Dover test
The Dover test is an informal test and a
Description
The test's name refers to
...(M)ust be subjected to what I call the 'Dover test.' Is the American public prepared for the sight of our most precious resource coming home in flag-draped caskets into Dover Air Force Base in Delaware – which is a point entry for our Armed Forces?
The Dover test is not a formal test, and the consequences are difficult to measure. Some say that certain deduction from the tests can be attained, though. If the United States population continues to support the war after the news coverage, then the
If the American population does not continue to support the war, then the government has failed the test, and continued warfare may reduce the popularity of the government. Differing factions may use reactions to the results to further their own motives. Subsequently, the test is used more often to support someone's opinion or to question government actions than to actually determine the level of public support for the war.
History
Early examples
The return of American war casualties created difficulties for the U.S. government for the first time during the
In the first Iraq War, the government banned media outlets from showing any returning deceased at Dover.
Recent examples
Iraq war and post-occupation
The Dover test was most recently mentioned by the
References
- ^ Ross, Michael (September 24, 1994). "Pre-Election Battle Over Haiti Shaping Up in Congress Politics". LA Times. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
As it stands, congressional support for the Haiti mission is too thin 'to pass the Dover test,' said Sen. John Glenn (D-Ohio), referring to the Dover, Del., Air Force base where the bodies of any U.S. soldiers killed in Haiti will be flown.
- ^ Shields, Mark (November 3, 2003). "Time to take the Dover test". CNN. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
External links
- https://nppa.org/news/797 National Press Photographers Association reporting 14 out of 19 families have agreed to media coverage of returning casualties.