President Barack Obama said Monday he is considering whether to overturn a Pentagon policy that bans the media from taking pictures of the flag-draped coffins of U.S. troops returning from the battlefield. A leading military families group says the policy, enforced without exception during the administration of former President George W. Bush, should let survivors of the dead decide whether photographers can record their return. At his first prime-time news conference as president, Obama said his administration is reviewing the policy with Defense Department officials. He noted that he was informed Monday that four U.S. soldiers were killed in Iraq, making the question timely. “Obviously, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families,” Obama said.

Some feel the press should have access to anything, which would in turn have them circling like vultures every time a cargo plane lands at Dover. Others feel that it is ultimately the families decision to make. Both President Bush I and II restricted the media from photographing the coffins of our fallen soldiers. Even President Clinton kept Bush senior's Executive order in place restricting the press. This is because to those who serve and who have served the return of a fallen comrade is a solemn and sacred event that does not need to become a media circus. This is one area where the press needs to respect the privacy of those who have paid the ultimate price while serving our country. Should the press be allowed to photograph the coffins of our fallen men and women?

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