Who do you think Saddam's execution and its associated photos are for?

[Nikki Stone1]

As I am watching the reportage on Saddam Hussein's execution, the news photos (some posted here) are not at all held back or censored. I am wondered to whom exactly these images are for.

[seabeyond]

1. i have not watched so i dont see any of the film or photos

and i am trying to not see them here on du, though that has been a bet of a challenge, not warned and in op's. just out of principle, not squeamishness i refuse to look. they are to feed the worst of who we are, imo

[diane in sf]

2. I think his execution was to cover up the involvement of Bushco and the CIA

in his earlier financial doings and acquisition of weapons of mass destruction.

[Catshrink]

3. Agreed.

Well said.

[dipsydoodle]

5. Agreed

Doubt if the cover up will last forever though.

[crowsong]

10. he knew secrets the good old boys want buried

and while the execution is in the headlines, maybe they can hide misappropriated funds, war profiteering scandles and casualties on page 2...

[Straight Shooter]

12. I agree with diane in sf

Cover-up. This is the reason for Saddam being charged with the deaths of 148 people, rather than gassing the Kurds. Full and complete evidence against him for gassing the Kurds would have shown clear and unrefutable complicity on the part of the U.S. government.

I loathe Saddam and his tactics, but I'm still reeling at the travesty of his so-called trial and the swiftness of carrying out the judgment. Were they frightened some mitigating evidence would come to light in favor of Saddam, or that some damning evidence would come to light against the U.S.?

There are a multitude of crimes against the Iraqi people by Saddam and his accomplices, and I'm speaking in addition to the U.S. in the handling of its puppet. Saddam's "execution" was a hush-hush orchestrated state-sponsored assassination.

[madeline_con]

17. But, who doesn't know about it?

I mean, who do they think they're hiding it from? Deep in their little black hearts, all the neocon supporters know the truth. They just won't admit it, and make out like there's some "noble cause" they're destroying the M.E. for.

[Buzz Clik]

4. They're for anyone and everyone ---

People slow down to look at a car wreck. No matter how horrible, people cannot look away.

You don't need any motivation beyond that.

[cobaindrain]

6. they're for Bush and his war buddies

They're a pick-me-up, something he and his cronies can toast the new year to.

[eugeneliberal]

9. Can you just

imagine Bush smirking at his ranch today because he thinks that he's finally one-upped his daddy, that he succeeded where Poppy failed in getting rid of the bad man once and for all.

[Nikki Stone1]

13. That would be the saddest reason of all

...

[TahitiNut]

7. "Mission Accomplished"

:puke:

Fair warning to petty despots and other puppet rulers supported by global corporatists: Comply or die.

[stillcool]

8. I believe..

the rush to have a hanging has a cause and a desired consequence. I shudder to think what they might be.

[originalpckelly]

11. "They are PR for the American people, to garner support for an escalation (surge) of troops"

Absolutely that one. The Iraqi Ambassador to America was spinning like a windmill last night. In between, somewhat valid statements, he'd insert a whackanut one. :crazy:

[mnhtnbb]

14. Bush probably wants his own personal videotape to go with Saddam's gun.

Probably use them for some creative consultation with Condi.

[cobaindrain]

15. and that baggie of saddam beard clippings

Bush is a regular Hussein hobbyist.

[madeline_con]

16. I'll have to go with "Two or more of the above."

I'm undecided on which two or more, though. It's a toughy.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

18. They are for the sponsors ...

... the media would probably wish the execution was delayed until February (a "sweeps" month). Regardless, the news programs are shooting for maximum viewers.

Violence sells. Reality TV with real violence sells even better.

It ain't the same as a bare breast during the superbowl halftime show, or a singer with no panties flashing the camera, but it'll do until something better happens.

I don't think there's any media motive other than ratings / shares.