Missoulian editor: 'Shame on you, President Obama' (Dalai Lama photos)

[Newsjock]

Source: Missoulian

Props to the Associated Press and photography director Santiago Lyon for Thursday’s decision not to distribute a canned photograph of President Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama at the White House.

Lyon put his decision in writing via the AP’s Facebook page, and it’s well worth reading. Here’s what he had to say:

You won’t be seeing any images of the Dalai Lama and President Barack Obama on the AP photo service today.

They met at the White House this morning, but no independent media were allowed to witness the meeting. Just an official photographer.

This isn’t the way it usually works. But in this instance, the Obama administration — mindful of offending China, which has a very tense relationship with the Dalai Lama over the question of Tibet — stopped it from happening. Instead, the White House offered us a handout, or official photo, taken by its own photographer.

... Shame on the Obama administration for its ignorance of the importance of a free and unfettered press to our democracy. For limiting media access to a meeting held in our house. For attempting to control the media by shutting off access to the leader of our government meeting with another, admittedly controversial, world leader.

What an embarrassment.

Read more: http://missoulaeditor.com/?p=648

[opihimoimoi]

1. Embarrassment was when Bush/Cheney kept their meetings with Master GOPers SECRET

The Pubs have wrecked America and now they wanna make a comeback???

Thats Embarrassing

[pocoloco]

2. No wonder they are hot!

Missouri is the "Show Me State"!

[XOKCowboy]

4. Yo dude. Missoula is in Montana

Just sayin....

[MindandSoul]

3. The Missoulian is stupid!

I think it is great that President Obama met with such an important person in spite of the pressure against it. . .
But the most that could come out of any meeting with the Dalai Lama is certainly not a publicized photo opportunity. . .it is the meaningful exchange of peaceful ideas and the respect between two great men!
But. . .obviously, the Missoulian. . . typical red neck newspaper, would not recognize that!

[ChicagoSuz219]

5. I don't have a problem with an official photographer taking a pic...

...if the AP does, that's their problem.

It was a nice photo, btw...

[davidpdx]

7. I agree, it's all about money

The AP and papers are pissed because they can't resell the rights for the pictures. The meeting was a closed meeting. No press, no photographs. People can bitch about it all they want. At least Obama met with him.

[ChicagoSuz219]

8. Someone took pictures outside the WH...

...one of the DUers just posted them. The Dalai Lama - wearing thongs - in the snow! LOL

[davidpdx]

12. Someone forgot to tell his Holyness it was going to be cold as hell

*pun intended*

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

6. They don't want to be seen with the Dalai Lama, but their taking photos and giving them away.

Ooookayyyyy...

[marmar]

9. This piece is an embarrassment.

nt

[rucky]

10. Really, why have they been so secretive about his visit?

[Democat]

11. The AP wants to sell pictures, they don't care about the Dalai Lama

They're mad because they can't make money.