[ClearCase_guy]

Sounds like the government is making some sort of law covering a particular religion.

Oh, not the way the founders meant it -- but the Left would go ballistic if the government required all soldiers to cross themselves when passing a Catholic Church. To me, directing soldiers not to spit toward Mecca is basically in the same category.

[muawiyah]

The prevailing wind in much of Afghanistan is FROM the SW ~ in the direction of Mecca.

I wouldn't think this would be an issue.

[cpdiii]

Oh, not the way the founders meant it -- but the Left would go ballistic if the government required all soldiers to cross themselves when passing a Catholic Church.

To me, directing soldiers not to spit toward Mecca is basically in the same category.

The simplicity of your position is an elegance of thought. It is exactly as you state and can not be refuted. Sir, you are correct!

[TigersEye]

...the Left would go ballistic if the government required all soldiers to cross themselves when passing a Catholic Church. To me, directing soldiers not to spit toward Mecca is basically in the same category.

It is a religious observance isn't it? And they are mandating that Marines must participate in it.

I'm sure the last thing a serving Marine wants to do is file suit against the gov for violating his civil rights but someone sure as he!! should. This is so un-American I can't even think of words that express my outrage.

To make it worse; on a previous thread about this a FReeper vet of Afghanistan said it's a crock that any muzzie there has any regard for what direction they whizz in. There was also something about table fricking manners that was in this edict and he said that was a crock too. That this is just the muzzies messing with our troops heads and the brass fell for it like bumpkins at their first carnival.