News coverage of flag-draped coffins has been a major debate since President Barack Obama announced a review of the policy, which we wrote about here today.
Since 1991, during the Gulf War, media access has been banned at the air force base in Dover where casualties -- now many from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars -- go through on their last journey home.
Nearly two-thirds of military families do not support lifting the ban, according to an informal poll released by one coalition of military families today. This is not a scientific survey, but the responses certainly add to the debate.
Families United for Our Troops and their Mission asked its 60,000-plus members via email how they felt. So far, they've received about 600 responses. Here's what they think:
"We at Families United are not advocating overturning the current ban, but if the Obama Administration is demanding a change then we strongly believe that the decision to permit media at Dover [air force base] should be left to the family members of the fallen hero," said Brian Wise, executive director of Families United, in a statement.
At least 4245 members of the US military had died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003.
Coffins of fallen troops arrive at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The Air Force released this undated photo after a Freedom of Information Act request.
Source: Dallas Morning News Wed, Feb 18, 2009
http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/02/more-military-families-weigh-i.html
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