We can only control our behavior, we cant do that for the enemy. That is why we are fighting. I thought you knew that.
I dont see Sink saying this is standard operating procedure for the US military. I see that he is saying its just the opposite. The fact that this is an aberation is what makes it news, assuming its true... and if they are talking of charges being made this summer and the Marine Commandant felt it was necesary for him personally to fly to Iraq to remind the troops of the rules of war, that doesnt bid well. Dont blame Sink for being the messenger. Some of you are sticking your heads in the sand saying it cant be true. The worst though are the ones that say so what we out to kill more Iraqis.
I in no way said at any time it cannot be true. Indeed it could be but Innocent until proven guilty is the way to go forward.
Sure we can only control our own behavior, I agree with that. I offer you this though. I am sick and tired of the level of outrage expressed against the USA by our own people and others around the world for something that might or might not have happened when those same folks say nothing day after day after day when our enemy factually targets unsuspecting civilians as their target of choice.
The fact that these folks do not oppose our enemy's factual actions in the same way they oppose our own soldiers supposed actions reduces their credability as the messenger they act as.
SO, if our soldiers are shown thru a fair trial they did something they should not have, I agree punishment is due. KNow this though, accusation, speculation and posing the "what if" as if it is proven fact harms our troops, their morale, and the general image of our goals. ALl this goes on while our enemy actually does this every day and somehow they get a free pass in the media and even on these forum boards.
I understand where you might feel the need to defend sink's position,but I offer to you that sink takes the very same position in regards to illegal immigration. Excuses for those that commit the illegal acts as a goal an expects the USA to be held to some standard above those that act in that way.
IMHO it is time to stand firm towards those that will side with others based on partial and speculative information while dismissing what criminals terrorists and our other enemies do everyday when facts are there to show what they are doing.
Tony Blair said a while back something that really rang loudly to me. Bad things will always happen, there is no way to avoid it entirely. The measure of a society is how they deal with those things when they do happen. As for Abu Graib, some improper things did take place. Torture was a catch phrase that went far and beyond what actually took place but we still watched as we policed our own and doled out punishments for actions done.
I am left to wonder where the praise is for taking this action and why those that demanded punishment for US soldiers are not calling now for punishment of Abu Musab al Zarqawi for actions like Nick Berg's killing. Where is the outrage expressed about that to match that of outrage over Abu Graib? See, there is no comparison between the expressed outrage of these two examples.
Look at the outrage over something that is speculation!! Compare that to the dismissal of daily car bombings against civilians. Let me know when the level of outrage is anything close to being even.