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CINCO DE MAYO

Take Back the Night

April 21, 2006

After Dark

aRt wAlk

April 2006

Pittsburg, KS

Residents of McDonald County, MO and members of the Patriot Guard Riders pay their respects to PFC Christopher Lee Marion Saturday, March 4. The 20 year-old member of the US Army's 101 airborne division was killed by an improvised explosive device in Hawijah, Iraq on Feb. 22.

I went to Anderson along with a large number of media to cover the protest of this funeral by the reverend (using the loosest form of the word) Fred Phelps who contends that our troops are being struck down by God because the USA is to tolerant of homosexuals. Phelps never showed up. I was conflicted about this. On one hand I was disappointed that I did not get the opportunity to take what would have undoubtedly been powerful images. On a personal level I was grateful that the ceremony wasn't disturbed by such a hateful event. In addition I felt awkward covering an event such as a funeral for nothing other than to expand my portfolio but I'm a photojournalist. I document the word I see through my photography. How can I turn away from things like this? Where doers the line between documentation and exploitation lie? What do YOU think?

The Webb City High School Marching Band Flag Line performs at the Maple Leaf Festival Parade Oct. 15.

Savannah Baird, age 5, of Galena, KS waves to parade participants as they pass by during the Maple Leaf Festival Parade in Carthage, MO.

Cassville resident Corey Smith focuses on tying a fresh lure on his line at Roaring River State Park near Cassville, MO on the opening day of trout season Wednesday, March 1. The 12 year-old angler, who had already landed two trout, was one member of a crowd estimated to be greater than 1,700 people.

A member of the Green Beret parachute team makes a harrowing descent onto Broadway Avenue in Pittsburg, KS, in high winds, Friday April 22. The jump was a part of the three-day Biker Blessing Blast taking place at a variety of locations in Southeast Kansas. The jumper landed safely but his chute became entangled on one of the buildings.