Vultures

We're going to play fill in the blank. Ok, here we go:

Oh, you want some context? Well, since this isn't something fun like Mad Libs, I suppose I could give you a little information to get into character.

• It's a headline
  
• You are a "journalist"
  
• When your editorial is published, your name will not be attached
  
• It is Friday night and the odds are no one will read what you wrote anyway
  

(I know this role is one that most of you can't play without wanting to take a shower afterwards, but play along for a minute anyway.)

Now dehumanize every fallen soldier to being nothing more than a statistic.

Imagine how the headlines for these events might have read if the same person had written them:

• In Katrina's wake, New Orleans levees finally fail
  
• World Trade Centers finally attacked by terrorists
  
• Mother Teresa finally dead
  

Appropriate use of the words "Press finally gets some access..." in a headline?

• Press finally gets some access to details of proposed stimulus bill before it's made law
  
• Press finally gets some access to the truth about why ACORN is still receiving federal dollars
  
• Press finally gets some access to medications that will make them less insensitive and worthy of contempt
  
• Press finally gets some access to oxygen after pulling their heads out of their asses
  

The coffins that are received at Dover Air Force Base are not empty. Inside each one is the remains of someone who had family and friends and coworkers and neighbors and loved ones. Even if the remains in the coffins are unidentifiable from a photograph, they are more than just boxes with flags draped over them. Access by the media is something that should NEVER be treated with such callousness.

Any journalist that says that they are "finally" given access to this ceremony should wonder if upon their own passing someone would also say, "FINALLY."