Sleeping Dog Blog

We've known about the ban on photos of the war dead returning home in their flag-draped coffins, and in the last few days, we've heard about FEMA's ban on photos of recovery of the dead in New Orleans. I disagree with these bans, but my outrage has been directed elsewhere - this seemed minor when compared to other stories lately.

But this . . . this is going too far:

WASHINGTON, DC—The White House announced today that it does not want the news media to take photographs of incompetent officials in the Bush Administration. The ban would also apply to incompetent acts, say sources close to the White House. Under the new policy, journalists would be barred from photographing FEMA chief Michael Brown, Homeland Security head Michael Chertoff and even President Bush itself. The White House hasn’t said whether all photos of Administration officials will be censored.
(snip)
Media outlets have been awash in photographs of incompetent officials and their acts in recent days. Cameras have repeatedly zoomed in on Mr. Chertoff appearing aloof and uncaring and Mr. Brown looking ineffectual. Even Mr. Bush has been photographed in less than flattering poses and postures. Thanks to the ban, that will all stop, say sources close to the White House. "You won't see anymore shots of the President strumming a guitar or Chertoff grimacing. This is about treating incompetent officials with the utmost dignity and respect."

Read it all . . .

Kudos to The Swift Report - I needed a chuckle before bed tonight. =)

UPDATE: CNN reports that FEMA has dropped the ban in New Orleans rather than fight a lawsuit. Darn that pesky First Amendment!