Prove it

One picture can be worth more than a thousand conspiracy

theories.

For that reason alone the Obama administration should release the grisly photographs of the body of Osama bin Laden, who was slain in Pakistan during a 40-minute gun battle with Navy SEALs. It is either that or listen to years of sinister speculation that the photos have been withheld to keep the secret that the man who was slain was not bin Laden after all.

Already, conspiracy theories are flying around the Internet. If they get out of hand, they'll make those goofy birther theories look mild and sane by comparison.

We say this knowing that all the facts are not yet out, and that there may be a compelling rationale that we have yet to hear for not releasing the photos. But we do know that the ability of real evidence to squelch crazy conspiracy rumors fades with time. Already, fake photos of bin Laden's body are moving around the Web.

If the administration does not act quickly, conspiracy talk about the May 1 events will move into that pantheon of alternative reality that includes the faked moon walk, the hushed-up evidence of UFOs and the gunman on the grassy knoll.

Osama bin Laden is dead and gone. Let there be no doubt.

Chicago Sun-Times