New video evidence below shows Maummar Gadhafi was alive after being seized in the operation that led to his capture. What I find rather disconcerting is the treatment of this video by the media, which covered the “joy” and “celebration” of the event while ignoring the shocking abuse of a wounded man and then the parading and stripping of this corpse. We were appalled when militants paraded the bodies of Americans in Somalia and Iraq. Yet, when it is someone we hate, it barely draws mention while newspapers taunt the dead man as being pulled “from a stinking drain.”
Following the killing, President Obama took to the air to herald the victory and a “future . . . of dignity.”
We long denounced Gadhafi on this blog. However, the treatment of Gadhafi below should shock the conscience. Only this morning did I see a brief story on CNN interviewing a man on how he felt about the way Gadhafi died. The thrust however was not about the abuse but the lost opportunity of a trial.
Instead of addressing the abuse of a wounded man and later a corpse, CNN and other outlets simply warned about graphic images and focused on Libyans firing weapons (including heavy machine guns) into the air (a moronic form of celebration that led to the wounding of various civilians).
We previously discussed the discomfort of watching Americans dancing and celebrating the shooting of Bin Laden. The media again did not dare to question the propriety of such displays despite the condemnation of the same displays in other countries after the 9-11 attacks.
Because human rights groups have called for an investigation and raised the question of whether he was shot in the head after capture, CNN and other news outlets are raising the question this morning. CNN’s anchor notes this morning that “some people” may find the parading of the body again this morning (including being struck by shoes as a sign of contempt) “might not be respectful.”
This video should shock the conscience and the story should be not the celebration but the crime depicted in this video.
Here is my warning: the video below is graphic and shows the abuse of a wounded man and corpse as a form of celebration. Human beings will find this video disgusting.
Assad and Amedenajean have got to be shaking in their boots along with the the Leader of the Lords Resistance in Africa. He’s already sent 100 U.S. troops with orders of Wanted Dead or Alive
As I said in the other thread.
Obama keeps it up I just might vote for him in 2012, seriously.
You don’t pull on superman’s cape and you don’t spit in the wind.
You don’t pull the mask of the ol Lone Ranger and you don’t mess around with Obama.
No wonder the middle East has the opinion that we are a cowboy nation.
Thank you Bloiuise
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15390980 He died from bullet wounds trying to escape they say.
As Elaine stated, those were Libyans who captured him and abused him.
Only after Nato, which is 65% U.S. survieled him and then bombed his convoy allowing that to happen.
I read about the death in the NY TIMES before it had been confirmed. I had no desire to watch any videos including the one here.
We bombed his get-away convoy leaving the guy in the street. The street finished the job.
Trials would be nice but we aren’t giving anybody trials if we can find another way. It’s particularly helpful to have a rabid mob to blame.
Next on the list is Syria.
Obama is following Bush’s plan perfectly … Transforming the politics of the Middle East by claiming to plant the seeds of democracy …
It’s a long term plan with the final objective, in my opinion, being Iran.
If under the Bush washing of Saddam you think that he got a fair trial or even anything close to due process, one can only hope that Bush gets the same….
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/10/20111020171225339666.html Accounts of Gaddafi’s final moments
Bdaman,
you have gone too far this time. Your comparison is ridiculous. Due process for Sadam? We captured him after we illegally invaded his country. No matter what the Iraqi court did with him, we violated the law and morals by attacking a nation without cause.
As Elaine stated, those were Libyans who captured him and abused him. Although, it is possible that McCain and Lindsey Graham were in that crowd. They seem to like to visit Tripoli.
Bdaman,
Saddam Hussein was captured by U.S. forces. Who captured Gadhafi?
Cross posted, Obama’s 2012 reelection theme song.
We long denounced Gadhafi on this blog. However, the treatment of Gadhafi below should shock the conscience. Only this morning did I see a brief story on CNN interviewing a man on how he felt about the way Gadhafi died. The thrust however was not about the abuse but the lost opportunity of a trial.
The difference
Bush-Saddam Hussein = Due Process
Obama-Gadhafi = Kill’em
You know, I understand and wholeheartedly accept the point that as a nation of laws, we should not celebrate the torture and murder of another human, but America cannot control how another country handles a brutal dictator – someone who was internationally condemned. Maybe the UN can condemn the way in which Gadhafi was handled after his capture; and we can definitely express regret that he was not brought to justice in the way we as Americans would (or used to…but that’s another story). But we don’t know to what degree the rebels were acting independently or in the name of the interim government, and we can’t accredit Libyan rebels with the same high regard for laws as we (used to) hold, considering generations of Libyans only know of dictatorial rule vs. democratic rule. Maybe, when the US and other countries help Libya craft it’s new Constitution, some acculturation of western laws and justice.will occur, and we can individually condemn the brutal, murderous way in which Gadhafi was handled, but as a country, we have regularly celebrated the death of our war enemies, while at the same time saying a prayer for their country, loved ones and supporters. This aspect of OUR culture won’t be changing anytime soon, and it is through all three – celebration, condemnation and prayer – that I believe we as a country are handling this outcome.
For $1 billion, one dictator
By National Journal – 4 hrs ago
By Kevin Baron
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/exclusive/1-billion-one-dictator-094911231.html
Excerpt:
Call him the billion-dollar man. One billion for one dictator.
According to the Pentagon, that was the cost to U.S. taxpayers for Muammar el-Qaddafi’s head: $1.1 billion through September, the latest figure just out of the Defense Department.
And that’s just for the Americans.
The final totals will take some time to add up, and still do not include the State Department, CIA, and other agencies involved or other NATO and participating countries. Vice President Joe Biden said that the U.S. “spent $2 billion total and didn’t lose a single life.”
Oil’s well that ends well.
One problem with bloodlust is emerging … it is addictive.
I didn’t watch any of the celebrations on television. I find this sort of thing too gruesome and sickening. It seems many members of the media like to hawk violence. Maybe it’s good for the ratings.
Sing as you raise your bow, shoot straighter than before.
No comfort has the fire at night that lights the face so cold.
Oh dance in the dark of night, Sing to the morning light.
The magic runes are writ in gold to bring the balance back. Bring it back.
Finally, someone with a voice says this.