Obama Won’t Release Photos of Osama

CBS News confirmed that President Obama will not be releasing pictures or video of Osama Bin Laden’s death.

“It is important to make sure that very graphic photos of somebody who was shot in the head are not floating around as an incitement to additional violence or as a propaganda tool,” said the president.

“We don’t trot out this stuff as trophies,” Mr. Obama added. “The fact of the matter is, this is somebody who was deserving of the justice that he received.”

In explaining his choice not to release the photo, Mr. Obama said that “we don’t need to spike the football.” He said that “given the graphic nature of these photos it would create a national security risk.”

It can certainly be argued that dishing out photos would give the American people confirmation of Osama’s death, and in addition be a fierce warning to American enemies that our military will never cease in its efforts to pursue justice.

I imagine this lack of photographic evidence will fuel the fire for conspiracy theorists and 9/11 truthers, but for the rest of America, this is seen as a momentous event and an incredible victory for America.  Since the death of Bin Laden has not been legitimately disputed, many people feel at this point that there is no need to provide further evidence with pictures and video. 

Besides, its not like the people who believe Osama wasn’t behind September 11 attacks would believe the pictures or video anyways.

—Josh Riddle