Fort Hood Shooting

As the nation tries to deal with the tragedy that took place on November 5, 2009 at Fort Hood, the public has wanted to see the Fort Hood shooting victims list. The official Fort Hood shooting victims list has yet to be revealed. As those who lost their lives have left behind families that are in deep pain and sorrow, is it couth to share those names publicly despite the overwhelming grief that the family bears?

Has media gone too far when it scours and prowls, hunting for every bit of information to capture a story, regardless of the emotional impact and burden it places on those who are in pain? Is it too early to reveal the Fort Hood shooting victims list? Last night the official count of the wounded jumped from 30-38.

Little is known about the reasons behind the attack and the full scope of what transpired hasn’t even begun to be explored. Should the families of those who willingly put their lives on the line only to have them extinguished by one man’s murderous rampage be subjected to seeing their loved one’s exploited on the Internet or in print, simply because the public insatiable hunger demands to be fed?

The tragedy that has occurred is overwhelming. There are 38 people fighting for their lives or recovering from their injuries and wounds. As days pass, the victims will embark upon a continued journey of healing and recovery. They will need healing that is physical, emotional, and even spiritual. When the victims are ready to share their stories and speak publicly they will. Is it right for the media to reveal who they are despite their knowing or the approval of their families?

Until an official list is publicly released, I say no.

The victims were robbed of their lives on that fateful day. Shall the media now rob the families of their private grief by exposing their loved ones names before they are officially released?