Aftermath: Unseen 9/11 Photos by a New York City Cop

I have a number of 9/11 photo books. I found that Mr. Botte's images were far more powerful and more real than most. His images are amazing and he deserves the credit for seeing the images in the event. He is also a victim of that day, and in light of his medical problems resulting from his days on the 'pile', his life will no doubt be cut short for his experiences. So, from that point of view, his book is one of the few from the perspective of the victims. He speaks for the dead and the dying. His pictures will carry his memory. Thank you, Mr. Botte, for the memories. May we never forget.

I have yet to purchase the book (which I am doing next), but I have seen it. It is a respectful memorial, a beautiful record, and more. But I wonder why some reviewers have "picked" on Mr. Botte for having been on the clock while he tooks these pictures, and presenting that as argument in favor of Joel Meyerowitz book, or others. I've just listened to an NPR interview with Mr. Meyerowitz in which he admited to forging a pass to get others in the site to help him do the work. I am glad he did, for the sake of history, of keeping the record for those of us who weren't there, but... why is this better than a cop taking his camera out every once in a while and shooting some photos while "on the clock"?? It doesn't take any longer than stopping to chat with a friend, or whatever... (Incidentally, I am glad Mr. Meyerowitz went around the system; someone really needed to worry about the historical record in a moment when most were worried about more urgent matters and those in charge were more worried with securing the site) As for who should get the money from the sale of the book? Well, Mr. Botte has said he'll make donations after he has recovered the costs of making the book. To my knowledge, Mr. Meyerowitz has not given up his royalties, and neither has the Museum of the CIty of New York. Above Hallowed Ground is a book whose profits do go to the NYPD; if that is the concern, I guess that's the book to buy, but many, from the film industry to TV and radio are profiting from this event; picking on a NYPD officer for shooting (at his own cost) while "on the clock" seems to just be a petty argument.

I understand that ppl are upset about this book. I feel they really shouldnt be, It is a beautiful book.. There are no dead bodies laying around, Just heartfelt pictures of men and women. The author did not take these pix because he was amused by the situation, He took pictures that we could remember for the rest of our lives. In the world we live in, Where major holidays are just a day to spend money and we forget the real reason they are there. Blood money? I think not, This man was a NYPD officer.. He worked with these ppl, These are his family... How did he pay for the rolls of film? Do you think he was given that money? I dont think so.. How did he pay to publish the book.. NYPD? I dont think so.. I think before you judge a person, You should atleast look at the book. I feel the ppl here making these horrible accusations are just ppl that are bored with life and really could care less about this book. These ppl need to get a life and fight the real injustice in the world.. Poverty,Child Abuse,etc...I say bravo to John Botte and I cannot wait to see whats next.

After viewing all of this books photos and reading the captions and liner notes I find it difficult to understand why this author is being chastised in the press. It seems that the author was not just chronicling the tragic events of 9/11 but was an active participant in the recovery effort who sacrificed his own health in an unselfish manor. Future generations will be able to understand the scope of this tragedy and the emotions and sacrifices of the rescue workers because of Mr. Botte's photos. If Mr. Botte is wrongfully accused of publishing this book for personal gain then Hollywood and the news media should be judged in the same light when they profit from theater sales or increased Nielsen ratings. How many producers or directors can claim that they paid a personal price on 9/11.

5 Years later America and the world needs to be reminded of what happened in NYC, and this book does that. Striking photos take you to the WTC in the middle of America's worst days. The photographer is paying a personal price for this event, I know he was medically retired from the NYPD from an illness he got from being exposed to the air at Ground Zero. This is a book people need to look at and remember the sacrifices of the police, fire and other rescue workers.