# Using 9/11 pictures for fundraising purposes **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 15, 2002, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123 "2002-05-15T00:57:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![musicguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@musicguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/musicguy)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/21 "2002-05-15T19:53:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by booka \* > \*\*This rant is vapid - and boring. It lacks any useful substance, and seems to offer the thinly-veiled partisan opinion of someone who is anti-Bush, and likely, anti-Republican. > > \*\* Yeah, perhaps I should stick to a far more substantial topic like how I hate it when there is a line at the post office. Oh wait, I see you covered that one already. Thanks for your “useful” contribution. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/22 "2002-05-15T20:00:52Z")
I was surprised to learn there was any flap about this at all, I mean so what, the Repubs are selling a picture of their man acting decisevely in a moment of crisis. I’ve still not heard any reason that didn’t smack of partisanship why I should be offended or buy the damn thing. My guess is most opinions as to it’s taste or lack thereof will fall pretty damn close to party affiliation. ---
**Author:** ![musicguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@musicguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/musicguy)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/23 "2002-05-15T20:04:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by pldennison \* > > They apparently wanted to find a third important moment from the Bush presidency. What should they have used? Bush choking on a pretzel? They might have raised more money with that one. > [@](#): > > If people were not told, they would have NO idea when this photo was taken. The Democrats certainly appear to be “publicizing” it more than the Republicans. Given that, please tell me **exactly** , in detail, how offering this photo as one of three says, “The events of 9/11=contributing to the Republican Party.” Pretend that I am four years old, and explain it to me thusly. If people were not told of the date, as they were in the printed advertisements mailed out, would they actually be able to get $150 for three photos of Bush? Personally, I think that anything that is going to be sold that is related to 9/11 should in some small way help the people affected by this tragedy. ---
**Author:** ![Oblong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/c0e974/32.png) [@Oblong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oblong)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/24 "2002-05-15T20:25:03Z")
I don’t even think this is being used for political gain. It’s something for Republicans. They aren’t using it to get votes. They are speaking to other republicans. Bush was President on 9/11. It’s only obvious and natural to use something from that day in their literature. Now if it’s used in a political ad for the general public, then it could be a problem. That’s the least offensive picture you could find that day. I don’t think 9/11 should be totally off limites. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/25 "2002-05-15T20:45:17Z")
The fact that Bush and the Republican party are going through with this doesn’t surprise me in the least. The fact that the SDMB’s resident conservatives are _defending_ this tasteless behavior is more surprising, but only slightly. > [@](#): > > But the Republicans’ solicitation was also criticized by Larry Noble, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan campaign watchdog. > > “The president called for the nation to rise above politics after Sept. 11, and then we find the Republican Party selling a picture from Sept. 11 to $150 donors,” Mr. Noble said. “It strikes a lot of people as in bad taste, and is just at odds with two claims of the Bush administration: that they were going to change the tone of fund-raising, and that Sept. 11 wasn’t about politics.” > From the [_New York Times_](http://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/15/politics/15BUSH.html) ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/26 "2002-05-15T20:53:07Z")
> [@](#): > > I don’t even think this is being used for political gain. So why didn’t they use one of the many “Deer in the headlights” shots from the president’s 9/11 address at Barksdale AFB on the Texas, Louisiana border ? That was all **most** americans saw of him for much of 9/11. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/27 "2002-05-15T20:54:32Z")
I’d beg to differ with this statement, **rjung** … “resident conservatives are defending this tasteless behavior”. I think the whole point is that some of us don’t find it tasteless at all. Personally, I’m in no way offended by the photo. Now if I defended it simply because of my party affiliation even while I was disturbed by it, that would be pretty crappy of me but that’s simply not the case. I think your statement was unfair. ---
**Author:** ![pldennison](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@pldennison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pldennison)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/28 "2002-05-15T21:01:43Z")
:::yawn::: You know, Robert, the next time you contribute something of substance to the SDMB, it will be the first time. You’ve been referring to me as a conservative since just about the first time we interacted, and I’m pretty goddamned sick of it. For the public record, there have been four Presidential elections since I reached voting age. Here are my votes: 1988: Did not vote 1992: Bill Clinton 1996: Left Presidential portion of ballot blank 2000: Harry Browne Republicans I have voted for for Federal and State-level offices: none Democrats I have voted for for Federal and State-level offices: Dick Celeste John Glenn Howard Metzenbaum Dennis Kucinich Chuck Robb J.P. Moran Now, do you want to stop telling lies about people, or continue to be a schmuck? Does it give you some sort of perverse pleasure to misrepresent the positions of people with whom you disagree, or is it that your opinions (such as they are) are not strong enough to stand on their own without being propped up by lies? What was it Sam Stone called you recently–“second-tier sycophants?” Yeah, that about sums it up. ---
**Author:** ![Kiting\_Illini](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e274bd/32.png) [@Kiting\_Illini](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kiting_Illini)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/29 "2002-05-15T21:06:44Z")
I wonder where all this outrage was in the days following 9/11 when every t-shirt/memorabilia/flag/just plain stupid junk maker went into overdrive to cash in on the event? Is it ok to do that 'cause this is capitalism and ‘greed is good’? This might be in bad taste…who knows? It seems to be a pretty good picture of the guy looking Presidential ‘n’ stuff…and I don’t even like him… While I’m pretty non-partisan…it seems like the Dems are the only ones offended…Everyone I know who’s Libertarian, Green, Independent, etc. etc. has responded to this crisis with a resounding :o (YAWN) jus’ my 2 cents. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Ace\_of\_Swords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e495f1/32.png) [@The\_Ace\_of\_Swords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Ace_of_Swords)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/30 "2002-05-15T21:42:00Z")
From Al Gore: > [@](#): > > “While most pictures are worth a thousand words, a photo that seeks to capitalize on one of the most tragic moments in our nation’s history is worth only one – ‘disgraceful,’” Gore said. I’ve got another word for it – disgusting! I was already disgusted by Karl Rove going _on record_ that the Republican Party would run on the war – now apparently they’ll fundraise on it too. Can’t you just feel the tone changing? By the way, everyone here who says the fundraiser benefits either A) Republicans or B)the RNC, but _doesn’t benefit Bush_, is going on my **Grade A Complete Moron List.** Y’all need a whack from the stick o’ learnin’! ---
**Author:** ![fluiddruid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c2a13f/32.png) [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/31 "2002-05-15T21:54:46Z")
Speaking as a liberal, I don’t find this incident particularly alarming; I find the trend of the GOP capitalizing on the events of 9/11 to label criticism as anti-patriotic and to insinuate that every Democratic challenge is because of jealousy towards their ‘popular’ (read: war-time) president as alarming. This might have bothered me shortly after 9/11, but I can’t find it all that disturbing anymore compared with some of the other tactics. ---
**Author:** ![musicguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@musicguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/musicguy)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/32 "2002-05-15T22:10:06Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by lieu \* > \*\* > I think the whole point is that some of us don’t find it tasteless at all. Personally, I’m in no way offended by the photo. Now if I defended it simply because of my party affiliation even while I was disturbed by it, that would be pretty crappy of me but that’s simply not the case. \*\* Likewise, I _am_ offended by it, no matter who is responsible. Some people here apparently can’t comprehend that though. Don’t agree with Bush = Democrat. I’ve never voted Democrat, don’t agree with many things they support, but that doesn’t matter. To some, I will always be branded a Democrat. Now that is ignorant. And **Lieu** , I know your post wasn’t addressed to me but it raised a good point that I wanted to expand upon. ---
**Author:** ![musicguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@musicguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/musicguy)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/33 "2002-05-15T22:16:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Agent LeManof Verona \* > \*\*I wonder where all this outrage was in the days following 9/11 when every t-shirt/memorabilia/flag/just plain stupid junk maker went into overdrive to cash in on the event? Is it ok to do that 'cause this is capitalism and ‘greed is good’? > > \*\* Just for the record, I thought the sale of T-Shirts and assorted crap following 9/11 was disgusting as well. And that is regardless of the party affiliation of the people selling it. ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Kahuna\_Burger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Big\_Kahuna\_Burger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big_Kahuna_Burger)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2002, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/34 "2002-05-16T00:08:02Z")
BTW, it was publicized as a 9/11 photo. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19579-2002May15.html](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19579-2002May15.html) > [@](#): > > The pictures show ‘the gritty determination of our new president at his inauguration; a telephone call from Air Force One to Vice President Cheney the afternoon of Sept. 11, 2001; and President Bush’s historic State of the Union speech,’ the letter says. ---
**Author:** ![ScoobyTX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@ScoobyTX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ScoobyTX)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2002, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/35 "2002-05-16T00:21:38Z")
The only disgraceful action here is crying crocodile tears about this “exploitation of the victims.” I guess Al needed to remind folks that he still exists. I wish he would find better ways to draw attention to himself. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Zagna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d2c977/32.png) [@El\_Zagna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Zagna)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2002, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/36 "2002-05-16T00:57:58Z")
For the record I am a Democrat. I voted for Al Gore and Ann Richards before that. I saw the issue on the six o-clock news, visited the OP link and read through this thread and all I can say is \*\*Big Fuckin’ Deal!!! \*\*. Good God, man. What’s wrong with you? Maybe you need to start drinking or something to help you get a perspective on things. Even the Democratic leadership seems to be having a hrad time getting worked up about this. Off to bed with you, **musicguy**. And no supper. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2002, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/37 "2002-05-16T01:33:05Z")
No,it isn’t a big hairy ass deal. Rather like campaign contributors sleeping in the Lincoln bedroom. But its just the cats paw, I figure. If the Pubbies figure they can get away with it, they will flat out state that failure to vote for them is unpatriotic. Short of that, they will imply it. Is it tawdry? Of course it is. Will they do anything to win? Is a bear Catholic? Does the Pope shit in the woods? ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Harvey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ac8455/32.png) [@Max\_Harvey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Harvey)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2002, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/38 "2002-05-16T01:52:33Z")
> [@](#): > > I guess Al needed to remind folks that he still exists. I wish he would find better ways to draw attention to himself. Like maybe tattooing **[543,895](http://fecweb1.fec.gov/pubrec/2000presgeresults.htm)** on his forehead? The GOP sells for its own benefit a picture with a caption bragging about Bush’s “gritty determination” (and how exactly does _talking on the freakin’ phone_ convey that?) on 9/11, and not only should it not be offensive, it’s not even exploitative?! Many Americans murdered -\> Photo taken of President’s courageous phone call on same day -\> Said photo sold later to benefit President’s party If it were Clinton, Republicans would be howling like monkeys. (Well, howling louder than usual, anyway). ---
**Author:** ![Largo62](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/45deac/32.png) [@Largo62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Largo62)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2002, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/39 "2002-05-16T11:22:14Z")
Personally, I’m disgusted with Democrats who have made a stink about what amounts to a pretty good picture of the President being the President. This wasn’t a for-profit enterprise, but a method by which Republicans hope to raise money from other Republicans for their party. That’s what political parties do. If Gore had been in the White House on September 11 (and as a Democrat, I still believe he should have been, what with more votes and all) I really think he would have taken a different view of using a similar picture of himself to raise money for his party. His statement that the picture was “disgraceful” was, well disgraceful. Please **musicguy** let this be the last time you force me to defend GWB. I find him personally on a par with Dan Quayle, and defending him from your righteous, though misguided, indignation is distasteful to say the least. ---
**Author:** ![Oblong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/c0e974/32.png) [@Oblong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oblong)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2002, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123/40 "2002-05-16T12:39:06Z")
Isn’t complaining about the use of 9/11 photos for political gain the same thing as using htem for political gain? If it’s so disgusting and distasteful as Mr. Gore says, then we don’t need to be reminded of it. We can make our own decisions. If you are trying to tell us that it’s disgraceful, then you are using it for political gain and being just as distasteful. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-9-11-pictures-for-fundraising-purposes/109123.md?page=3)