deserves all the honor and respect for his ultimate sacrifice and I am in awe of the courage our troops display in such a hell that is Afganistan.  Let's get out now.

As for AngelaofReddingCA's commment: I know many Vietnam Vets and a few of my neighbors are active military and they do not want to tell people how the hell they have been through. Why would they, for pitty, or glory? They serve because they WANT to. Remember, our military is completely voluntary. Your comments are as reckless as the people who published these pictures. I did not view the one where cpl Bernard was injured, there was no need. This proves once more that the journalism in this counrty is completely biased towards the left.

God help us all!

I served this country for 22 years as a Marine and a Combat Engineer so that the Associated Press could disregard and disrespect the request of this family.  There are no words to express my contempt and disgust for you loathsome creatures.  

The family specificly asked not to have the photos published. That would be the most important thing to me. The family wishes are what they should of followed and not what they can make off the photo. So shame on the AP for thinking of themselves instead of what a family grieving wants. I lost all respect for the AP.  I have not looked at the picture and will not out of respect to the family. At the same time I couldn't sit back and not say something. I believe in freedom of speech but I also believe in respect to the victims.

You know, I've read a lot of the comments. Some stating how the photo should tell Congress to have the US troops out, others disgusted by the photo and being quite critical of the photographer and AP for publishing it....yet....I bet more people than not viewed it. Morbid curiosity perhaps? But I find it ironic that the same people going on about it add to the whole thing by viewing it.  IF YOU feel that strongly about it then don't view it. I wish I could have added this comment without viewing it, as I cannot imagine how his family feels and what they are going thru...my condolences for their loss and this sad sad case of lack of judgement that puts them in the forefront during such a private time to grieve. There comes a time when it isn't all about getting the story..or the photo.  I only hope this doesn't happen again to another family for the sake of 'the story'.

The journalist and the AP who made the decision to release the photos have no heart at all.  This is the issue that will be in there conscious mind for the rest of their life that they made the biggest blunder.  They have to live with it.  That is a total disrespect to the family and friends of the brave soldier.

What I'm most upset about is that there are advertisements all around the picture being shown so we cna discuss the "controversy".  Do I really need to know there is a Bill Murray stripes marathon this weekend while looking at these photos?  Shame on you msnbc!

This is completely appalling!  They need to ban THIS photographer OR the AP completely!  It's one thing to show destruction, but to show a dying soldier (who died serving his country and to allow freedom of the press) is unconscionable!  Doesn't the military at least look at this stuff BEFORE it's transmitted?  If not, then Obama's TRANSPARENCY needs to turn more towards the White House and Congress and not against our servicemen and women and their loved ones!  Bad form AP!  And whoever is watching and releasing pictures to them!!!  Get them out of the embedded picture, period!  I would love to see the AP sued for injury to Bernard's family!  I wish I could take back what I saw!!!  But after viewing it, I wouldn't want to meet AP Photographer Julie Jacobson and promise I would be civil or wouldn't cause harm.  I would really like to know what the hell a female photog is doing on the front lines and how much danger she is causing to our troops to cover her a$$.

God Bless and take into his arms Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard and send his angels to give his loved ones comfort during this double trial.  

To everybody who has posted on this site. We never say anything when shown photo's of the dead and dying of thousands of individuals who happen to be from a country outside of the United States. Let alone if they happen to be civilians in Iraq or Afghanistan killed in this conflict. How many images of the killed and the maimed have we seen now in this war? A war that is approaching almost ten years. We can see plenty of victims just as long as we don't know them and they are someone foreign to us. But make it someone we love, make it personal and intimate and we all take sides. It is understandable that this will never end. We always keep sending the young to war, and when they are slain we weep over it, if we are witness to it then we scream about it. We never end it. It keeps going on and it never ends. Blame the politicians who orchestrate this. Blame the parents who let their young go, but blaming the media is going to get us nowhere. Honestly it is really never going to end, and all your yelling will never change it.

It is inevitable that some of us will have to see our loved ones in pain during their last few moments alive here on this earth.  It is a moment/sight that will NEVER be forgotten regardless of all of the countless memories!!  I think the AP Reporter that took this picture is PITIFUL and should be ASHAMED of themselves for having taken this picture and publishing it, leaving Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard's family with this picture as a lasting moment/sight of the last painful moments of their CHILD, GRANDCHILD, BROTHER, COUSIN, FRIEND, etc.  **May God Bless & Keep Him**    

dude it is was this stuff happens all the time who cares get them out we are fighting a war we will never win it is a waist of  money and for the pic o well

GET OVER IT    IT IS WAR   IT IS TIME THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SEE WHAT  OBAMA  AND BUSH HAVE DONE

This is war. This is what happens when you choose to send soldiers into harm's way. We as Americans are all complicit in this man's death. If you can't bear to witness the truth of how soldiers are dying, then what are you doing to stop the war? Let's also not forget the hundreds of thousands of civilians who have died worse deaths across Iraq and Afghanistan in the past 8 years. Maybe if people were forced to look at the consequences of war they might not be so eager to let our politicians wage it.

The decision to publish these photos was disgraceful. Shame on all of you.

I find it appalling that the wishes of a family who just lost a loved one were not honored.  Leaving it up to the viewer is a cop out.  MSNBC should be ashamed of itself and Microsoft and NBC should remove support for those that were involved in this tasteless decision.

Have mixed feelings,As a father of an Army MAN, and a member of a military family.My deepest sympathy goes to the family and friends.
Now can we remove the boxing gloves OUR soldiers have been forced to wear?
Now can we really fight as OUR enemies have been doing?

The liberal left journalists were properly hammered on this blog site. This is not, as comments noted, for or against war, but human decency and respect --which truly AP & PMSnbc know nothing about--obviously demonstrated.  

Notice that the comments against the war (on terrorism really, not the re-worked cute names bho has for this conflict), are by those who have NEVER worn the uniform to defend our precious, precious liberties (much more important that just freedom).

As the "oldSoldierinConneticut" said, "Our prayers and sympathies to the family of Lance Corporal Bernard." plus, I'll add, young MARINE, we salute you, and thank you for your service, in this righteous cause to keep us free!!!.

While it is understandable that news on the war is important to us, it is also important to honor those men and women who serve. A young man lost his life in this war. And all his family asked for was for his death in service to his country, to be honored, and respected. The disrespect  A/P showed just for ratings is tuly sad!
  To the Bernard Family, I extend my deepest sympathy for your loss!!

I must say its truly heartbreaking to see such a tragic end to life. My prayers to the family, BUT I MUST AGREE, that these types of photos are needed to bring to light the realism of war. Our society has been desensitized for one reason that we are one of the fortunate countries that DOES NOT deal with war on our soil on a everyday basis i.e. Our wars arn't fought here, they are fought elsewhere. Seeing a gory war movie or because you subscribe to National Geographic and History Magazine, earns you no license to say,"I've seen how bad war is, we dont need to see more". These images speak more fluently the harsh reality of our inhumane compassion for life. Not so that we can live in fear and sadness, more so that we can strive for prevention of conflict EVERYWHERE.    

Yes, maybe the AP should have respected the family's wishes. However this happens in battle everyday, and while the rest of us debate for a few minutes here and there over how many more troops to send over or back home, we change the channel then go about our daily lives. The truely unfortunate events that took place that day were respectfully documented, and hopefully brings a more human view to what is going on over seas. That is what should be the more talked about of debates, not photos taken of what is happening. And my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who have lost their loved one in war. And may God watch over those who are there now.

And shame on those of you who posted wishes of death upon the photographer, just shame.

His parents didn't want the photo published. That should have been enough to keep it private. However, other parents may want pictures of their children's injuries to show us at home the realities of war. Otherwise, how would we really understand?

The AP broke the only law that respected the honor of an American father, wife, mother and ultimately an American soldier; the law of morality! I am convinced that this fallen soldier would not have wanted this picture used as a campaign against what he believed in doing, that is, to try and give another people a chance of living freely, lest we forget, freedom is not cheap! The AP chooses to wash its hands by saying let the public decide. But, then again, so did Pontius Pilate. Personally, I chose to pass this picture up. My condolences to the family and sincere apologies, as an American, to this family.

Yes, in this case the media is SCUM. They can justify their action any way they want. I doubt they can justify it to their conscience or decency if they still have remnants of it left. Truth cannot and should never be hidden but at the same time respected. Our real selves know what the choices are. In this case they just followed their SCUM selves. I am sorry for them.  And I commend ALL sacrifices. Aloha

I have read some of what has been written here. As a serviceman, I find that most people do not realize that this is what is happening everyday there. This is no different than what we saw in Vietnam or Korea. It's just that most people in the US have forgotten those wars. I have lost many friends during this conflict. Am I happy about it.... No!, but we are there to do a job. I also do not agree with the choices to put reporters inside our units.
Please, remember what happened 9/9/03 and support us as we fight for the freedoms you enjoy each and every day.

I HAVE SEEN THE PHOTO AND SO HAS MY SON , I CAN UNDERSTAND THE PAIN THEY ARE FEELING BECAUSE OF THIS AND WE SYMPATHIZE WITH THEM  IN THE SAME TIME THIS SERVES TO SHOW THE UGLINESS OF WAR AND THE TRUTH THAT WE DON'T BELONG IN THOSE PLACES ANY LONGER THAN WE HAVE TO , WE SHOULD BRING ALL OF THEM HOME NOW , SPARE US HAVING TO LOSE MORE TROOPS WHEN NOT NECESSARY

I think if no one sees these pictures, we will be in these two worthless, endless wars for the next 50 years. We have been insulated from the death going on over there and we need to get out of there. We are fighting a war over nothing. A war that the USSR tried to fight for 20+ years. Guess what, we have about 2 years before we run out of volunteer military and have to institute the draft again. They everyone gets to send their kids over. Time to get out,now. This poor Marine sacrificed his life in this war. Maybe if they start showing us daily pictures, similar to during Vietnam, we will get out sooner. Public opinion has a way of doing that. I can't say we need to see these pictures.His family asked not to show it, but maybe the thing his family should ask is, PLEASE DO show it. stop these wars and get the rest of our sons and daughters home. We need them to fight real battles. If this was a real war, we would need to fight it. This is not a real war we need to fight. All of the other countries of the world have given up and pulled out, our politicians are just too stupid and vain to pull our kids out of harms way and save our military for a real war. When the real war we may need to fight comes along, we are screwed because we will not have much of a military left.

Death in war,or in individual battles happens everyday,however when asked by the parent not to publish this photo you should respect their wishes. Would you like if this father had taken photos of your child being runover by a truck and graphically die in these photos and post them on youtube, or anywhere else. You would probably try to sue them for it.

as a vet of the conflict my government got us into in cambodia it is terrible that photos of maimed U.S. military are shown to the public. Its bad enough that they kill us but why give them something to brag about. Hell has a place for the powers that published these pics. I believe if embedded with we Marines this photo taker might have enjoyed friendly fire.

Hmmm...  Perhaps death by friendly fire might go a long way in preventing photos of this kind from ever being taken again...!

THE WISHES OF THE FAMILY SHOULD HAVE BEEN PARAMOUNT.  THIS YOUNG MAN GAVE HIS LIFE DEFENDING FREEDOM.  WHEN THE FAMILY ASKED THAT IT NOT BE SHOWN, IT WAS A SLAP IN THE FACE AND AN INJUSTICE TO THEIR SON TO RUN IT ANYWAY.  IT SERVED NO PURPOSE AND INSTEAD WILL BE A GRAPHIC MEMORY THAT NO MOTHER OR FATHER SHOULD HAVE TO DEAL WITH.  IT IS BAD ENOUGH TO LOSE A CHILD BUT TO SEE PHOTOGRAPHS OF IT WERE UNNECESSARY.

Find the cost of Freedom.....

I am from the Congo, I also travel to Angola when the war was devastating families there. I saw so many awful things that where happening to families there that if it was not for the presence of heroic journalists; who brought that uncomfortable truth to the nice and peaceful living room of the families of the people whom those wars maker fear most, those war would still be going on, it took Angolans 30 years, in Congo 8 years, not until those awful pictures push these politicians to act an stop the none sens, thank you AP to help Afghanistan and  the soldiers not to become a " forgotten war". End that non sens! End the war!

Why can't I email "Stokes Young" directly? Why...is he such a coward that he hides behind MSNBC's corporate veil? I'm a physician and I see this type of graphic brutality all the time. The fact that the U.S. Military and the family of the deceased specifically requested these photos not be released is to be respected. If your mother or father or sibling died of a "newsworthy" disease, would you be willing to show their autopsy photographs on the internet? You are an amazingly spineless individual. You hide behind the fact that you are a so-called "journalist" trying to bring the "story" home. I hope that when your mother, father, sibling, or child passes, you are more than willing to show their bodies desierated for the world to see. Take heed Mr. Young, take heed.

I am truly saddened for the family of our fallen soldier. However, I do understand both sides, perhaps this photo will help our government give these men and woman proper "counceling" with grieving, and all the things they see on a daily basis in war when they are sent back "home". It doesnt just go away when you return, you relive everything all over every time you close your eyes. We need to help them there and here. I'm sorry for all those who have lived that scenario live and for us its just a photo. Imagine just for a moment the promises that where made in those minutes and weight that his commrades carry every day. May God keep them all safe and sound and bring them back home.

To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Bernard:  I am very sorry for your loss.  And I am appalled at the unfortunate and unnecessary example that Joshua has become for our country.  I hope that you focus on the millions of wonderful memories you must have of him and not this.

To the AP photographer responsible for this disgrace of an American:  At any point did the thought cross your mind to put down the camera and come to the aid of this young man?  If you were able to capture this photo, you were aware of his situation before many of his fellow Marines.  Why were you cowering at a distance and not rushing to his side?  I know that reporting (even in the most horrifying moments) is your job but one thing should always take precedence – decency.  Show some respect to this Marine and all of those that knew him.  For whatever reason, you failed to come to his aid on the battlefield, come to his aid now and request that the image you are responsible for be removed from all media immediately.

This is horrendous!  Dead Marines are not allowed to be photographed, however, a dying one can?  No sense.  I sympathize with the family and their request to not have it published.  If a humble, suffering family requests their dying son's photo not be published, why be so insensitive?  I'm sorry I even looked at the photos.  Damn Media GOT ME! I'm mad at myself for looking. There was no need to publish that one photo.  The others made enough of a statement.

I have never blogged in this sort of forum.  Ever.  Until now.  I was torn about my opinion on the AP's decision to publish the photo in question.  Sure...there's freedom of the press and the "right" of people to see the truth.  And there's also the right to privacy and common sense and decency.

Then I read that Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard's own father asked that this photo not be made public.  This is the man who raised, supported, cared for, nurtured and saw his son off to war.  Does anyone have a greater right than Bernard's own flesh and blood in asking to not publish these picture?  The answer is "no".

I'm saddened, sickened and truly appalled at this lack of sensitivity.  There are things more sacred than our country.  It's family.  

At a time when Bernard's family asked the AP to do the right thing, the AP decided their opinion and judgment was worth more than the request of a grief-stricken, heart-broken father of a hero.  

In the face of so much bravery by Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard, the AP chose cowardice and selfishness.  Thank you, Mr. Bernard for choosing the opposite and for giving your life so I can rest easy tonight.  

We must all remember that we are americans and have nothing to be afraid of. I was in many different places in Iraq a few years ago shooting high explosive shells or rounds down range killing ennemies. I lost two of my best friends right under my eyes. A bunch of coward americans don't want the american people to see what we are going through when we are fighting this war. It should not be a big problem when the press publish a dying picture of one of ours when the big politicians are at home having a good time, eating steak drinking wine, sleeping good and putting more restraining orders on us (US soldiers) when they are making their stupid rules of engagement. I have been there, I have seen more of it, it is time to let others see the real price we are paying. Some coward americans want to know the real news from abroad, but when the press presented a glimpse of it, everybody is faking going crazy. I serve my country, I fight its safety and I would dare anybody to hide me the truth the same way the hide my friend's family what really happen when they gave their life for this cause. If you don't know what it is like to be away from your family for a year for two deployment, you need to shut up and stop being a vain politician and a coward

I think as person, human and news organization, the wishes of the soldier's family should have been followed.  In this case, they did not want the photo publised.  I know this depicts the reality of the the war situation our brave young men and women face each and ever day.  However, this crosses the line and becomes an issue of human decency and morality. There really is absolutely no need to blast this type of brutal image out to the world.  The media already does a wonderful job in keeping the country filled in each and every night as to what the body count rises to.  

I salute each and every man and woman that serve in the military, both home and abroad.  They are very selfless individuals.  That is much more that I can say for the most of the journalist that are covering the war.  

This is real life.  We ask our troops to sacrifice in the name of "freedom" and they believe in this...enough that they will die for this country.  We need to honor them in understanding the true version of war and not the censored one. I do believe that the family ultimately should have the final say and not politicians.  If we had had pictures such as these since the start of the war would we be so fast to send our loved ones overseas and have kept them there this long?

With all the rules governing medical privacy how does a picture like this get published?
Doesn't a soldier, or their family, have a right to privacy as well?

Photography of war has been both controversial and revealing ever since the Crimean War and the Civil War when it first appeared. There must be millions of photos from WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam and elsewhere that have never been seen by the general public.  We also rarely ever see photos of the tens of thousands slaughtered regularly on our streets and freeways. Certainly that is to protect the families concerned.  We are routinely exposed to the aftermath of car bombings and suicide bombings.  Millions of people have wanted to know how their relatives died in war.  Most of them never discover anything.  While difficult to witness we can say, "Now we know."  Thank you, Marine, for your service, your life and your death.  I am honored because of it.

War is hell.  This kid died for his country and his country must be fully aware of the price he and a lot more of his fellow country men are paying in this war.  Agree or not with this war we need to see what this is about.  This is the reality that was sanitized for years and now that it is out so many wish to cover-up once more.

Anyone who has been insulated from the death toll of this war has been so by choice. After seeing or even hearing about this picture Dan, you think this isn't a "real war"? That confirms the fact that Julie Jacobson and the AP published it in vain at the expense of Lance CPL Bernard's family. Would it be a "real war" if it happened on your street?  Thank goodnes our brave servicemembers are over there so it doesn't come to that again (I'm guessing you're not from  NYC, dan).  Yes, America saw pictures like this every night during Viet Nam, but how'd that work out for US?  It just divided the country, diverted support from our troops, and encouraged liberal traitors like Jane Fonda to go make a public spectacle of herself by jumping in bed w/ the enemy.  If you want to live in a pussy country that doesn't defend itself from terroist attacks, then you're free to leave the United States. These brave troops have given you that freedom.

I am a Marine.  Yes, I am out now, but once a Marine always a Marine.  He paid the ultimate sacrifice.  I understand to family this seems grotesque and horrible, but this is the reality of being on the frontline.  I was in Bosnia and Mogadishu with all of this happening.  I respect him for all that he did.  He is now guarding the gates of heaven.  Read all the lines to the Marine Corps Hymn and you will understand why we do what we do.  If you never lived the life of a Marine you will never understand what it is to serve with this honor.

War is not pretty.  Soldiers know this.  It is important for us to know what our soldiers are doing to protect us.  They are putting their lives on the line for you and me, know matter where you live in the world.  When they are killed, they have made a sacrifice for all of us.  It is our duty to not only deal with their death but to honor them, their families who have shared this burden, and to ensure that if we put them in harms way, that the mission they are asked to do is achievable and a mission that we will not abandon.  This solider died, so that I might not die working at my desk, or watching a movie, or to take my son and daughter to a baseball game.  If you turn your face away, you dishonor their service, their sacrifice.  Our soldiers put up with deprivations of all kinds.  The deserve to have our whole committed support.  To watch them die, to understand why and then sacrifice for them is our duty as citizens.  God Bless these men and woman who are truly our finest.

Apparently common sense is not a virtue at AP. My prayers to the Marine's family and to all those who have payed the ultimate sacrifice for this country...God Bless all of you!  

Remember this: There is no draft; every soldier there is a volunteer. If you are not a veteran or currently a soldier...your opinion, while still significant, just doesn't mean much in comparison.

If that photo were of me, or of my son or daughter working for the military, I would be glad that it was published. It is the world in which we live and its is the best description of the truth. Thank you very much Lance Cpl. Joshua "Bernie" Bernard. You are our best and you give your best. RIP

i find it ridiculous that citizens of this country do not realize how censored our media is.  pictures like these are the realities of war and if people are willing to stand behind the notion of sending troops to war, they should be willing to deal with the destructive attributes war brings.  this is a picture of the REALITIES of war, i simply do not understand why people are not pleased when we actually get the real stories and real photographs of our nation's decisions.

First off, my condolesences to the Marine's Family and my thanks and final salute to that young man. Second, if the family is disturbed by the images, nobody is making them look at the pictures. However, I think this picture along with the thousands of other casualties should be shown to remind America what is still going on ever day. We seem to have become insensitive to the death toll numbers when we do not put faces to them. The war does not get the coverage it used to and images like these will remind everyone there are worse things than not having a job and health insurance.

This is further example of the lack of discretion and judgment on the part of "news" media.  I wouldn't expect better of the AP, MSNBC or any other "news" media.  Photos of this nature do not prevent wars nor effect the current situation.  It does cause extreme emotional pain to this courageous fellows family, but the "news" media consistently show that they don't care.  There is not much shame left in the world today.  Very sad commentary on the state of today's media.

This is powerful. This is what it looks like when someone dies for this country. If this picture and pictures like it were broadcast on a daily basis, how much would you like to bet the war would end far sooner than it would otherwise? One of the reasons it doesn't, is we are usually shielded from this reality. I'm in prayer for this soldier's family, his friends, this war and his/yours/mine/our country.

The picture needs to be published. This is no different than during Vietnam sitting at the dinner table and literally watching the war. All the fighting and sacrificing for the good ol USA. I'm sorry for the family's loss it truly is tragic. For the rest of the citizens it should be a wakeup call to PROTEST to get us out of this mess. Unfortunatly, pictures like this had to be shown during Vietnam to keep the pressure on the people to keep the pressure on the government.
The sad part is Corporal Bernards parents probably grew up during Vietnam and forgot how those events played out. We all need to remember. This certainly feels like a return to the 70's.

He died to protect our right to freedom, including freedom of speech.  All our countries sacrifices don’t mean that we will make a wise choice with that freedom.  AP has been insensitive in case, sorry they choice to use their freedom unwisely, maybe next time they will be considerate of the grieving family and publish the photos years later in a book.  This picture DID NOT contribute to our understanding of this war…so why? Shame on the AP…

This is just another example of what has been lost in today's world, R.E.S.P.E.C.T.  We know that the AP definitely doesn't respect a fallen soldier's memory or his family's wishes.  AND they certainly don't respect themselves, because what kind of a person would publish this photo, just to make some noise and get some mention.  Disgusting, that is what these people are, and sadly that is what reporters are like now-a-days, they just want a big story and make lots of noise, they don't care who or what the have to trample over, or if anyone's feelings or life is affected. This soldier gave his life for his country and deserves RESPECT.  Maybe the AP Chief, would like us to snap some pictures of his last few moments and publish them, so we can ogle a what it looks like when someone is in pain or dying.  You people disgust me, dispicable!!!!

We all enjoy our freedom, and yet we choose to harm those who defend it for us. Your job (the press)is based on "Freedom" that our soldiers fight so hard for, please lets not abuse it!!  We must ask ourselves what if... it was my friend, my brother, my husband, or my son, how would I feel if this would happen to someone I love? Please think about this before this continues and do the right thing.  To the press, I know you must inform the story to the world, that is your job and responsabilty, but the story can be told with respect for those we have lost and for those who remain. To the family of this brave young man my Condolences and I hope the Lord Almighty gives you the strenght to continue after your loss.

First, please quit referring to Marines as soldiers. Second, double standard MSNBC editor. A seriously wouded Marine is less than the word ASS.  What ASS offends our journalistic sinsabilities???  OMFG!!!!  "We chose not to show it but becasue there was an objection we chose to publish it (paraphrase)"  You are utterly disgusting.

This is not about putting a face on war.  I bet LCpl Benard was detailed to watch over this AP photographer as in the other reports indicare they were in very close togather.  Did he die becasue he was displaced in his tactical formation due to the presence of the AP guy?  This AP photographer should have placed these photos in an sealed envelope and sent them to the family advising what the photos contained before opening and let the family have the chose of seeing them or not. These photos contained no news value.  It is a fact that Marines are all volunters.  It is a fact that Marines in combat do die in not pretty scenes.  It is a fact nothing besides death will stop a Navy Corpsman from trying to save a wouned Marine. These are the facts of war.  Lets leave the intimate moments of death to their brother (Marines and Corpmen) and their families.

This IS what reporting looks like!  Reporting is not all about the wonderful lollypops that the soldiers give to kids as they pass through a town.  This is blood and guts WAR, people.  It is not for the reporters to consider the families - it is to consider the reportage.  We are so coddled by the Bush Presidencies with their "Embedded" reporters and controling the images that came from the front (censorship), that we no longer understand what reportage IS!  Grow up America!!  This is the real world - sorry if it's brutal and awful, but you are empowered to do something about it.  Of course we all feel for the families, I'm not discounting their pain, but let's also think of the future families that will have to go through this!  PLEASE!!!!

Must we Americans always get sidetracked on every issue?? They rail and harp about the picture of this fallen soldier, but how much attention would he have gotten, were it not for the photo? His fate is the same, with or without the accompanying photo. At least we were made aware of his misfortune. How many more have perished, that we haven't even heard about?

to all of you that say shame on the media, would you rather it all be about rainbows and butterflies? TWO WARS are going on right now. if we bring them all home then maybe there will be less tears for all.

As a retired Soldier, I find this an appaling lack of human concern that this organization (AP) would not honor the wishes of this brave young marine's family.  Go rest in Peace brother Bernard.  Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.  To Bernard's family, I salute you, you have raised a hero.  To the AP you should be ashamed of the lack of respect for an American so young who gave his life protecting YOU!!!

My question is "WHY"?
To hurt this family and make them go through the sacrifice that there son had to go through while doing his duty and paying the ultimate price....like many Marines before him!

To shock the citizens of this country and our leaders as to what the "real" cost of war is....no I do not think so; Hollywood and the media outlets assure that we are "numb" and never surprised by the attrocities of mankind.

To advance a political agenda....no they are to be unbias in all of there reporting....are they not?

I can only hope that the Bernard family can accept my sincere condolences for there loss and me and my family greatly appriciate our freedoms becuase of there sacrificies.

Thank you Lance Corporal Bernard.

The AP wire service, there editors and reporters were morally wrong for running these pictures and should be held accountable for there actions.

Sincerly,
Bernard "Bernie" Snead

I am appauled that this picture was displayed after the family voiced their disapproval.  This truly must be a picture of the casualities of a war that is being fought for all of us.  Shame on you for not respecting the family's wishes.  My uncle died in the Vietnam war at the age of 19 and my 22 year old daughter is a Marine today.  Their brave souls are better than me.  I can not say that I could be as strong.  God Bless our Military families.  For every Man and Woman who has chosen the path to fight for our freedoms, there is someone left behind that is supporting their efforts in every way they can.  I have made every effort in every way possible to be there for my daughter, to laugh with her, to cry with her, to pick her up when she needs uplifting and I tell her each time we speak how proud I am of her.  I tell her how much I love her and I miss her till we meet again whether here or in the hearafter.  To Cpl. Bernard, thank you and to his family, my heartful prayers to you and may you always carry the memories that bring a smile to your now sorrowful faces. I am so sorry for your loss.

I do believe that the family should have the decision on this photo and whether it is shown. However, I do know the mother that lost her son and she wanted to see the video. She is very proud that her son died doing his job. I do not see a problem with this photo being that it shows what war is. It shows the reality of what goes on. Day in and day out they deal with this kind of stuff and they do by volunteering knowing what may happen. They do it with pride and they die doing what they love. Sometimes America needs to see the harsh reality of what goes on as a reminder that as you sit and drink your coffee without worries and go to bed at night with out worries it is because of men like the ones in the photos that give that to you. To many people have forgotten what is going on daily overseas because they are safe.

This is the land of the free. This is what this soldier gave his life for. This photo is exactly what he protects. It is horribly sad and I sympathize for him, his family, and all who knew him. Perhaps a photo such as this will show the realities of war and how they can hit home and affect us all. I salute you, Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard.

This man made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. This is a personal private moment where this man, by violent means makes peace with his god and his beliefs. To trivialize an unselfish act for vicarious voyuers,profiteers, diminishes this mans sacrifice to those who loved him and to those who owe him and the many thousands like him an undying lifetime of gratitude. God bless him and the many who stand and those that have stood in harms way for the rest of us. You live free, because men like him were willing to give their all.    

As a veteran of Desert Shield and Storm and brother in Corps of Lcpl. Bernard, I am often ashamed to be an American.  We are so selfish.  We focus on our "rights" instead of asking if we should.  Just because you "can" do something, doesn't mean you should.

American Service Men and Women protect the very freedom selfish people demand to have. We live in a Country where respect must be taken, because it is no longer freely given. People want to say there is no God and then complain because there is no overall standard of morality.  No God = No Higher Standard.  So should we be surprised at selfish behavior, aren't we really just getting to the top of Maslow's pyramid? It's self actualization to demand to publish photos for those who have no compassion or respect of what this picture has captured. Quite frankly, we see better in any B Horror Movie these days and walk on down the road.

Maybe what we should do is take the time to thank the Bernard family for the sacrifice of their son, who died to protect the selfish people this Country has been creating.  Sometimes you deserve to be told, "No" and you don't need everything all at once.  It's not your "right" at my expense and it certainly isn't the "rights" Bernard died protecting.

Free will is an ugly thing and yet we blame God for giving it to us.  It is our own choices that make us the way we are and Science says there is no evil and there is no free will.  So why would death disturb you, it's simply the progression of the natural order.  It's not like Bernard was created by a Creator, who knew everything about him, even before He placed Bernard in his mother's womb (Psalm 130).  It's not like Bernard's life served a special purpose, it's simply the farthest he was able to walk, squirm, wiggle and crawl to.  It was the end of his evolutionary journey.

Sometimes the truth is tough to swallow.  Sometimes, people in life make the worst decisions and Bernard serving in the Marines was not his.  Even though it cost him his life, I see nothing but love in a photo that I detest being publish.  Not because people shouldn't see it.  People shouldn't be allowed to look at it without appreciating what it captured.  As a Marine, I prepared to die and lost some friends along the way.  Why did I live and they have to die?  Am I some how better than Bernard that I get to be home and see my family this weekend?  Should I blame God for taking Bernard's life?  I see a beautifully created young man that was created to know that there is a God Who created.  A young man who's days were numbered before one of them came to be.  A lasting example of God's love for us when He sent His one and only Son to die so that we might know Him.  Not to have religion, but a relationship.  To return the love God has for each and every one of us, no matter how selfish and idiotic and ignorant we can all be at times.  Showing the World, and each other, how low we can truly go.

I read Bernard's story and I mourn his loss.  I wish I could have known him, I wish I could have been beside him.  I wish I could have known that he had a relationship with Jesus Christ.  I wish he didn't have to die and be viewed by selfish people who will have no regard for the loss of his life.  Who will burn the American flag because it is their "right."  Well they won't burn the one that Bernard is going to be laid to rest under and they won't be burning the one I am eventually laid to rest under.  We earned that "right" and that is our statement to the rest of you.

You should have to earn the "right" to have one more breath than Bernard.  You should have to prove why you get to live and not die.  You should have to be changed when facing the death of someone who died before most of us had time to appreciate him or get to know him.  You should not have the free will that allows you to turn a blind eye to the loss of this young man, or any of the other men and women of the Armed Forces that have put their lives on the line for you to squander in selfish ways and meaningless concerns.

You won't see the emotion of Bernard's story, any more than you'll see it in this message - the begging and pleading, or the praying that I am offering up for all of us to be a little bit more aware of the TRUTH.  Not the one you want to spin out on everyone, but His TRUTH and the reality that truth simply is not something one comes up with to avoid looking bad.  We want to blame everybody else and justify, defer and "get ours" without even admitting that we were wrong.  If not wrong for what we have done, then we were wrong for turning our backs on God and hardening our hearts and closing our ears to His truth.

John 15:13 says, "There is no greater love than this, that a man should lay down his life for a friend."  Without God demonstrating His love for us by the death of His Son Jesus while we were still sinners (which really means "enemies of God"), how can we ever come to understand and appreciate what a photo shows us about the loss of the life of US Marine Joshua Bernard.  My heartfelt prayers go out to his family, friends and loved ones.  And also for those who are ignorant, selfish and believe that there is no God, no special purpose for our lives and nothing to be upset about in these pictures.  

I'm sorry Jesus for not being a better example of Your love and compassion for us all.  I'm sorry for turning my back on You and not asking You to bring the TRUTH to those who need to hear it and know it.  I pray for those who will walk away from seeing these pictures and never give it a second thought.  I pray for the ones that need Your peace, assurance and salvation the most, and especially for the ones who think they need it the least.  I pray for the family, friends and loved ones of Joshua Bernard, that they may find comfort in spite of the selfish actions of others.  I pray that You are glorified; not only by the saving of those in need, but also in the condemning of those who deny the TRUTH of Your sacrifice.  I pray that Joshua is being held, comforted and in fellowship with You and all the rest of the Saints as we wait for the reunion at Your returning.  Be patient with us, forgiving and merciful Oh Lord.  How long will we continue to deny You?  How long will our selfishness reign supreme.  How many more must die and never have their life or sacrifice be appreciated?  How long will we ignore the true meaning of Your sacrifice?  Forgive me for being just as selfish as everyone else, disrespectful and ignorant in not being a better example of Your love and Gospel message.  I pray this will open our eyes and our hearts to You Father God.  For it is in Your Son's precious name I pray, Amen.

War is HELL!  There is no way to sugar coat it.  If you want war to be seen without mans inhumanity to man, then you are not seeing the whole picture.  This is the whole picture.

Our country has lost all sense of shame and pride.  To all of you saying "this is war, get used to it..." you'd have to be an idiot to not realize the gravity of such a situation.  We don't need photos of a dead young man published against the wishes of his family to show us what war is.  Shame on the AP, shame on Stokes Young, shame on MSNBC.  The gruesome last moments of a heroic, selfless American should not be shown to the world if a grieving father does not want them to be.  He was someone's son, brother, friend.  This kind of opportunistic journalism is vile and makes me feel ashamed to be an American.  
Thank you to all of our service men and women for your sacrifices on our behalf.  God bless.

Maybe if more of our dead soldiers were shown as well as all the "collateral damage" in afghanistan our president would get us the hell out of there--- like he promised in his campaign rather than amping up for another vietnam.  this is what has been happening for the past 8 years get over it and get out.  the only disgrace is our government for continuting this bogus war.

I just wonder if it is to real for most people. It is easy for most people to go about their little pitty party life when there are bigger problems in the world. They are the ones who jump the gun and get all up set when they see such a picture. "Y" is the truth hard to handle? Or is the Starbucks handing you a wrong order bigger news? Most people would agree 100% that these pictures need to be seen. Then again I'm sure some lawyer allready has his hand in the mix of things. I can not wait for the day when that half of America wakes up and realizes we are killing America with all our rule and regulations! If you do not want to see things do not turn your T.V. on if you do not want to hear things do not turn your radio on! If you do not like the internet do not turn your computer on! YOU HAVE THAT CHOICE! ITS AMERICA! American do not let one bad apple ruin the whole tree! Control is what they want! I agree that the soldier would want this to be seen! They are HEROS! If we can watch popular sports peoples deaths and have a million people turn up for one mans death and shut down 5 dif freeways and cover every min of one mans life over and over and over why not our soldiers don't they deserve the same respect? When their bodys are shipped back to America... Why are we not all watching and lined up at the airport crying and wanting to die ourselfs or even having big events to remember their lifes? Is it because of ratings? I thought so! America you let the media have these choices! You are the ones who tune in because you can not get enough of Britney or Michael and Paris. I've never seen any of them step in harms way to protect us!...  

First of all I do pray for the family he left behind, but I do not see anything wrong with this photo. The AP did not sit around and say well, I can't wait to rip this guy's familys heart out..

Americans have been sheltered and coddled long enough. They need to see what these kids are giving up.This man and many more have died for US folks...Freedom is not a right, it is a priviledge...and definately not free. It's something Americans enjoy through sacrifices just like this man did. God bless them all

Exactly right nurse.

Also to add a bit more...

The AP and the reporter are in complete rightfulness to show this, They are reporting on the war and a GOOD reporter knows to report on everything that occurs around them. This is a very good report of what this reporter saw. Cheers to the reporter, and to the AP for doing their jobs to the full extent! I do feel bad for the family with there loss. But its the right of being an AMERICAN to the freedom of press, If you dont like it then you can go live over there... Besides, EVERYONE DIES eventually.

First off, I would like to thank this marine, and all the military for doing the jobs that they are sent out to do to protect and serve our country. I would also like to thank the family for raising a man who chose the job to protect and serve our country. In respect for the family I refuse to even think about accessing the picture. We have learned to compromise our integrity, respect, honesty, morals and values and now our compassion has been tested for OUR victim of war. I always thought that the police withheld details of crime victims in order to protect, and show compassion to the families of the victims...why in the world would we show less compassion for OUR victims of war, and show a total disregard for the wishes of the family. To the photographer; if your mom or another family member were a crime victim, I will assume that it will be OK to release the picture of them regardless of the possible compromising position.

Yes we all know war is ugly and isnt easy to deal with. For those that say people need to see the reality of war, are so vain. We all know what war looks like. Look in your history books. DUH! But YOU fail to realize is that, noone I mean noone deserves to be seen like that. Its hard enough for those that were there to see this and relive it, but his family does not need to see there child dying. Their memories of him should be good ones, but that is just low. You can sit there from the saftey of your home and say yea its justifiable, but the ones like me who choose to try and keep the peace, so jerks like you can say whatever and get up everyday knowing that bullets arent passing by your head. When will people realize that common sense is something some of you dont have! As a soldier I am angered that they would even put it up. That shows a great disrespect to the soldier, his family and the military as a whole! This almost makes me ashamed to be american. Your no better than the terrorist who send videos of soldiers being decapitated or drug through their cities, or of them blowing up convoys of soldiers! How do you sleep at night?

As Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, famously sated during the Civil War, {" WAR IS HELL"}.   My Heart goes out to this Brave Marines Family. Their son gave his life for his Country and the least the reporter and AP good do would be to honor the wishes of the Fallen Marines Family. I dont see anything wrong with publishing and reporting war stories for there have been photos like these taken in in almost all the wars and conflicts the US has been in, but when the media intentionaly and heartlessly ignores the desperate pleas of family members and  Chief Military Officials it is time to put a stop to this type of media coverage and exploitation for profit..  While the US Constitution may Protect the Freedom Of The Press, it does not state that the Military Has To Allow the Media and Reporters to be Embedded with our Troops.  If Secretary Of Defense Robert Gates  prohibits the reporters from Embedding with our Brave Soldiers then the Media would think twice about causing additional pain and suffering on our Soldiers and There Families.

This is EXACTLY why "photojournalist" should be allowed in forward commands in battle zones.  They have no sense of decency (the journalist could have destroyed the picture...but she was probably thinking "Pulizter Prize"), and editors have no morals, no scruples, no common sense, and only think about circulation, market share and journalistic one-up-manship.  It's why most Americans think "journalists" are about as ethical as used car salesmen and TV evangelists.  

Actually this photo does not reveal much of anything.  The war in the pacific (where color film was used showed the horror of young americans with the front of their bodies missing due to cannon and mortar rounds from the japanes as well as land mines.  There was no time to pick up the dead.  This photo is wake up call to the american people who have been brain washed into putting their heads in a hole in the ground like ostriches do.  The american people truly have an Ostrich mentality now since the Bush family pushed censorship through.

The main point that most people aren't understanding is that the family of this fallen soldier politely pleaded with the AP to NOT have this picture shown. They do not have to look at it themselves if that is their wish, but the rest of the world is able to see their son in his last moments-bleeding and dying in the dirt. He died for an honorable cause, but it's the discusting human nature to gawk at 'train wrecks' that makes this photo 'newsworthy'.  Also, really nice of MSNBC to post it after hearing about Gates requesting that it not be published.  Extremely disrespectful.

In no disrespect to the family, I would want Americans, mainly politicians, to see exactly what goes on. Would half of these men and women of politics do this? Prove to them that THIS IS what's happening and it needs to stop!! To the family, my prayers and thoughts are with you, but maybe your photos may help stop more families with photos like these.

My deep sympathy to the fallen soldier's family. It is appalling that he and his family made the ultimate sacrifice for our country only to have all of this pain and distractions beckon on them.
I say let boycott all the news and paper organizations that profit from this tragedy.

I am so sorry for this families loss.. It is because of the brave soliders that we still live in a country where we are free.. However I believe that the pictures need to be shown to remind us that we go on day after day and we forget who is protecting us. We worry about money, life, stress, job, etc... that we forget what is going on in the world maybe we need to be reminded..

I do not disagree with the sentiment behind the publication of this photo. I think that this kind of brutal photography is powerful and exposes the unavoidable realities of war. After all, the huge anti-war movement during the Vietnam war was sparked by the graphic photography available to the public at the time. Additionally, I believe that the picture is an honor to the soldier. In a way, it immortalizes him and allows his memory to affect a greater number of people.

Regardless of my beliefs on the situation, however, I think it is unacceptable that this photograph reached the public after the father requested that it not. I may not agree with the father's claim that this photo is disrespectful to his son, but I also cannot claim to understand what he is going through in any way. I think it is extremely important that the media honor the wishes of the families, especially in this situation, because similar photos are not unheard of. Thousands of soldiers have sacrificed themselves for this war, and there is certainly a family somewhere that is willing to allow such photos to reach the public. But in this case, the father was not willing, and that should be the most important consideration.

No.  The image should not have been published.  The father requested that it not be.  If that were my son laying there fatally injured, I wouldn't want the image published.  But I am a bit in awe that the father even looked at the images to begin with.  I could never look at my son's fatal injuries.  I'd rather remember him in a whole body and in good health.  To each his/her own.  BTW, the photo journalist did an excellent job of reporting.

I can't begin to relate the absolute contempt I have for the AP for releasing this photo against the family's wishes.  It is sensationalism and a quest for fame and money, nothing else.  It serves no other purpose.  You can report on war and show how terrible it is without doing this.  I question the intelligence not only of that company but also of the reporter who took the picture in the first place.  Somebody in that organization needed to use some judgment.    I can't imagine how this family will feel reliving their son's death in full color time and time again.  What goes around comes around.  Mr. Curley and the report should both spend a great deal of time praying to God that he lets them 'slide by'!  I wouldn't!  My son is in the Navy and has had several tours in the Gulf.  My nephew served in Iraq.  Many of my family served in Viet Nam, Korea and WWII.  I feel sickened to think of this happening to one of them and what it would mean to my family.  AP, there is no undo button on this.  You can't take this back or make it right.  JUST DON'T DO IT AGAIN!!!!  Mr. Curley, you need a different job, now...

It is very difficult to view the photos of Cpl. Joshua Bernard.  He, along with thousand of others before him have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  What is very bothersome though is the fact that we want to attack the media for publishing the photos.  But there is no mention of anger towards President Obama, his White House Staff, and representatives in Congress.  President Obama's campaing platform to end the war in Iraq was an empty promise.  Due to the fact that now U.S. troops are being deployed to Afghanistan.  I have two questions to ask: What happened to the liberal Democratic Party's opposition to Obama's war in Afghanistan.  And why do you disrespect Cpl. Bernard's life by remaining silent.

“When liberty comes with hands dabbled in blood it is hard to shake hands with her.” --Oscar WIlde

"If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be."  --  Thomas Jefferson

It would have been a dereliction of duty and an insult to the sacrifice of this Marine if the AP had allowed this series of photos to be suppressed by the government.

May these images impress upon our hearts the brutal nature of war and the high cost of liberty.  May it soften our calloused mindsets and cause us to remember the sacrifices made by this Marine and every other Marine who has ever served, is serving, or will serve.

i'm a solider serving in a iraq right now and i have to say i don't want to look at this picture regardless of the fact this is what my reality is.  i chose this i know but i still don't want to see it.  as for the news back in the states, i love how michael jackson takes the cake over the soldiers, marines, airmen, and sailors fighting & dying.  i also love how these people continue to make millions of dollars while your average family is struggling...like mine.  maybe you forgot to thank someone for fighting for your freedom, but i'm just so happy (sarcasm) michael jackson, dj am, and god only knows what other trash takes precedence over my fellow service members and i.  you people are truely pathetic!!

We must see what war as it is - not a video game. It must be unfiltered and seen without rose glasses. We cannot get the import of what happens when a man dies in combat until we see it unfiltered. This is not to de-sensitize us to what this means, it is to bring home that this happens and we need to honor those that pay the ultimate price with respect. His death - like all other men who have fought - is for us. He left us in a far away land contending against a foe that hates any other definition of life than the one he would impost upon all of us were he given the chance to do so. It is no sin to see this brave young man die. We honor his sacrifice by sharing his loss, not some abstraction, but for the very real price he and all others out there right now are paying to protect others from the same threat.

It is definitly heartbreaking to see this. It is a reminder of what is going on over there whether we want to acknowledge it or not. Our military and their families deal with this on a daily basis.

I just want to know 1 thing.....when is Obama or SOMEBODY going to get our brave men and women out of there? This war is no longer America's problem!! Seriously, what is it going to take??

May God keep you and bless you Lance Corporal Bernard. Thank you for trying to make this world a better place. My prayers are with your family and friends.

As a Soldier in Iraq (4th time here).  I say the following:
1. To the photographer, BRAVO!!!!
2. BRAVO to all who support us.
3. And for those who use this forum as a means of spiteful communication..."I am defending with MY LIFE your RIGHT to free speech."  Consider the feelings of us before you say something inane.
4.  Now, back to the photo in question.  I think this speaks volumes about the sacrifices we are making for you.  
I pose a question to everyone else. What sacrifices have been made by the people?  Though-out American history, the public has supported the Military in times of war – with exception of Vietnam and our current war.  In the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and to a lesser extent Korea, the public made noticeable scarifies.  Be it enlisting, food rationing, or making socks for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.

If you don’t stand with us, you are more than welcome to stand in front of us.

We went to Afghanistan for Osama Bin Laden. Now we are fighting the Taliban who have got nothing to do with the September 11 attacks. This war is all about business for Xe, GE, Lockheed Martin and the likes.

It wasn't necessary to publish that photo.... In my opinion AP used this tragedy with the knowledge it would get them more viewers, and that's the bottom line...  Putting the graphic warning on it, only plays on human curiosity...  They shouldn't use any death in this way, just to make a few extra bucks...  I can only imagine how his family and love ones would feel to see it..  his mother especially.... It's just not right...
On another note.. I wonder  suppose it had been the the lady who took this photo who got the hit instead and a solider took the photo? Would AP have bee so quick to tell her story?

As a former professional soldier I can only say this country and its people are offering less reasons everday for Soldies and Marines to go forth and fight for them. Americans by and large are selfish and greedy and 1 marine corporal is worth a thousand civilians in most cases.

Again we see how primitive the military is and how senseless war is.
It is unbelievable that we are allowing people to fight hand to hand and gun to gun...it is so primitive!!
What possible gain wss made by anyone or any country by this military maneuver or whatever you want to call it.  His life was lost in vain...there are better ways to settle conflicts than in this primitive and evil way\\\\\\\\\\\\\

As a service members serving in Iraq currently, I'm saddened by this photo. I fight to defend our country and it's Consitution and we have freedom of speech for a reason. Either you're down with it or you're not.

But...

It was in very poor taste that the photographer chose to take this photo and very poor for his editors to publish them.  I really feel for this Marine's family. If I were to go out right now and get killed, the last thing I would last is for my wife and family to see pictures of me suffering.  

Wake Up, America !!
Your 'Leaders' have gotten your country into a load of problems and they're not gonna stop until you take your country back.  Get off your butts and take it back!!!

While I fully understand the family's feelings, I found the sequence of photos an incredibly moving tribute, not only to this marine's ultimate sacrifice, but also to his fellow marines: his wounds, the medic working to try to save his life, and the final photo of one of his comrades-in-arms, on one knee. Publishing the photos was upsetting, but I do believe it is justified.

For the price of freedom, fighting for what is right, standing against tyranny; are all things said to justify why we engage in war.  Men and women die in war, they come home wounded and scarred, for ideals best left to them articulate why.  

I never fought beside anyone for your freedom, I fought beside that person, because he was my friend.  

I believe if anyone was offended by the photograph, GOOD.  To say LCPL Bernard died in vain or his death was senseless or used by the AP to further a political agenda no.  

LCPL Bernard's death and the photos we have seen of his last moments have taught and shown us the: humility, honor, respect, frustrations, and anger of the loss of life of someone so young and so full of potential.  

Photos of our dead warriors have been with us since the early cave dwellers, so we will remember not just the cause, but the sacrifice involved.

My heart goes out the the family of Jason Bernard.  Thank you for his service.  Always remember him as the caring son and brother, he has taught us all something.

Thank you, MSNBC, for posting the article and pictures. War is horrible. There is no way for the average person to understand this other than to show reality. Maybe then people will "take up a banner" and decide to make a difference in the world. Thank you to the Bernard family for raising a son who cared so much for his country's ideals.

This shows the real pain of war it is barbaric and uncivilized. We need to find other ways to work out our disagreements.  

My thanks and respect for any soldier's service comes without saying.  Personally I find myself conflicted with this issue.  On one side we have the media who should always be providing us with the truths of life, yet in recent times seem more one-sided with regards to special interests.  And on the other we have this soldier's sacrifice (in some instances) shoved down our throats.  I admit that some media outlets have gone about this issue in proper form.  However, as much as I believe people have the ability to close the newspaper or turn off the TV, sometimes those in the media need to think more about the repercussions of our actions rather than getting-the-story.  Displays of the realities of war are never going to be seen the same by everyone; that will never change.  But images of this grave nature, when all the pros and cons have been tallied, tend to reduce morale and sway public support negatively at a time when resolve is required--no necessary.  Yes, the image(s) are powerful and meanignful; but as they say, with great power comes responsibility.

The first thing that is completely obvious is that in your haste to post your moral outrage about this one photograph, that hardly any of you actually read the article about this photo. Had you read the article, you'd know that the photographer was a WOMAN. Your ignorance of that FACT is more glaring than your supposed moral outrage.

I was a small child during the Vietnam war, but can remember the graphic images of that war shown on television every evening during the news. Images far worse than this one. What I wonder is where is all this rightous indignation when images of maimed or dead emeny soldiers or innocent civilians are shown at nauseum? Those images seem perfectly acceptable, if not laughable by many or you. Talk about hypocracy. A dying human being is a dying human being be it our soldiers, their soldiers, or one of the many thousands of innocent civilians.

The images shown on TV shows like "The First 48" (on A&E) show far more graphic images of people laying murdered bleeding in the streets, than this image released by the AP, but I guess those images are considered okay because they are for the cause of your ENTERTAINMENT. Sickening bunch of hypocrites!

Though I am very saddened for the familiy of the brave Marine that this image was shown after they requested it not be, I applaud the AP for making this image available to be viewed by those who wish to view it. War is hell and those of us so removed from it here in the States need to be made aware of the reality going on over there. With a nation so entranced by and addicted to reality television, this is as real as it gets. Like it or not.

Get off your soapboxes America and direct your anger and "moral outrage" at the proper people: the ones that put us in this war against our wishes, and LIED to us to get us there(Bush), and not those trying to give us the TRUTH of what is happening over there every day.

Rest in peace Joshua Bernard and every other soldier who has sacrificed THEIR lives in a war that should have never been in the first place.

This is the nature of war and that horrible nature has been captured on film. Let us not forget what our Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen are facing everyday.  It is easy for us to sit in the comfort of our homes, or offices, or the local coffee shop and comment on this set of photos...because we are safe. Why are we safe...because of men like Joshua who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  Once you are in a situation like Joshua's it matters not whether you are Republican or Democrat, black or white, all you want is your buddies.  Yes, we can DEBATE the ethics of the AP publishing the photos, but what about the ethics of a society that seems to have forgotten that the cream of our nation is every single day in harms way… protecting us.  So go on with your debate while sipping your soy latte and thinking about American Idol, or the start of football season.  The real American Idols are in the in the Mountains and valleys of Afghanistan, the wadis of Iraq...God help us all because to speak plainly, no one would have cared about Joshua if that reporter had not captured those images…because we are all so very caught up with ourselves!

Semper Fi LCPL Bernard, Joshua, M-USMC

"If the Army or the Navy ever look upon Heavens's scene they will see It's halls are gaurded by Unites States Marines."

Very sobering picture that brings home the tragedy and horrors of war.  I have mixed feelings about the publication of this -- but rest assured, this picture will stick in my head whenever I think of the war and our boys who give so so much over there.  God bless all of our troops.  And God bless this boy's family.

The reality of this war is to protect  our oil pipeline so we can drive our gas guzzling vehicles to Starbucks  for coffee with soy milk. I'm ashamed of the
lack of leadership from the Bush administration that started this war. These photos remind me of the Vietnam War when my husband was a military office in a mash unit and all the memories of friends killed. These photos are a reality check of what war is. So my heart goes out to the family of this brave man and the many others who lives have been destroyed by war.

War is horrible. Some advocate war lightly, because they have persuaded themselves that war was not horrible. Such a picture calls attention to the fact that they are wrong. War kills, that is what it does, and it does so often atrociously. Those who advocate war, especially that war, against a civilian population, are advocating atrocities. They see one, they don't like it. It is much better to hide the human cost of war, have always advocated those who push for ever more mayhem.

I can understand the unwillingness of those who push for war at facing the horror: their fundamental principle is that they stand for principle, not horror. This picture shows them, to themselves, and the entire world, as partisans, or bipartisans, of horror personified. They want to see people die, all torn up, legs blown off. That is what they advocate, in practice. Who cares about theory when you see the atrocity in the face?

The dying American soldier is indeed a person, not just a "Taliban" or "extremist" (to use Obama's semantics). He has a face. A human face.

Flying robots sent by operators in the USA killed more than 800 official civilians for 17 official "Talibans" (or presumed allies) killed. These are the official US numbers. No national deabte seemed to have been engaged on the morality of these activities. Most of these civilians bled to death, as this American soldier did. But they did not have the comfort of morphine. This is the reality of this war: it's bloody, it's atrocious, and most people killed are not American soldiers, but innocent civilians who happened to being born and raised there. Oh, by the way those more than 800 civilians killed by American robots were not even located in Afghanistan, but in a neighboring country; after that Obama will go around, condemning "Anti-Americanism".

These Afghans and Pakistani civilians did not volunteer to fly all around the world to use deadly force on Americans. Yesterday many were gathered around gasoline trucks. US Command observed them, and the fact that the USA did not control the area. So they burned them alive, to death. Not a way to get respect, but a good way to increase the horror. If you gather, and the USA does not control you, you can be burned to death. Is that the American way of death?

Obama does not understand what he is doing in Afghanistan. He is using an idiosyncratic, erroneous theory of Islam, which will bring ever more horrors. Time to accept that the USA does not what it is doing in Afghanistan, and go home. Or then time for a fundamental rethink, but Obama seems clearly unable of it, and he is the one calling the shots. So look at the shots.

Patrice Ayme

http://patriceayme.wordpress.com/

The pictures show some of what is happening everyday over there. The American people seem to have forgotten about our soldiers that are away to war and it takes something like this to bring the attention to the front page again. Only then will something be done to put a end to it. We should feel for the family of this fallen commrade, but they already know that. I am sure he gave his life doing what he loved to do (believe it or not). It was not the way he wanted it to end, but such is war. I am sure that in the history books in the future we will see much worse as the soldiers / marines have seen and done. Maybe when you people wake up and see these pictures you will say thank you to a Soldier / Marine that makes doing what we do and love to do worth it.

Thank you AP for having the courage to show the "horrors" of war.  This is not just about this one soldier, it's about ALL the men and women (our children) who risk, and ultimately give, their lives for their country.  This is the reality of war.  REALITY is hard to look at, but absolutely necessary.  We send our children off to war with a patriotic smile and at what cost.  As a mother, I would want to know just what happened and I also would want the world to know the horrors my children have had to endure.  War is about MENTAL and PHYSICAL anguish which changes a Human Being forever.   The absolute FEAR that they must expierence is horrifying to me.  Maybe with more realistic images such as this one, people will start to take more of a stand against war.  Maybe take more care of those haunted souls that are fortunate to be able to return to us.  If we are able to send our children(and most are SO young) off to kill then we should NOT forget about them when they return.  PEOPLE, THEY HAVE SEEN HORRORS BEYOND OUR COMPREHENSION...Keep this image in your minds and NEVER forget to help all those soldiers who come home.  

A true patriot of freedom knows that freedom comes at a high price.  I want to see the price my fellows Americans are paying for our freedom.  I can truly appreciate my freedom a lot more today because of these photos.

I have to agree with the majority of the posts here.  This is not a picture that should have been released or even taken for that matter.  Lance Cpl. Bernard should be remembered for the service he gave to his country, not a media frenzy over a picture that should not even exist.  I can't imagine the pain this picture's existance has canused the Bernard family, and then for the AP to publish it (probably claiming freedom of the press).  Yes, in this country we have free press, but come on people!  For pete's sake, WHY?  Why would a publisher even think of publishing a picture of a wounded soldier that would later pass away?  Is that a dignified way to remember a young man that gave his life serving his country??!!??

For Lance Cpl. Bernard, thank you sir.  Thank you for the job you did serving our country.  The only consolation that I can hope for is that in the midst of all this, you were welcomed at heaven's gate to the words "Welcome home my good and faithful servant.  Now is the time to rest."

I believe as hard as this is, it should be allowed to be published. We should not be spending our money and letting our sons and daughters die, for the cause of other people that do not care about their own lives or future. Why do we have to do this?

If the photo wasn't released, does this mean that it didn't happen? The object of war may bring perceived victory, but no one really wins a war, especially when a soldier, a brother, a sister or a father looses their life. War can never be pretty. Do you think when people sign up for the armed services to defend their country not knowing the possibilities? We would be naive to to believe that.

This is news. This is not disrespectful to this soldier who gave his life doing what he was trained to do.  It is too bad his life was taken from him at such an early age, but that is what war is about.  The debats should not be whether to show this photo, but whether we should still be there in the first place. Reading the story about the encounter in the orchard, why did this patrol not have air cover?  Where is all the money being spent for UAVs, and do we not own helicopters.  Those old enough to remember Vietnam saw graphic images on television and in the papers every day.  In that war, there were almost always planes overhead (air support).

I think the AP was not wrong to show this photo.  My prayers go out to the family of this Marine, and to all those who have nothing better to do than bury their heads in the sand and pretend our young men are not fighting and dying in hostile countries half a world away.

Yes this a graphic image of one of our servicemen losing his life, there is no way around that. My biggest question is why all the outrage? Yes his family has been torn up. Yes this will scar them for the remainder of their lives. Yes he was a young life taken away way too soon. But did we forget when the U.S plastered the images of Saddam's boys after we blasted them to pieces. Then didn't we show them on the coroners table with their chests stitched up and looking bloated with all the make up on. Where was the outrage behind that? It's clearly a double standard we love to see the "bad guys" busted up, but we can't stand it to see our own in the same manner. Didn't everyone want to censor the casket pics of our soldiers coming back with the flags drapped across them?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations

I really wish people would look at history and not voice their opinions without backing them up with something concrete. War is hell, always was always will be, but who allows free journalists to "tag along" in a war zone? We do, right or wrong. I think if a journalist is in a war zone they should arm themselves, not rely on military protection, if they fall behind, they get left behind. It is not the responsibility or mission objective to deal with them. They have no survival skills, too bad. They get captured and tortured, part of their chosen profession. If they take photos, and publish them it’s because the law allows it. A lot of people say bring our troops home, I think they wouldn’t be saying that if they knew why they are there.
They are there because the United Nations failed, because it is the responsibility of world superpowers to stomp out terrorism and genocide. I urge you to look into the history of why the UN was formed and what its responsibilities are. If the UN held its intended intimidating status, terrorists would run and hide knowing that if they started trouble the UN military would be moving into their back yard. My grandfather, (who is still alive) earned the flying cross, three theater ribbons, and my eternal respect for what he did in WWII. What he lost breaks my heart, he lost his faith in the American people, lost his faith in the UN, he lost his pride for what he did many years ago as he saw through the years the UN go down the drain turning into nothing more that a social club.
If the United Nations worked together to end terrorism and genocide by means of intimidation (Stop what you’re doing, or “WE” will stop you) then the terrorists would think twice about what they are doing. Imagine a unanimous decision by all members of the UN to protect the innocent lives of a community being ravished by a war lord after one failed peace keeping attempt. Multiple military personnel from around the globe show up representing the UN military with overwhelming force and financial support to stop the conflict and care for the victims.
We are there because Free Nations will not turn their back on those who cannot defend themselves, and if some members of the UN need to leave, then those chairs can be filled or remain empty for all I care.

I'm the wife of a former Navy service man.  He was in active duty during the 1st Gulf War. The reality was always there that he coud be called to serve at a time of war.  I praise the service man for their service to this country.  As angry as some of the photos may be,  I feel the photos,some of them, have to be published.  People need to see the untimate price paid for our freedom. What better way to understand why they, our servicemen, should be honor!
DAQA

You people that think this is sick are the same people that look away at the reality of what soilders are going through.  This is for you to remember and not to be blind by politicians.  This is real!

I forgot to say in my last comment...God Bless all humans that are in conflict around the world.  We talk mostly about Americans, however, there are many in other countries that abhor war but are forced to enter into it also.  My heart goes out to all young men and women (and families) forced into conflict no matter where they are from.  All feel the extreme pain, anguish and torment that only war brings.  May they all rest in peace.  

I am in the military. I have been forward deployed more than once and still deploy to Iraq. I am all for the pictures of this hero being shown to the world. This is what happens in war. If we allow journalist to deploy to report what happens then this is the outcome of those decisions. God Bless America and God Bless ALL the US Fighting men and women!!!!!

I don't see this a a shame. This is the day by day that we THE ARMS FORCES live in our duties. You guys can talk what ever you want but is only empty comments. I been there and other places and I will be there again as many time I need to go. Quit critizy in the negative way our job. This is our job, dangerous, yes we knew it, is VOLUNTEER. If you realy want to do something, get out of youre sofas and nice night clubs, paying with the wellfare check you lacies and cowards and do something more that just talking from your butts. If you cannot help, DO NOT BE PART OF THE NEGATIVE WAVE. That is not the way to help your country. EDUCATE your childrens for a better future. As a soldier, my condolens to Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard family. GOD be with all of you.

This is like picturing some of the suffering happening in parts of Africa at the moment, horrible horrible photos but that is the truth this is what is happening right now.

I feel this is just plain disturbing. If you have ever been to war, it's not a pretty sight and why would you want this Marine's family to go through the pain of not only having to deal with his death, but also having to deal with seeing their son in this state. I think if it were your family member that were publicized in this manner, you would be very upset. I think you should look at yourself and really think about this stupid and arrogant descision you made to post this. My prayers are with the Bernard family. I hope your happy Julie... Semper Fi

Hey Public... I guess it is okay for the top brass to parade living heroes around in front of the public, making speeches and hanging medals on them, but not okay to show a grunt dying to preserve your freedom. Take a good look at the price of freedom. This is what it cost for you to continue shopping at Wal-Mart for products made in China.

This decision goes to the family.  The family requested that these photos not be released and the press did not listen.  I think this is motivation to stop letting imbedded news reporters go with the troops.  Respect the families wishes or stay out.  They just want to sell more newspapers and do not understand the emotional anguish they have added to this unfortunate event. I'm in the military if they would have done this to my family I would hope they would go with whatever my families wishes were.  

This is ridiculous, these images should have never been posted. What if this was your son or borther? Would you have wanted, or have wanted the world to see these photos?

Yes ..... This is a horrible picture to say the least. This is what happen's when one man who was put into office under fraudulant means. He had no clue what to do with our young men and women other than to put them in harms way for his own greed and stupidity. He should be tried for war crimes along with Cheney , and Ashcroft. The alarm comes from letting the public see what they've done . My sympathies are with the family of this young man and many who died before him . This needs to come to an end enough of all this senseless death. This wasn't about 9/11 , if it was they would have gone to place to get the people responcible for the attack on the world trade towers,pentagon, and the ill fated flight on a day in history we will never forget.

As a relative of Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard, I would like to thank those who support the removal of the photos. Josh was my cousin and like a brother to me. It was directly against our families wishes for these photos to be viewed by the world. Our grief and our pain is our own to bare, It is no golden prize that the AP waited a whole week to release these photos after the funeral our hearts are not whole nor mended and the release of such graphic and  personal photos to the public is the loss of Josh all over. There is no words to express our despair and grief. The AP showed no honor nor integrity in their choices to releases these images against our expressed wishes.

I ask you as to think of your own loved ones, and imagine the last image you would ever have is the one you just saw of our beloved Joshua. Now imagine Josh's mom aunts nieces sister cousins and grandmothers all having to witness that.

In all of your politics and controversy we beg of you to remember in this all Joshua was a young man with a family. Let us be.. Let us mourn our loss in the privacy we have earned.

Our Family is one that loves and Honor our country has more of members involved in the War. So please give us this time to mourn our losses

When are the naysayers going to slap themselves and wake up? Even those serving in the military and their families supported the release of these photos. You chose to open and look at the pictures, now see it for what it is and shut up. Journalism doesn't just cover the rosie side of life. RIP Bernard.

I believe it fair for young people to see this. Specially the young people who fail to understand and respect what others are going through miles away. It makes me sad to see something like this, and I bet as a father or a son or relative of this brave soldier, I would feel worst. But as a relative of this soldier (Which I am not) I believe I would want people to see what happened to him, so those who have forgotten to remember, and for those who do not care to have some feelings about it. Exposure is one of the first steps to understanding, but the press has kept us in the dark for too long, bravo to the press for doing this, and God Bless the soul of Lance Cpl. Joshua "Bernie" Bernard.

I've seen worse than this in National Geographic.  It shows a wounded Marine being helped by his brothers.  It doesn't show him dying.  It doesn't show his body all mutilated from a granade.  At the point this photo was taken, there was no way anyone in the photo or taking it knew he was going to die. I agree with JoeNavy. Americans have become sensitized to this war. If everyone saw what really happens to our troops, maybe they'd be more appreciative.

This is what happens when we send soldiers to a war zone - some suffer terrible injuries, some die from those injuries. We should never forget the sacrifices and risks our men and women in the military face every minute of every day. My heart goes out to this young man's family...

I'm a Dutch guy following this war since it began. I believe these kind of pictures are comparable to pictures of the wounded victims of the 'other side' or innocent people who died from US attacks. It makes people not only aware of 'what happens' in Iraq but it will also bring up the discussion ones again, of 'what the US is doing there and against what costs'.
Let us hope peace will soon follow instead of endless discussions while people keep to die from this war

Be grateful you are part of a system that celebrates open reporting - the journalist that took these photos was in every bit of danger as the soldiers. They are there, in part, to show you the graphic, violent nature of warfare. You forget that the freedoms the press in the United States enjoys aren’t just to bring you photos of the latest hybrid car, Oprah’s favorite food and whoever Jennifer Aniston is dating this week.

There are always things in life that you dont like, but you have to deal with them anyway. It was Bernards job to fight Iraqis for their oil. It was the Iraqis job to shoot him with a rocket. It was the reporters job to print the pictures of the conflict and tell the story complete and true. Everyone did their job I see no point in arguing about who is right or wrong if you want to argue that, then it was Bernard who was in the wrong to begin with. Since he shouldn't have been killing people over black sludge thats miles underground. The real problem with people today is that someone has to be to blame for everything someone else dislikes.
like I said before everyone did their job to the letter and its alot harder to do YOUR job when someone else who doesnt know what they are talking about is telling YOU how to do it!

I am a Soldier and have served multiple tours in combat zones. This photo shows what we have to deal with on a daily basis while engaged in combat. Everybody wants to ask if we have killed anybody but nobody wants to see it in real life. this photo needs to be showed so that the Politicians have a better idea of what their bad decisions will cost somebody.This is real life, not a reality show. Lets face it more people in America was more concerned over Michael Jackson dying than the 10 soldiers that died that day. Get your priorities straight.

let us win

As a two time vet of iraq, this is simply why we should have no media over in a war zone. this is probaly the biggest form of disrespect i have ever seen. i mean really what does that say for what kind of person you are to post a picture like this for the world to see?? as far as im concerned go ahead and pack your bags and get the hell out of the US of A.

You know, I feel really bad for the family but....how are people to know of what is going on over there.  As Americans, I think that we are too sheltered - we need to hear and see what is happening.  We do have free speech and it should be exercised.

The greatest treasure the UNITED STATES has is our enlisted men & women. When you put them in harm's way , it better counter for something."THEIR LOSS IS A NATIONAL TRAGEDY." LET US WIN the world is looking at us as a weak super power.we do what we do so the you can sleep peacefuly at night.As a soldier, my condolens to Lance Corporal Joshua M.Bernard family.His in my prayers he is my brother.

As a mother and aunt of 2 US Marines, it turns my stomach to watch it on tv or see these horrible photos of what our soldiers are going thru.  I recently visited Saratoga, NY where a family member drove my husband and I past a field where a home has 4328 yellow flags in the ground for each soldier who has died since this senseless war started.  It was like looking at a huge cemetary for our service men and woman.  President Obama can't our children come home now.  I pray everynight for world peace and for our men and woman serving to come home soon, including my son......God Bless our troops and the families of the fallen heros, my heart goes out to you all.

Those of you that do support the showing of video and photos of the soldiers in combat, do have children in the military?   And if your are in the service currently servicing do you have a child in the service, because as a parent, it is so very hard to watch this.....and look for your child, and pray it is not him or her cauught in the fire fight they are showing.......it is very hard as a parent to see this when you have family there......

I for one am proud of him and what all of our soldiers and their families are doing and going through. I just hope that they all come home soon so we don't lose anymore of them.

It is unfortunate that the associated press did not follow the wishes of LCpl Bernard's family. As a family member of a Marine who is currently deployed, I send my prayers to Joshua M. Bernard's family and friends.  I can only imagine the pain that they are going through, they should be able to grieve as they wish and they did not wish to have this photograph made public.  We as a nation should support our troops and their families wishes even in death.  Semper Fi

The one thing that REALLY stands out to me is that this soldier's sacrifice has become engrained in the Americain public's conscience, and we ALL should respect, now more than ever, what he and all the others who serve our country have done and are doing over there.  These pictures are respectful and appropriate and it would have been a disservice to the American public to just put them away and never let us know this difficult truth.  This were ultimate pictures about an ultimate sacrifice and now each of us understands just a little bit better this war and the service of these brave men.

It's the reality of what we're involved in. It should be shown. It isn't pretty.

This pic shows how bad war is. Photo's like this one should be displayed so everyone can see how terrible war can be.
Prayers go out to the fallen american serviceman and his family. Continue to pray everyday for our service men and women who are in harms way.

I am the wife of an Army SFC, and I can say that I would not want a picture like that published of him...not for me to see, not for his mom, dad, sister to see....not for his child or his nieces and nephews...
The press is sickening...yes this is a reality...but have some respect for people and their grief...War is hell, but the press is the devil.
Rest in peace...Lance Corporal Bernard
May God give peace to your family..

We relish is showing the US killing there men and woman on TV,You tube.and wince when it is one of our own,and talk of family,what of the others family?  

What has happened to this once great nation? I have nothing but respect for all those who fight for our freedom and the freedom of others everyday! No matter what your stance is on the war, these soldiers are doing what they have been asked to do. This Friday we will all remember what happened 8 years ago, I was in my 9th grade art class, but now a country that was once so united is now so divided. This picture is so disrespectful to Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard and his family. He is not just a solider or a number but someone's son, someone's brother, someone's grandson. Let's show this solider and his family the respect they deserve. How would you feel in this situation? What if this was your loved one? To Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard thank you for your service and to his family may God give you peace and comfort during this unimaginable time. Your son, brother, grandson made the greatest sacrifice and he will always be remembered.  God Bless you and this country!

As a soldier, and the parent of two soldiers (one serving in Afghanistan), I agree that the press has the right to publish these photos, in the public interest. I would prefer that, if the family desires that their soldier not be identified, the face and identifying information be blurred or edited, but we as a public don't seem to realize the human cost of this war. Coverage in other nations is far more graphic than it is here, because the press is LESS subject to censorship than in the U.S. It's important to see these things, horrific though they are, to fully grasp the conditions in which soldiers fight, and the sacrifices they make. Look back to the photojournalism from WWI, WWII, Korea, Viet Nam. It was far more graphic than the coverage of this conflict, but the public understood that it was necessary.

For those of you who are wishing for the photographer to be killed in some horrific way, what morality drives you? What possesses you to wish for the death of a human being in such a way? Have you no shame? The photographer is someone's child, spouse, father as well. He's exposing himself to harm along with the soldiers he covers. The soldiers themselves know why he's there, and agreed to it, knowing he might be documenting their last hours and minutes. The fact that he did so doesn't mean that you can abandon all morality in reaction to it. Be shocked, disagree with me, call me names if you must, but take a moment to look at yourselves. I don't expect too much from that; the anonymity of the internet breeds this kind of hateful garbage, and no voice of reason seems to penetrate the brick heads of those prone to say such things. Having served in Iraq, and Bosnia, having a child, friends, brothers who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq, I think I've earned the right to comment as I please.

My feelings about the conflict itself are unimportant, and to be honest, so are yours. This isn't about what you think of the war, it's about the Constitution that you supposedly uphold as a model to the world, and the responsibility that comes with such freedom, including the responsibility to see with open eyes the consequences of our government's decisions.

Let the flames begin.

As a former Marine leader, and veteran of this "war," I understand as to why the editors of said journalist would want to publish this photo.  However, the fact that the young Marine's family was consulted, gave his wishes to not have this photo published, only to see it published anyways, is an infringement on the very liberties and freedoms that every servicemember has fought and died for over the past 200 plus years. I cannot say that I am shocked at this kind of behavior, as it only contiues to show the lack of moral fiber that used to exist in this country that has only become a shell of it's former self (both professionally and in theory). Semper Fidelis and God bless all our men and women overseas, and the families that support them.

Having the opportunity to give your life for your country is the most honorable way to die, a soldier welcomes the opportunity. It is what he is trained to do, and what he chose to do for the love of his country. I think he would be proud that the public is able to be witness to his sacrifice, It is not something that should be hidden to take away from the magnitude of what it is. Most of us live mediocre lives, he was a great man who did the most honorable thing for his country, something all of us could only dream of being strong enough to do.

This is just a bad call on the media's part.  It's too personal.  Yeah, you have a right to show the reality of war, but you don't have a right to expose the individual in the fight.  The causuality list is personal enough.  This was the ultimate in desrespect.  I'll be damned if I'm going to waste one bullet protecting a journalist on my patrol.  From now on you guys are on your own.  

First off I have to respect my military brother. My condolens to Lance Corporal Joshua M.Bernard's family.He and his family is in my prayers.

As a former infantry soldier, this is war, this is what the infantryman sees on a daily basis on patrol. It is truely blood and guts. There is nothing glorious about it, but it is real. This is the sacrifices made that keep our country a superpower. An act of selflessness that is done to protect his friends, family, and country. He is a real hero. The reporter did his/her job of reporting, although we find it distasteful, it is reporting.  

“It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, serves beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.” (Admiral Jeremiah Denton)

May God bless and protect our troops where ever they may be serving.
Wolf

There is great honor in his service and this is a tribute to a man, a fallen comrade.

While he is not my son, he is everybody's son who everyday stands on the wall of freedom.  

I celebrate his life and I know without a shadow of a doubt, he is being held in God's Holy arms.

I thank him for his life and I hold him in my heart.

God bless his family, God bless you Lance Corporal Bernard.

65 years later and Arthur Ponsonby's quote still holds true... "When war is declared, Truth is the first casualty."
May God bless the family and soul of LCpl. Joshua "Bernie" Bernard.
A grateful nation recognizes your service and is indebted to your sacrifice.

We are fighting a war that the average citizen is in no way connected to. All we know see off our soldier's experiences are 30 sec promotional videos. I think the least we could do is make sure everyone understands what we are risking when we send our children into far off lands to risk their lives. We see images of everyone else dying except Americans and we think "oh its not so bad for us out there" War is hell and real pictures and first hand accounts are the only way that we, (the people who sent these kids to die) are going to appreciate the sacrifice they are making everyday that our wars continue. If we can't stomach reality then we need to think twice about going to war.

The good: It shows war is hell.
The Bad: It shows war is hell.

We all die, he died making a difference.

Only the dead have seen the end
of war.
 -Plato

I have a great amount of respect for the soliders of our country. It is with their courage, strength and will that all of us continue to live freely in this country.

I must admit that I am not saddened by the distribution of this photo....rather I am quite happy that the photographer and AP Press made the decision to share this insight of conbat with the public. What many do not realize is that the government tries VERY hard (and does a damn good job) to censor what the public hears, sees and reads about combat and war. It is almost shameful honestly. Not only did this heroic soldier die fighting for his country, he gave us an opportunity to see first hand the tragedies that occur during combat and war. We need to take it and make our own individual judgement upon how we feel about the situation....but I think that we do need to see more of the realities of war and combat in order to discuss and truly realize these topics. Otherwise, one can only imagine but not really make an educated assessment or oppinion.

Lastly, I think Lance Corporal Bernard's family deserve a huge salute and a great amount of respect. They have suffered great loss and have had to deal with such controversy regarding the painful photo. Can you imagine how difficult it must be trying to cope and heal while having to defend and discuss the drama and violation of privacy with this photo. I wish them everlasting peace and thank them for their sons heroic efforts in serving our country. He is a hero and his legacy will live on in the form of eduacation to all of us, in the form of a reminder of the fierce and trecherous conditions soldiers experience while fighting in battle.

God Bless Lance Corporal Bernard.          

I am sorry for this soldier I want all our soldiers home NOW.  But showing this picture might bring to light to all the ungrateful spoiled Americans who don't realize what these young Men and Women do for us.  Yes its sad.  Yes its graphic  but its also someone' child..we need to bring OUR SOLDIERS home now and quit fighting a cancer that can't be cured.

Thank you for showing the true nature of war. His family, my family, all of us, should be sick at our stomachs that this goes on every day - but that is war - and if we choose to fight it, we do an injustice to our brave men and women by hiding it's horrors and sacrifices. They aren't there to keep this up - they are there to end this.

You may now return to your iPhone or American Idol or whatever you were engrossed in before you had your reality check.

Good night.

Thank you for showing us the reality of these soldiers lives. I am so sad for this young man's family.

MSN thanks for giving me the choice to see this. I am glad to know how to pray.We all sit in our cush neighborhoods fighting over whether or not health care is a privilege or a right...and these folks are literally fighting for their lives. It puts things in perspective.

I'm so tired of people white-washing over the truth.. I want to know, I need to know and i'm so glad after eight years of never being shown the truth about this war we can finally see the horror and pain that comes with such a weighty decision.

jw
kansas city,missouri

Let's do as Robert A. Heinlein says:  If you haven't served your society, then you have not given of yourself for the greater good, and therefore you can not vote.

Many of you posting here are the same 'type' that would have spit on returning soldiers in Vietnam.

For all of you AND the one that said "I am a Soldier"....Scot?

Yes, those of us who serve and have served know that we will at some point see a scene like this.  We know this, we live/lived it, but the parents didn't want this scene to be displayed everywhere.  This was a simple request and the AP's complete and total disregard for the wishes of the family speaks volumes of their 'character'.  They have no sense of right and wrong, no sense of honor, no respect for anyone, and they have absolutely no moral compass.  There have been and will be more scenes like this (every war has them)- and, sooner or later, a family will step forward and tell them "yes, honor my son/daughter in your paper" and allow them to publish the horrible scene that took their loved one. If I were the Honorable Mr. Gates, I would pull ALL AP reporters from embedding and eject them from my battle-space IMMEDIATELY.  They would be PERMANENTLY BANNED until the AP publishes 1. an apology to ALL service members for the lack of honor the AP has shown 2. a personal apology to the family of the fallen Marine 3. a personal apology to Secretary Gates and the United States Marines.  These apologies would CLEARLY state that the AP was 1. clearly wrong 2. showed a complete lack of respect for the family 3. that the AP will comply in the future with the request of the family in ALL matters regarding fallen service members.  Until then, they can sit it out.

Mr. Stokes Young-

Have your website people fix your page...  my email address IS A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS....your page will not accept a "@us.army.mil" address.  Some would think that perhaps you don't want to hear from us- I would just like to believe that your web designer just screwed up.  

If the govt is allowing photos of soldiers caskets, they shouldn't be asking news organizations not to run this type of photo. I don't agree with publishing images of caskets arriving in Dover or this photo, but govt policy can't be indecisive.

The soldier should be honored, and his family proud. We're fighting a tough fight overseas to keep from having this repeated here.

Hopefully, those that had any part in releasing this picture experience the same kind of pain in their future that they placed on the family of this young man by publishing this "shock" photo.  I'm ashamed to think you're part of the same country I live in and cherish.

The reality of war is death. Publishing the pictures brings the reality home so that all may know their sacrifice and think twice before signing up for war. RIP Lance Corporal Bernard.

The military should remove all AP reporters now from embedding.  It was a bad idea to start with.  With 99% of responders to the polling on this issue horrified at the showing of the image, I don't think anyone of consequence would mind.

This is called reality not the crap on TV. Get your heads out of the sand.(I was nice).. Once again liberating those who should do it themselves. Semper Fi Brother.

im a iraqi vetrean and i dont think if i die i would want my love one seeing me suffering in the feild take it off it brings pain and reminder to other who have suffered/ show respect  

I feel these pictures need to be sent to the White House and Congress.  We (the United States) should not even be in these countries.  The people of these countries need to stand up and fight for their countries and their freedom.  The soldier shown in these pictures is a hero as he made the ultimate sacrifice.  We (the United States) should be looking at our own country and making sure we (the people) are taken care of and kept free.

I don't know why the US feels it has to occupy and rebuild a country after they blow it to hell.  When we attacked Afghanistan for aiding and abetting Al Quida, we should have just left the damn place in ruins and let it be a lesson to the morons that this is what happens when you pull the dog's tail. Now we're losing lives needlessly at the cost of billions for the sake of a rock pile we can go into and level anytime we want to.

If the US gov't thinks it's ever going to convert these war mongars to cicilized thought, they better rthinj again. These idiots don't even know who's governing the territiry over the next mountain they've never been over in their lives, never mind a capital city somewhere they never heard of.

I am not sure how I feel about this, but, I can say that he is a hero and God Bless his soul. I feel for the family and pray for all soliders and their families.

I also want to say that had Lance Corpal Bernard lived, this photo would be shown without issue. It is unfornate that he died, (that ANY solider has to die.)  Let all be assured that he and others like him do not die alone, and that "family" was with him and mourn his death.


Maybe it is time that all of us face the harsh reality of life and death.

One last comment; Would anyone have issue with the picture if no names were shown, and/or no descripton given?

People have to realize that as U.S. citizens we have a right to know what's going on.  Yes, the images may be offending, but this reporter captured reality.  This is what's happening over seas.  Hopefully the pictures can help open people's eyes.  This is one person, imagine the millions who have died for our country in a similar way.  Does the injustice lie in taking the photographs, or being at war?  The sooner people realize what's going on, the sooner we can stop it completely.

As an ex-marine and a a Mainer my prayers go to L/Cpl Bernard and his family. maine has lost yet another prince.
It concerns me that the press is embedded with our troops. You see, we have to protect the newsmen and that cuts into our ability as a fire team, squad, platoon. in battle we need to every eye on the enemy.
The press simply is looking to sell stories so has to send something back to their agency to justifiy their existance. What happens is all they can come up with is photos of our guys suffering. ASk yourself, why aren't they sending pictures like these of the enemy suffering?, are they afraid to get that close, what courage are they displaying? Seems to me that the press is hard up for photo ops because they aren't getting close enough to the results of our impact in the field to get pictures of the enemy casualties.
When I was in Viet Nam in 1968-69 we were not allowed to take pictures of our dead and wounded. Our buddies would be angry if anyone did and truth be told it was the wrong thing to do, simple as that. Our leaders in the field who have to comply with having the press along should advise them as to this policy.
It leads me to wonder, would they release these picture if it were the journalist with his legs blown off?
The press should be ashamed of themselves and beg forgiveness from God because they certainly aren't getting any from me.

Why the moral delineation between a marine and the thousands of images of other mortaly wounded people from natural and unnatural disasters that we view continually in the news. There is no difference. People want special circumstances on this one because it's a US Marine and somehow they cannot handle the symbolic nature of a fallen idol. The truth is that a man died in combat. There are many nameless faceless people who died in war that have been captured on film. Do we have such a collective amnesia in this country to not recall the images from Vienam...How about the man who's head was being shot by a soldier and LIFE magazine carried that one to its iconic images hall of fame status in the years to come. This is life. This reality. See it. examine it. And take responsibility for your feelings about it. That's all YOU can do. No one is forcing any of us to look at this. And yet there is all this uproar. Personally there is not enough REAL violence in reporting to help people (especially the young impressionable minds) discern between fake Hollywood violence and real violence. Fake violent images are far more damaging and create greater animosity for the value of life than this.

Any comments objecting to this kind of journalisim are just that (your right to object) just as it is the journalists job and the American peoples right to make there own dicision on (to view or not to view).
But
I have a ten year old son. Over the course of year as i sign him in to each year of school. I've noticed I have to sign papers (allowing)pictures , if taken of him,to be published to ,newspapers,magazines,images ect..
Its a simple matter of a (signature).
Its the soldiers/Individual right.Does the deseased want his or her picture publisised. just like an organ donor card. This is another big stink about people not minding there own business.
If you want to look......look. If you don't want to look ......don't Look!

I see nothing wrong with this picture...this shows what is the result of "WAR"...this is real life.  The "Soccer Mom" mentality to hide the truth of life and nature from the eyes of their children, friends, family and even themselves has brought down this nation over the past few decades.  I look above at several of the comments calling for the photographer to be left behind in combat or to be hurt or slain himself just because he took a picture of what was happening in front of him are deplorable.  I'm sorry to be harsh...but its time that this country gets off the couch, leaves behind the whimsical world of reality TV and start to look at what is going on in this world.  People are dying out there, some because they are trying to hurt others, some because they are trying to protect others.  Its time this country got a taste of "Real Life" for more then 2 seconds instead of worrying about the next car they are going to buy, how are they going to get that next promotion at work, or how many boxes of cookies they are going to buy this week to feed to their obese child.

it is really amazing to see how vial the press can be. I bet Cpl. Bernard's parents and family really appreciate seeing these pictures.

You know whom ever the photographer is, better remember that it is those marines that keep him safe.
Being a veteran, if it were me, i would lose you somewhere.  oooops.

Hey how about taking pics of something more important like how the goons from the SEIU are working on threatening and harrassing regular people who are against this health care.

Or a series of pics on how a congressman can get away with not paying property taxes.

truly amazing.

For those that believe there is nothing wrong about what the AP did, where is your sense of honor?  The family requested that it not be published.  Just because you CAN do something does not mean that you SHOULD.  You see, it is a simple question of morality.  Did the AP follow their moral compass on this?  If they did, their compass is in sad need of re-calibration.  The government did not ask the AP to not publish this photo- Defense Secretary Gates, on behalf of the family, made this REQUEST.  It was made very, very clear that the family did not want the photo published.  The AP should be hereby banned from embedding.  All embeds need to be returned to sender.  The AP has violated nothing in legal terms, but everything in terms of honor, trust and respect- traits that the armed forces take very seriously.  

This is NOT like Joe Galloway's pictures from "Landing Zone X-Ray"- most of America barely knew WERE Vietnam was and had no idea what was happening with our forces.  We have come a long way since then- America knows where its warriors are and what they are doing.  America knows that we are losing precious lives to IEDs, in-direct fire and direct fire from insurgents and terrorists.  The media (AP included) has made sure of this.  You cannot convince me that they did not have any other photos (that a family WOULD approve publishing) or that they could not do their story about this fine young Marine WITHOUT publishing THAT particular photo!  That photo was published for shock value- to generate more sales.  We have lost thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines- you cannot tell me that of the thousands of deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan that there are NO similar photos.  I refuse to believe that this heroic Marine is the ONLY such photo that they have ever come across!  

By all means AP, tell your story- but do not disrespect this heroic Marine by disrespecting the wishes of his parents; and that is EXACTLY what you have done.  

I am a former Marine. 7 of my fmaily are military. Here is what I would never like to hear again.  "Thank you for your service and sacrifice"  are you kidding me.  do you think parents brothers and sisters want to hear your thanks?  YOu are the same that tread upon the rights we truly fight for with your closet hatred o fthings not like you.  War is hell.  we die.  to hell with your thanks.  just make sure we die for cause and if we are not  It is your resposibility as the true government to stand up and protect us.  Did you thank the families for their sacrifice in Iraq?  Why?  Did you support this war?  Why?  the hypocrisy of the couch warrior is simply amazing.  We fight for a reason.  We fight for a cause>  If the american people can elect Barrack Hussein Obama as president (and rightly so)  then they can send the message.  Never again die for nothing.   By the way why is Osama Bin Laden still alive????., Take your thanks for your sacrifice and stand for the correct or shove it.  Signed  somadatyou  Lord watch over my family

The truth about humanity can not be hidden from the world. Our U.S.Military and heroes like Cpl. Bernard have sacrificed themselves for our freedoms since the day of our great countries conception. If this bothers you and your against it, wake up to reality. If this bothers you and you support the freedom of press and the constant sacrifice of U.S. Americans lift your head in honor for all americans and the world should be proud of our liberties. If this doesnt bother you, your existance will be forgotten.
HM2 (FMF) Suje Garcia

To all the ignorant who post ill to the AP photographer.  Couch Warrior you obviously do not understand what a RPG accomplishes  Embedded reporters are also in the line of fire.  there but for the grace of God goes her.  Think about before you wish ill on your brothersister cousin etc  IN THE LINE OF FIRE  idiots  Bloggers are so hatefull

In the first photo in this series, the caption says that LCpl Bernard is patrolling on point, but his weapon appears to be condition 4 (no mag inserted.)  Anyone know why that is?

These people calling themselves media live for the line 'the pen is mightier than the sword.' Its an ego trip!  Well lets send their pen to Iran, N. Korea, Oh that's unsafe.  So they shame the very men that protects their right to use the pen with their lives.  Then what do you call the media?  In a word   coward's.

I've just come from the visiting Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall here in Westlake Village, CA. 58,000+ names - so long ago - now gray haired men stand quietly - with a hand to the shoulder of a fellow vet - 'Welcome home Brother'.  Nothing has changed in all these years.  NOTHING - not our politicians - not world events - has changed.  On the first day of the official Vietnam Conflict - we lost over 900+ young men.  Get your mind around that number - OVER 900+ YOUNG MEN.  War IS horrible - War IS ugly - War IS death and destruction. WAR IS REAL.  

GOD - Yes - this Marine's father wishes - he a retired Marine himself - should have been honored.  Think about the dicotomy - father protecting his son - Marine protecting Marine.  GOD - YES - we should ALL view this picture.  LCpl Joshua Bernard stepped forward in service to ALL OF US.  Don't you EVER forget that - as you dine at the next restaurant - as you sit in your easy chair and watch a football game - make a trip to get your manicure - try and figure out what movie you'll watch.  

For those who think this is a tough picture to view - damn straight it is - WE ARE A COUNTRY AT WAR!!  Frank Capra photographed and reported it - Dan Rather - etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.  You cowards - you whining twits - tough to look at - damn straight.  4,339+ (Iraq) - 735+ (Afghanistan) and counting have given their lives to this War.  You're complaining because you've CHOSEN to view one picture of an incredibly well trained brave young man who valiantly stepped out in faith and gave his life in honor to his country - for you and to me - that his personal actions would and could make a difference??  Look at the picture.  Did you make a connection with this young Marine - with his father and mother's pain.  GOOD - perhaps tomorrow morning - when you roll over and plant your feet on the ground - you'll ask yourself - what can and will I do today to help my US soldier - my Marine - my sailor - my airman.  Whether or not you support this war - makes no matter.  You damn well better be strong enough to support your military men and women doing the job while we are comfortably state side.  Then, you can thank God you've not had to choose to view every single photograph of 5,000+ dead marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen.  We are at War - it is happening now.

War is Hell. Good men die horribly. I don't understand why Americans can't wrap their little brains around this concept.

In WWI and WWII movies and pictures were taken of the wars to document them. Many of americas men and women were only seen by families overseas because there bodies were left behind. Also in vietnam the same documentary study was done too to let the public know of what is going on. Since then journalists and the like have gone underfire so much so that we forget why and what our men and women are doing or fighting for. A journalist is to portray what is happening in that moment and bring it to light to others so that they can make a judgement as to what is right and what is wrong. These men and women are laying down their lives so that others can maybe in the future live freeley and away from the harm that these terorists inscribe on others. My heart goes out to the families of all these men and women who have been laid to rest. But to stop the journelists from documenting and bringing it to light, I can not say that what they are doing is right, but I can say that what they are doing is bringing what is in the dark to the light for the world to decide and act accordingley. Besides it says here that Bernard later died at the hospital he was taken too, this picture is not of his death but of his suffering before his departure. The suffering of sacrifice that he has chosen to make to help others win their freedom. Take also into account these men and women chose to go there they were not drafted they chose to fight for another country another people in another point and time. God bless these brave ones and help them win the cause so they may come home soon.............KQ

I think the decision to publish the photo should have been the soldier's family. Since it was not their choice they should receive any profits from it or it should be donated to a charity for our soldiers. God bless  our soldiers.

It is a shame that the last request of the family that paid the ultimate sacrifice is so callously disregarded.  Another example of the dollar trumping dignity.  It pains me to think had that happened to me sometime during my 25+ years of service and my wife's request be disregarded.  Character seems to matter less and less every day.

Wow.  Lots of comments.  I gotta admit, my ADD kicked in about halfway thru the 2nd comment.

My opinion of why this photo was aired can be conveyed in two words:  Ka Ching.

RIP, Marine.  God, bless his heart and keep his soul.

Photos of Paris Hilton are FAR more offensive to me.   However, this is not my son.  And for that, I am grateful.

A lot of judgement from a bunch of people who made an extra "mouse-click" to view this photo themselves.  

/begin rant

Everyone complaining about the photo, YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO VIEW IT!!  But you clicked it anyway, even after reading the caption and then start bi7c#ing about it.  The picture is one of many that has been taken depicting the realities of war.  You see this same gore when you goto the theaters and fork out $15 to watch Braveheart, Gladiator, or even Jaws but GOD forbid it is real.  Well guess what?  War is real.

We didn't start this one but we have to finish it and in the process we will have casualties.  I hope his family doesn't see the picture if they don't want to, but maybe they do.  That is something noone here can decide for them.  For everyone else, you should respect and honor this man for he gave the ultimate sacrifice so that even you can waste your time bi7c#ing about something noone made you look at.
/end rant

I served in the military from 89 to 98 and in that time I served honorably in the first Gulf War. My son is soon to be following in my footsteps by going into the military and more than likely the Marine Corp. The children that are at this point in their life have been playing violent military based video games and are desensitized to the real brutality of war. This photo, taken by an embedded journalist, strips that video game gloss off of this issue. As stated in the article, the members of Bernard’s squad reviewed all of her photos and though there was pause when this one came up, they all understood it. The family believes this photo is disrespectful of their son’s life, but in actuality it represents what he raised his right hand for. It is their pain that they are trying to protect. He died trying to protect our FREEDOM. Many in this country except for families in the military have forgotten why this country is at war. They have forgotten what it felt like eight years ago this Friday to see our Pentagon and New York City attacked by terrorists that trained in Afghanistan. As we continue to fight this war as our young boys become young men and make their life choices about college, trade schools, or the military and continue to play the violent military themed video games having the truth about war, and the brutality brought home through a photo or video is vital tool in a parents discussion about their reasons for wanting to join the military.

At least you were givin the option, to view or not to view! Being an air force brat all my life, my family lived the horrible truth daily through the VN war. Not hard to look at for those of us that lived it and already know the pain and sadness of what it costs to keep our "freedom of speech". You all need to take a good look at what it's costing our families, and remember and appreciate it a lot more than you do. This could change your feelings for the rest of your life, like it always has ours!

Those who support the AP’s actions don’t have to contend with the anguish to which LCPL Bernard’s family has been subjected.  Hear his Dad tell the real story here when you search for "The Bloviating Hammerhead" blog.
Making a political statement is a lot more palatable until it’s your child.

While some justify the photo because war is real, this in not appropriate.  The wishes of the family in this case should be paramount. God bless this brave man.

1st I want to thank the Journalist for the pictures and not giving into the extremist right or the extremist left. Keep doing your great work.  As a democracy, it is every American's right to know exactly what the majority of the American people voted to do about fighting Terrorist.  Shame on all you who think otherwise!  Go back to your communist countries and enjoy your oppressing governments. Each solder including myself is or has served  this nation so we can enjoy our freedoms and choose to pass them  on to you ungrateful civilians who choose not to fight but rather B#$%$# about what you think you deserve. We should all thank them for what they are doing; librating other fellow men from being oppressed. Some methods just don’t work, talk gets you nowhere when people have been brought up with ideology to hate. American Christians that are extremists are no better than the Muslim extremists; both groups are equally to blame. My prayers go to Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard and his family. The family should be proud that their son fought for what he believed in.  Every fellow man should enjoy in life, equal opportunity, freedom to hold your head up high regardless of being either female or male and of any color.  Just some rights, but you get the idea.  Semper Fi brother…

As a marine in the infantry, i feel that this picture should be posted up in every recruiting office in the continental united states.  Furthermore, i think that we should throw up our peace signs and pull out before anymore of our countrymen die for these meaningless corporate wars.  

I did not agree with the previous administration for putting our Men & Women in harm's way.  I do not agree with our current administration for expanding this conflict into other countries.  I also do not agree with all those who feel these terrorist organizations want to be our friends … they don’t, they want us to drop our guard so they can kill all of us in spite of our political views.  Our Military have been sent to these trouble spots to prevent those battles and civilian casualties from happening in other nations these terrorist have decided are their enemies.

With the tragic death of Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard, I firmly believe it became his parent’s right to decide if that photo of their son in death’s grip should be shown to the world.  Instead, the so-called senior editors of the Associated Press used it to line their pockets with gold over their objections.  Their greedy decision continues to line their pockets with gold at the expense of his grieving family.  While I spent 20+ years on active duty in the Air Force, I currently wonder if those teams, their commanders have the right to say; ‘No Thanks’ to escorting around reporters in combat zones.  At the very least, I feel all Associated Press reporters should be rounded up and sent home.

a.)  You are given the choice to view this picture or not.

b.)  We ordinary civilians who would never find put ourselves at risk as these servicemembers do, are completely cushioned from the REAL horrors of war, a war that even if we don't support many of us see as a necessary evil and thus still give it our tacit support.

c.)  We should be willing to expose ourselves, from the comfort of our homes and offices, to what little experience we can have of these horrors.  Look at that young man's face...  look at his eyes....  know that he is dying...  touch that in your soul and offer humanity your tears and support and TRULY recognize that the world would be a better place without what this young man is going through.

d.)  See point a. above.

I find the publishing of this photograph to be callous and insensitive.  The family begged to not have this photo published yet AP charged ahead.  There are only two purposes served by releasing this photo; neither of them moral or just
a) Pure sensationalism; or
b) Trying to further an anti-war agenda
Neither has a place in objective media.  Think about the hurt and pain suffered by that poor soldier's family.  Not only have they lost a son, but suffered by having his last moments on earth exploited by media with less than noble intentions.

The reporter who shot this pic should be ashamed of themselves for being more concerned with documentation than with assisting in the life saving operations of the soldiers they are embeded with.

THIS PICTURE IS ALL WRONG, THE SOLDIERS PROTECTING THIS IGNORANT PHOTOGRAPHER SHOULD'VE CONFISCATED HIS CAMERA AND DESTROYED IT! THE MEDIA IS THE US' BIGGEST ENEMY! THE MORE THEY STICK THEIR NOSES INTO THINGS BIGGER THAN THEY ARE, THE MORE THEY DETERIORATE THE CONSTITUTION AND WHAT IT STANDS FOR. FREEDOM OF SPEECH MEANS EXACTLY THAT, ON U.S. SOIL, NOT IN WAR!!!

I think that all people who posted this picture should be boycotted and run out of business. I did not open the picture, as I had heard about what the image did to his parents. Another case of Journelism out of touch with reality. I am glad to hear MSNBC didn't run it, but why make it avaliable heere?

I only see one mistake with running this photo, and that is using the young Marine's name.  This could be any one of thousands of men and women killed in battle, and we as the public not only have the right, but the obligation to know what is really going on there.  It isn't all building schools and passing out candy to kids.  This is the reality of war, and if we can't look at an image such as this and say that the sacrifice this young man and the many before him have made is worth it, then we need to get out.  If it is, then put everything we have into making it sucessful.

After 23 years in the military myself, I know these brave and selfless people will be there and do whatever we ask of them, regardless of their personal beliefs in the matter.  Support them, be thankful for their service, and if after seeing what they are really giving up for you and the rest of the country isn't worth it, let the powers that be know it.

To show grieving parents photo's of their child in excruciating pain and agony, is truly an heartless act. I doubt that Cpl. Bernard would want his parents to see him as he is dying.  To the AP, you are truly a heartless group whose bottom line is the almighty dollar.  This man died a hero, and that's how he should be remembered. The decision on publication should be the families, and no other person or organization.  

This is terrible journalism.  not fair.

BS.  This photo proves how selfish the leaders in the world really are.  Is it not obvious that this photo will make war profiters, major companies, and journalists money?  The picture of a dying US soldier is used to piss of everyone to fight back more.  Hence, more money for those listed above.  Its like job security.  The only dam reason that wars are drug out so long is because of money, not because of a journey to establish the stated goals.  This man was used as a puppet, as well as the others troops on the front line, brainwashed patriots that enlisted to do something great.  They are taught to kill and be killed so the men and women that have the real power and experience don't have jepordize their pretty uniforms.  American journalists are paid large chunks of money to report what the big shots tell them, to keep all of us stuck in a world of fear.  Read the news from the other countries.  It is all different.  The Ireali/Palestinian conflict is a major lie.  The Iraq war is another major LIE.  It is sad that AMericans fall the FEAR tactic.  We are all so scared that something bad will happen that we spend any amount to save ourselves from the "Bad Things" that we are told. Mr.Bernard was a son,a cousin, maybe a father and an uncle.  Unfortunately this brave man was used by the government, by the AP, and by the people of this country all because most of us are too ignorant to see a lie when its told to us.  We trust all the wrong people because we are as greedy as they are. I know that you will edit this out but you know that it is true.    

My sympathy to the soldier and family.

The reality of war should be presented to the public every day.

Realize what you pay, vote and reap everyday.

why would they do this thinking it is ok? I understand they are over their doing their job but, to put a picture of a soldier that is in this condition is not morally right. These people need to learn respect. It's hard enough for the family to know that their love one is gone but to show them how this happened is not ok. I have to respect for the press after seeing this. They have just violated every code of honor in my eyes. I am utterly discusted by the person who submited and posted this photo. Totally disrepectful. I spit on their grandmothers shadow!!! We will be leaving for the same spot in about 2 months now do you really think we need to see this now?

Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard you are a true HERO! My heart goes out to your family and friends and your unit. You only did as you were told and you paid the ultimit sacrifice for your country. Thank You! Fallen But Never Forgetten! RIP!

To the ones that say its "every Americans right", can you tell me why you have that right. You only have that right because of people like LCPL Bernard! STOP BEING SO SELFISH! you would have NOTHING if it wasnt for your military so instead of being so inconsiderate and selfish take a minute and put yourself in their shoes for a day!

Although I do not agree with the media showing this picture, I support their right to do it as long as it doesn't compromise sensitive information or operations.

The same applies to speech; as often time it is abused, and offensive, but we do have the right to free speech.  Yes, sometimes the abuse of those freedoms carry consequences.

I think it was a poor choice to show this picture anywhere, and the family is justified in being upset.

My husband an Army National Guardsman, has been deployed to Iraq twice.

By the grace of God, I pray that he never goes to Afghanistan. It's bad out there America...worse than Iraq. Always remember our soldiers, it could be somebody you love, one day.

I can not believe that some people wish the reporter will die in the war! Obviously you are missing the message of it all!

Completely innapproriate.  Do people really believe that we all don't know what goes on over there?  It's not like the news doesn't tell us day in and day out what happening.  Do we really need to see a picture like this to "open our eyes?"  I have a brother and his wife, who both served the Iraq war, as well as a brother in law who was part of the Army's 10th Mountain Div when those 3 soldiers were kidnapped while searching houses in 2007.  My little brother is now a Marine and set to deploy next year.  I could see no greater direspect to a soldier or their family then to publish such a tragic picture.  Our press has taken way to much privelege upon themselves to think that such a thing is OK.  For god's sake, the family of the soldier asked for the picture not to be published.  Where's their right to privacy.

There is a "if-i-can't-see-it-then-it-doesn't-exist" problem with Americans today because we don't display of enough these types of images to the public.  You should all be forced to open your EYES and LOOK at THIS!  This is what could happen to your husband, brother, sister, father, kid when we send them in to fight a WAR for a cause you voted for.  Whether you are for or against this War, you better take a hard look and you better start making sure you vote for what you believe in, with eyes wide open to the consequences. Its a WAR remember ?!?!!!  This is what WAR is, so have a BIG FAT LOOK.  To those of you who would rather keep your blinders on than see the reality of war, wake the hell up!

maybe this has been said already, ... what a bout all those Viet Nam documentaries that show graphic images?  hell, i was just a kid watching the stuff on tv...wheres all the hoopla about the History Channel?

As a mother of a Marine being deployed to Afghanistan, I believe it is important for everyone to see the brutal and tragic truth of what our children are dealing with. I believe it is the medias responsibility to show the realities of war. I sure wish we had another Harry Truman for president. If you want to be terrorists and kill innocent people for no reason, then we are just going to drop the bomb and be rid of you. Period, end of story.

Would you want the world to view your dying parents or child? I would hope not, but if you are that disturbed then please post them. Let us decide if want to see them. We all know people die in war, thanks for reminding us. I hope you win the Pulitzer for posting the photo (it's all about you anyway - right), who cares if his parents have to carry this photo in their head the rest of their lives. Good work jackass.

I am a Soldier's Mom.  I realize that the civilian community has no clue about what our Soldier's are doing and the seriousness of this war.  That said, if that were my son dying, I would not want to see that picture.  We already would have the worst case scenerio in our minds, why would anyone put it in our faces for us to see our child's final moments in pure agony... these picture will be how they remember their sons last moments.  This is nor appropriate, I don't care what it teaches anyone about the war.

My 2 uncles are both retired soldiers. I almost grew up in a military base so I know was it like for a family to have a relative involved in a mission and eventually lost them while protecting freedom and peace. Godspeed to heaven sir Lance..

Shame on the AP for showing this picture.  Until the photographer and his editor show one of their children dying for the world to see I can't excuse it.  Our service men and women deserve the greatest respect and the AP has shown that they have none of that for our greatest Heros.  This after all was an AMERICAN boy who has a mother and father that now will not be able to see his face, only this horrible picture to remember him by.  I hope no American forgives this photographer and publisher!!

I'm sorry... but I don't see any photos of anyone dead or dying... as a retired U.S. Army paratrooper, I think the picture shown were what that and other soldiers would have like shown of them... doing thier duty!

SEMPER FI Marine!

I think AP is doing the right thing for showing the photo and to let us see the reality the war, plus to remind us not to forget about what happened 8 yrs ago. At the same time, it is totally justified and understandable for some people to feel upset when seeing the photo.  
Joshua made the greatest sacrifice not only for his country, but also for the people of Afghanistan so that they will have a better life tommorrow.  This also served as a reminder to all of us that freedom is not free, it always comes with a cost.
RIP Joshua

As a former member of the military, let me first say that I'm deeply saddened at this image and at the loss of Lance Corporal Joshua M. Bernard.  Death on the battlefield knows no grand ideology or political ambition-only the tragic honor that is bestowed on those that endure such an ordeal. And when I reflect on this image, my first thought is not to villanize the AP photographer, but to respect the freedom for which it was obviously chosen to reflect.  So, let us respect this soldier, this photographer, and the Media for having the courage to do what other Americans do not.  While we are watching TV or enjoying the very freedom they provide, they are out there; fighting for us all-for better or for worse-in circumstances we can't even begin to empathize with.  Let us honor these soldiers and our war correspondents by honoring what they serve to personify.  And let us be outraged too, but not at those that created this image.  Let us be outraged at those orchestrating its ability to be documented.  Let us be outraged in ourselves for not having the power to collectively dictate an end to our own conflicts in our own Democracy.  Let us say "enough."

This picture will not stop war.  I don't know why anyone would think this.  These kids are making the ultimate sacifice for our nation.  Our right to privacy is one of the things these kids are fighting for.  The parents wishes should have been granted.  They have made the ultimate sacrifice too.  Their child.  There are many other families going through the same thing.  I hope that I am not one of those parents in a few years.  The AP should have put this picture with so many others that they have not released.  I do not understand why they felt the need to make this on public. The AP was wrong not to take into account their feelings.  I am sure if this was one of their own children we would have never seen this picture.  
Thank you to all the men and women who are serving and fighting for our freedom.  May you all come home soon.  Be safe. My prayers are with you everyday.

Show it. As a US Soldier who has been deployed to Afghanistan, I believe the people of America need to know the kind of sacrifice we in the military make. We don't go away for a year to play soldier. We go to do a job, and the reality of it is, we don't all come home.

Although I personally would not have published this photo without the family's consent, the stark reality of war needs to be presented and understood by Americans. We are sending our finest to fight in a war that we do not understand. We are not given an accurate window into their true experiences.  Sanitized and tidy media presentations are what the policy makers want us to see. But it does not show the true sacrifices our armed forces are making on our behalf. If I died fighting for my country, I don't want the story of my sacrifice manipulated and sugarcoated. The truth of the war experience must not be hidden.

My problem is not with these types of photos but with the families permission. I am a very proud marine right now that has deployed twice and came back safely. I have seen many soliders killed in action. Some wouldn't mind family and friends seeing this some would. Death hurts those left behind the most. They are many families who wouldn't have minded show thier family. Makes me an my unit say we need to write not to publish these kind of photos in our living wills. God Bless this family and country.

This is why I hate the media the left wing radical media. I can't believe this.I would fire the person that took this shot for degrading our soldiers. Its called human compassion most of all. You the media make me sick at my stomach you are totally un american. Go to hell!!! all of you. Our soldiers are what give you freedom have respect for them.

Honoring the corporal's death means we discuss it.  That is what he died for--so that we can discuss his death--the who, the what, the when, the where, the why.  That is the First Amendment.  That is the US Constitution.  That is "self-governance."  The corporal would understand, I think.  He did not want to die.  It was the last thing he wanted in his young life.  But we --as American citizens who vote--have to discuss his death.  It is our duty as American citizens to see it, to discuss it, to honor it, to weep over it, to change our government over it.  The corporal did his duty.  Now we must do ours.  

After moving from a third world country and living in New York City for over 40 years. I worked in a maximum security prison for eight years, I like to think of myself as not being soft.  I had to shed a tear for my fellow American after seeing that image.

For those that say we don't need to be in Afghanistan, they did not see an American city ripped apart on 9-11. I pray to God that no other city has to experience that.

God speed my fellow Americans.
I only regret that I could not trade my old life so that you could live your young life.

During the Civil War, WW1&2, Korean and Viet-Nam Wars photographers recorded war in all of it's stark reality. We should never romanticise warfare because it is brutal to all people.
This record of a good and faithful soldier's death should be honored and serve to motivate our government to determine with great clarity our reason and resolve to battle anywhere in the world.

I am a mother of a Marine who will be deploying to Afghanistan in October.  I would not want the media to display a picture of my son like that. His family should not have to remember him like that nor see his last moments that way.  Please stop displaying those pictures.  

This is something AMERICA needs to see.. Stop hiding from the war you so sought.. You don't want to see these kinds of photos? STOP SENDING TROOPS INTO WAR. Deal with it. I know myself and my medical platoon will when we go to Afghanistan.. I say again.. You DON'T want these types of photos published.. then DON'T GO TO WAR.

This is something AMERICA needs to see.. Stop hiding from the war you so sought.. You don't want to see these kinds of photos? STOP SENDING TROOPS INTO WAR. Deal with it. I know myself and my medical platoon will when we go to Afghanistan.. I say again.. You DON'T want these types of photos published.. then DON'T GO TO WAR.

As the mother of a US Marine vet of Iraq, our hearts go out to families of soldiers lost in battle.  War journalism isn't new.  Hasn't anyone seen the pictures of the US Civil War that were published to inform citizens about the realities of battle?

The reporter was doing just that..reporting.  This is what is happening.  Why is it that you people can accept and comment on a photo of a poverty stricken family about how much they pay for internet!!? But OH-NO when tragady hits closer to home is a shame? I would want my story told if I was in that situation.

I think it is a DISGRACE that this picture is still permitted to be viewed. Where is the respect for those who put their lives on the line so that we can have the freedoms we take for granted everyday?

Out of respect for this soldier and the wishes of his family, I will not view this photograph.  And I am angry that the AP has chosen to allow it to be viewed, since his family has asked that it not be released.  It shouldn't be a choice.  We should not see it.  My sympathies are with his family in their grief.  

I only have one comment...did the family of this young man agree to its publication?  If not, then there show actually be a law prohibiting the exhibition of our families in the news media like this without prior consent.  This is an outrage!  If I had known the family had not consented, I would never have opened the picture.  Totally disgraceful and out of line, Stokes Young, MultiMedia Director!!!!!!

As a soldier I am deeply saddened for the loss of Lance Corporal Bernard.  And for those that think that it is disrespectful to show a wounded soldier, would you rather only see the happy times when everyone is in good health and enjoying life?  It is disrespectful to those who have been wounded and killed in combat to not show these images because they are graphic.  War is graphic and horrible.  From someone who has seen combat, I think it is more disrespectul to sweep these images under the rug and not show them to the general public that don't see this on a day to day basis and care more about what some celebrity is doing than what is going on in the world.      

This country needs to see what happens there. Why are the images of death from World War I and II, Hitler's camps okay to see but this one is not?
I have the highest respect for this young man and incredibly grateful for his sacrifice. Death is part of life and part of war.
The people in this country need to stop being weak and accept things for what they really are.

I hope you people against the publication of this photo aren't the same people that go on youtube and get off to montages of u.s. soldiers mowing down insurgents. while its good that these insurgents are "brought to justice" any such image of anyone dying from either side should serve as an example of the ugliness of war. next time you see "hajji" die on the evening news and smile try to remember that it could of just as easily been one of ours.

I am sick and tired of the people trying to defend this inappropriate action of AP on publishing this photo.  It is STUPID, INCENSITIVE AND IGNORANT to say that this picture needed to be published to educate the general public of the reality of war.  Have you forgotten what war is like that you need to be re-educated.  I would recommend to those people buy a freaking history book.  And to those who think that the photos of the WWI, WWII or the Hitler camp atrocities are ok…you are SICK.  None of these photos are ok, but they were taken as evidence of what happened, it wasn’t shown to the public when it was still fresh in the mind of the lost their loved ones.  And to say to the people who haven’t been on a combat…”welcome to the real world”…are you kidding me.  WHAT WORLD HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING?????  We do not need to be in combat to see the reality of war, we feel it every damn day.  This war has been going on for 8 years and we have had a loved one, family member or friend who have either participated in it or have given their lives to it.  So please don’t come with this BS about what the journalist needs to show.  If the family members requested for the photo not to be shown it should have been respected.  I also do not agree on some of you saying that they should leave the journalist behind at war or have an RPG strike at them…what will vengeance do…NOTHING!!!  It is not the journalist fault to be there and took the picture.  She was doing her job. But I ask, where did our common sense go??  Have we lost it??  To not even consider the family members feelings on this is inhumane.  What if this atrocity had happened to one of your loved ones, would you let it be plastered all over the internet for everyone to see, especially you…EVERYDAY.  I implore you to please respect the wishes of the family members of their loss and please take this horrible image out of the website.  

To the family members of Lance Cpl. Joshua "Bernie" Bernard my condolences goes to you.  Your son gave the most precious thing he had for us…his life.  There are no words to describe or to say that would make it better or easier on your pain.

RIP “Bernie”…RIP.

Both Mr. Bushes have understood the importance of maintaining popular support for their war-mongering by censoring the media (& I expect Obama will follow this precedent & that we will continue to tolerate it in our complacency),  the first by limiting media access to the war itself, and hence any real first-hand understanding of the war, the second by banning images of flag-draped coffins of service members. And these are just the ones I remember off-hand. They know that images of this kind inflamed American opposition to the war, er "conflict," in Vietnam. This type of censorshipe was done for the reasons it's always done: to limit our true and visceral understanding of the consequences of their political actions and mitigate their own responsibility for it.  It's a lot easier for citizens to base their support on such esoteria as "freedom," "democracy," & fabricated "weapons of mass destruction" when "suffering,""murder," and "death" are mere abstractions. It's high time the American public knows, really KNOWS,  what the real cost of war is, prominently displayed next to the other front-page articles touting proper ways to wear red lipstick or cut fat from your favorite recipes.  Maybe then we'll be able to think critically about our foreign policy. Did it have to be this family, this picutre?  Perhaps not. But it had to be someone's.  The pulic needs to see; it's just not real otherwise, to those not experiencing it personally. My heart goes out to the family, all the families of service members.

Would this picture have garnered such outrage or sympathy if instead of the marine it was an innocent, bearded Afghan man? Collateral Damage y'all call it. How many of these so called Collateral Damage Victims (i.e ordinary human beings)have gone unnoticed by the Media and by extension us? A Human Life is a Human Life.

It is my view that the AP disregarded the request of the family for ratings and money.  This reminds me of that SOB who during a road march on real time televison who sketched out in the sand the exact location and direction of the unit he was embedded with.  For the rules of engagement I agree with Mr. Bernard - take the gloves off and let's get this over with.  I also say if a news person wants to be embedded with any unit he or she should arm them selfs cause I feel we waste resources protecting them where those same resources can be used else where.  To Mr. Bernard and Family I pass on my condolences and I pray for all service members in Afghanistan & Iraq.

To the family I'm sorry but i'm afraid that even if this was morally wrong, but this is real and this is life, lets not learn about this later and try to reflect on it but take it to heart now and witness this testament of left by what's precious. A life.

MY SYMPATHY AND HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY AND OTHERS. BUT THIS IS REAL. UNTIL OUR GOVERNMENT LETS OUR SOLDIERS DO WHAT THEY DO BEST & KEEP THE THE PRESS FOR THE LIBERALS OUT,THIS WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. WAR IS NOT FAIR, BUT EITHER WHAT THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING THIS TO OUR SOLDIERS......

MY SYMPATHY AND HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY AND OTHERS. BUT THIS IS REAL. UNTIL OUR GOVERNMENT LETS OUR SOLDIERS DO WHAT THEY DO BEST & KEEP THE THE PRESS FOR THE LIBERALS OUT,THIS WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. WAR IS NOT FAIR, BUT EITHER WHAT THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING THIS TO OUR SOLDIERS......

What the hell are reporters doing there in the 1st place, we are at war. Screw the people need to no crap line, you are just in the way!

As a Marine it grives me to see one of my brothers like this but what grives me just as much is why this happened. THe rules of engagment will not give our Warriors the support they need.

More of our warriors will be wounded or die because of this. Read the link below to see what the Father of this Marine has to say.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33296515/ns/us_news-military

My prayers to the family and friends on the loss of Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard. One never gets over a loss like this;  The photos of his wounding are dreadful for the family, and, honestly, I hope they will just not look at them. However, I do believe we civilians must know that the pain and maiming, and the death suffered by these young soldiers must be documented and shown at home. We need to see. to know the terrble price of war--it is not a movie shown uptown--it is real, and depressig to see we lose so many fine young people to this unimaginable horror. As the political debate goes on, young kids are maimed and die. Let OBAMA AND THE GENERALS make the decisions and make them wisely, but always keep the eyes on who is doing the heavy lifing.
I am sure Lance Corp. Bernhard would approve of his photograph been an instrument for change.
Gods and Goddess protect his soul.
Jacqueline Shortell-McSweeney 10/13/09
.

I am not from th US and even though I don't approve of the Afghan War, I am humbled and eternally grateful for the sacrifices made by the US Army, Marines, US Navy & Air Force. Without you guys the world would be an even more terrible place. My heart goes out to LCpl Bernard and his family, his sacrifice is appreciated WORLDWIDE. Thank You!

I have a greater respect and understanding of the roles the Defense Forces of th US has to play and I thank God for them. My only regret is that I cannot become part of such a noble bunch! Godspeed....T-ogether E-veryone A-chieves the M-ission.

Must be horrific for the family. But it is war and it is a nasty business. The general population at large has no real connection to what is going on and images as disturbing as this one, are actually necessary so as to drive home the pointlessness of this endeavor.

A picture is worth a thousand words, freedom is not FREE everyone feels for the family, but what would this brave man have wanted. Again, there's thar word Free....FREEDOM of SPEECH what kind of false or misinterp information would we get if we allowed sensoring at anyones reuest, thats life folks, WAR is HELL and I thank god that our country has men and women fighting to keep my FREEDOM

Thank you so much to those who are willing to put their lives on the line for our comforts and freedoms.

As the sister of a Marine I think is disgusting that this photo was published.  For those of you saying that the general public has a "right to know", go to hell, or better yet, watch the news and you can hear about the number of troops who lost their lives every day while fighting for their right to know.  For those of you who say that we need to know the atrocities of war, go to hell, if you can't figure out that war is awful and brutal on your own, then maybe you should do us all a favor, do not reproduce, do not waste our time with your need to know attitude, either get some common sense or do us all a favor and find some way to vanish to a place where I don't have to worry about your sick curiosity invading the private grief of a family whose son is doing the job that you are clearly not honorable enough to do yourself.

Journalists have been in every war since our country revolted against Britain in 1770. They're importance in showing what really happens in a war zone is immeasurable. People need to know what war really looks like: it is the face of the brave man who has given his life for a cause in which he believes. Pictures like this serve to teach each generation that freedom (not necessarily ours) has a very real cost.

quoting for emphasis millie:

"This is not news, it is sensationalism.  These type of photos should not have been taken and they certainly should not have been shown to the world. It shows a total lack of respect for the fallen soldier's life and for his family. The photographer that stood by taking photographs of someone dying should be ashamed.  I wonder if the photog even thought to put the camera down and try to help in some way? I am utterly appalled to know that these photos exist and were released to the public and out of respect, I for one will never view them."

I agree.  I've hear journalists argue, ineffectively, that images like this are important.  

I question the competence of the editors.  Integrity used to be valued, but now extreme and shocking content is the standard - probably because it's a lot easier to be shocking than intelligent and informative.  

It's true this is horrific, but we must stand as witnesses to the testament of this wonderful man, who gave his life so others might have the same freedom we enjoy.  I salute all our men and women in the armed services. My son just came back from there, I'm glad he came back alive.

AngelaofReddingCA wrote on September 4, 2009 "I bet that soldier would want his fellow American's to know the reality that HE lived and other soldiers are in threat of everyday they are there." As a combat veteran of OIF who was hit by the same type of round that killed this Marine, I can honestly tell you that the vast majority of soldiers DO NOT want you, the average American citizen, to know about this reality. That is why they are there. So YOU don't have to be!

gsxrgrl wrote on September 4, 2009 "I do not believe that our troops should even be there.  These images need to go straight to Congress and the White House and ask them how they would feel if this was their child...would this war really be worth it to them at that point?  I have nothing but prayers for the family in their grieving, but maybe this picture will help this nonsense war hit DC where it started!"
It is amazing to me how many people have forgotten why we went there in the first place. Will it take another huge attack for you to realize that it is better to fight the enemy on their soil than on our own? I have been there..and I can assure you, based on personal experience, that you are better off with us there!

gsxrgrl girl is stupid and does not know what she is talking about.  Just think if our country was filled with people like her, we wouldn't have a country.  So you should be grateful there are still some good men left in this melting pot country that are willing to fight.  Otherwise the liberals don't even exist

Bernie,
Semper Fi!

If the family members requested for the photo not to be shown it should have been respected.

AP is pathetic.

This is war. Is this the only time that people will talk and remember that there are soldiers sacrificing their lives for us? I understand that it is horrible for that soldier's family to see this. But if noone takes pics or reports it, noone would care, only the soldiers loved ones that have them over there.

We have failed to show the harsh realities of the war our brave Servicemen/women are engaged in - since the Civil War photographers have chronicled the horror that IS war - now, our sensitivities seem to be taking us to a "safer place" where we don't have to deal with the agony that a Soldier endures. Do a google search on Douglas MacArthur's speech at West Point and hear what he has to say about the American Soldier. I grief, too, for this lost Soldier. However, if the image of his last moments brings home the stark reality of a Soldier's sacrifice to this nation - then his death might not be in vain as we seek other means to find peace. However, the Taliban and al Quida are not just "going away" - it's a war - and these scenes WILL be repeated. Rest in Peace my Soldier Brother - you earned your rest.

MSNBC - It was wrong to publish the photo and you know it.  The Marine (not a Soldier by the way) would not have wanted his family to see him this way, especially when they had not been officially notified of his passing by the Marines (they do this in person by the way).  MSNBC - show some balance - how about a photo of a dying insurgent (I know, you can't do it - it would be insensitive..) You cowards! YOu make me sick!

In total agreeance with the Marine on Nov 5 post.
America shows no mercy for its own. No patriots here.. it makes me sick to know that I serve for a country that has no respect for myself and my brothers.

The family should be the ones who decide if a photograph should be shown or not. One of my sons is a career Marine and the other is a Navy veteran currently serving in a civilian capacity in Afghanistan. Personally, I would not want such pictures of my sons shared in this way.

Pictures do not tell the whole story and will not be enough to stop an future wars as they never have in the past. What we need to do is send over the likes of G. W. Bush,Obama,and other government leaders who never had the guts to serve in the military themselves yet so flipantly sacrifice our young people for their own ends.

I'm sorry but this is the reality of the war.. My son is about to leave for the Marines and my brother is a Marine.  This is the hard core fact war and it is not pretty.. Yes, I don't think the picture should have been published..

Put this up in the recruiters office.  We need to let the taliban know we mean business and eliminate all b.s. rules of engagement.  Show obama what happens when we let the bad guys shoot first.  No this shouldn't be published.

As a family member to a brave soldier currently serving in Afghanistan, I must say that I would not want to see a picture of him hurt or dying. But I do think it important to be made aware of the atrosities of war. Too often these images are pushed below the surface of society and people do not take the time to know the heros we are sending, and losing. This man made the ultimate sacrifice and the least we can do is bear him witness.

The journalist job is to take pictures, it is for others (editors, etc.)to decide what is put where.  I think we need to see the reality of our own soldiers dying, to understand that this TV show we watch, called the War on Aphganistan, is real. Many people in the US know there is a war, but only as an idea, like the readings from a history book.   A picture of a living soldier, contrasted with a picture of that same soldier dying an hour later helps bring that reality home.  Though, if a parent request a picture of their dead son to not be shown, as an editor, I would not show it unless there was some very important reason to ignore such request.

nice site platform

I agree with Nighthawk.
There are victories and tragedies in every war.  The only way to end war is for those who desire peace to see its unpleasant reality.

It is what it is. War is not a pretty picture. Publishing should be left up to the family. Pesoanally if family says no then dont question. I have a son serving and honestly cannot say if I would or would not grant permission. I would want the tape, I would make the capture then allow what I deemed approprite or not at all.

The story must be told, but in the end it's the families right to stop and should have been the only contact made with permission of commanding office.