[Leica] Re: Staged Photo's (ie Iwo Jima)

["Paul Schiemer" <schiemer@magicnet.net>]

Thanks to David Morton for sending along the unauthorized clipping from the
book on Rosenthal's famous Iwo Jima flag raising.
It appears there continues to persist a misunderstanding about the events
surrounding the taking of that prize winning photograph.
I used the word "staged" when referring to it, and that raised some concern
from persons reading my comment. [although my Webster's defines 'staged' as
thus; 2.To produce or direct (a theatrical performance).]

NOTHING I said leading up to or within the topic has ANYTHING to do with the
bravery of the men who fought and died there, as well Mr. Rosenthal's heroic
effort to bring back the image. To twist it in that way is reprehensible
(I'm embarrassed, not for myself, but for those that became so inflamed).

It would appear this specific photo has had its' own peculiar notoriety and,
from Mr. Rosenthal's mouth, dating from the very beginning. It will probably
continue on forever with that terrible 'cloud'- deserved or not.
I apologize for contributing to this renewed interest in the controversy.