Sara Warzecka Columnist

The evening news overwhelms the senses with flashing numbers, statistics and pictures of gore and brutal violence. Last week, the nation was subdued by the images of four contractors' mutilated bodies dragged through the streets of Iraq.

Though it may feel surreal to watch the disgusting truth of war so far away, these images spawn from a distant reality. When friends and family cross the line from an American commercial lifestyle and dive into the fray of a seemingly foreign war, those images come a little closer to home.

It's not uncommon to hear that self-protective line in controversial political conversation: "Well, I'm against the war, but I support the troops." And it's true. In fact, it's a fairly moronic insinuation to say anyone wouldn't support American troops in Iraq, Afghanistan or anywhere else.

Anyone can disagree with national causes for going to war, but no one is going to blame the people brave enough to protect the values they believe in. It takes huge cajones to put your life on the line for an idea, to take orders and experience extreme brutality but retain an expressive personality.

Though it may feel surreal to watch the disgusting truth of war so far away, these images spawn from a distant reality.

When the country's leaders call for patriots, there is always a resoundingly enthusiastic response from those willing to take on the nation's problems. These people didn't choose the war; they just chose to be brave enough to fight in it.

Of course the war in Iraq and the war on terrorism typically take top bill in the news. People are interested and concerned. It's wonderful that people should want to be involved in the political process and be so opinionated about current events. As a tactic to maintain interest, reporters focus on the obvious violence of the situation.

Of course anyone can imagine a war being violent, but it's the image that really puts it all together. Video segments of bodies sprawled and bloodied through the street, and photos of British soldiers on fire - when these images are shown, the idea of war really comes to life. But such images are unnecessary and shameful depictions of harsh conditions and extreme human suffering. Most of those who worry about such matters can already paint a very vivid visual image.

Imagine husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, shakily reading an article about a new set of violent deaths in Iraq, or watching a news story about it after a hard day's work and returning to an empty home. No names.

The reporter only provides the number of dead and a picture - a body being dragged through the street in primitive celebration. Tension grips their bodies and fear permeates their thoughts. It could be someone they know, it could be someone they love. The article reveals no name, to protect the identity of the victim and allow the family privacy.

However, imagine a woman later finds out her husband was one of the dead and perhaps that it was his body being degraded. Even if it wasn't her husband, it only works to increase the fear that one day it will be. And the news might actually show his defiled body.

Americans buy into destruction and maybe feel more compelled to support or speak against the war when viewing such devastation. But the bodies remain faceless. No names are given and no honors conferred. There is only death, and the audience knows nothing of the person who existed before. Identities are hidden to protect the families, but maybe some families would appreciate that recognition.

Their family members gave their lives for their country and deserve acknowledgement. Of course, many families would decline such a public announcement, which is completely understandable, and it is respectable that they would appreciate privacy during a time of grief and mourning.

Those recognized for their courageous and honorable gift should be showed in life instead. Pictures from when they were still living are more provocative and uplifting than the brutal images of their demise.

Many would argue for the reality of death and war, but images of soldiers with their families at home and Iraqi children being able to play outside are often necessary reality checks as well when people start to forget the good in life.

No one deserves to be recognized only in the anonymity of death. This includes the people who really are just trying to live but often cannot escape the fate of those surrounded by war.

Whether honoring the dead or letting their families mourn in peace, gratuitous pictures of death and suffering should be kept from news stories where they are used in obscurity and create public apathy. Pictures of death used for the purpose of shock value morally degrade us all.

Sara Warzecka was extremely disturbed to see the picture of a contractor's body dragged through the street. She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.