Determining an equal state of propaganda and government control of information has always remained a challenge for democracies. It seems that in this day and age, the United States is leaning toward a more propagandistic approach rather than remaining equal. The media's portrayal of war plays a monumental role in how a community responds to the situation; this was demonstrated during the Vietnam War, as support deteriorated due to the horrific images displayed. The relationship between media and terrorism is a vicious circle; “As the media covers terrorism, it incites more terrorism, which produces more media coverage” (Biernatzki, 2002). At this time, I believe there are policy implications to allowing journalists to have the same degree of access to information in the war on terrorism. terrorism as happened during the Vietnam War? Since our invasion of the Middle East in 2003, journalists have enjoyed monumental access to information, arguably more so than during the Vietnam War. The difference between the two, however, lies in the production of the information collected. During the Vietnam War, “violent and disturbing images were broadcast daily into American homes” (“Freedom of Reporting and Security Issues,” nd); this does not happen to such an extent today. Today, we are strongly advised against showing macabre images on television for many reasons, all of which have to do with censorship. Displaying macabre images is unwise because you can't always contain the viewing audience, as well as ignorance of an individual's reaction; Would you like to see a loved one beheaded on national television? Some believe that censoring this information is against their 1st Amendment. Journalists have access to everything...... middle of paper ......://canton.sln.suny.edu/AngelUploads/Content/201402-CAN-JUST-375-0W1/_assoc/47224E2EE0AB4D3BBBCD848A08DF3E64/ Terrorism_and_Mass_Media .pdfFreedom to Report and Security Issues. (nd). Methods of terrorism throughout the ages. Accessed February 28, 2014, from https://canton.sln.suny.edu/AngelUploads/Content/201402-CAN-JUST-375-0W1/_assoc/C9BB8538FC3940F2AED148CF4BC6C0C0/Freedom_of_Reporting_and_Security_Issues.pdfSimon, J. 1, September 9). How the “war on terror” sparked a war on journalists. CNN. Accessed February 28, 2014, from http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/09/08/simon.press.freedom.911/Terrorism and the Media. (July 23, 2008). Transnational terrorism, security and the rule of law. Accessed February 28, 2014, from https://canton.sln.suny.edu/AngelUploads/Content/201402-CAN-JUST-375-0W1/_assoc/2DFCEDA2E5D74D41AF54078C9174402C/Terrorism_and_the_Mass_Media.pdf