On a Marine Base, Disbelief Over Charges

New York Times ^ | May 29, 2006 | Carolyn Marshall

[Peach]

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., May 29 — In this "company town" where everything and everyone caters to the well-being of the Marine Corps, there is no shortage of people, both military and civilian, who are willing to give the benefit of the doubt to the troops accused of unjustified killings last November in Haditha, Iraq.

Relatives and neighbors gathered near the shrouded bodies of civilians said to have been killed by marines in Haditha, Iraq, in November.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/30/world/middleeast/30voices.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

[nutmeg]

You know what kills me about the media and leftists?

When a civilian is found guilty of murder and given the death penalty, the leftists come out in droves to defend the murderer. Not the victim(s).

But let the military, MAYBE get carried away in the heat of the moment, and the media and left have soldiers and Marines found already guilty, even without a trial.

The double standard is shocking.

Excellent point, Peach!

[LS]

Funny, if you even bothered to see the effectiveness of our forces---without slaughtering innocent women and children---you'll find that for 200 years they have been extremely effective at knocking off the enemy without committing suicide. Again, I refer you to the Marine honor code, and I don't see anything in that about leveling unarmed civilians. Could be wrong, though.

[ClaireSolt]

But is is all bs. It doesn't really change what is going on, unless we let it. The idea that the was is fought in the media is a self-serving myth propogated by the media.

[LS]

I cheerfully state that they are due a fair trial, and that without overwhelming evidence (I forget the actual military code of justice terminology, but it is NOT "beyond a reasonable doubt," I don't think) they be completely cleared and exhonorated.

I also hope that is the case.

Now, your turn.

If you recall, this all started because CONSERVATIVE sources are starting to say it looks bad, and some conservatives want to ignore it rather than get out in front with the truth about the vast, vast majority of our troops.

[LS]

In other words, you don't know the code of honor.

[LS]

Care to make a wager?

[Coop]

Any attempt to inject any sort of caution about this story into a discussion on FR will be met with being labeled a Murtha-sympathizer, a sellout, a MSM shill, or having your own patriotism challenged.

Any attempt to inject any sort of fairness and integrity about this allegation into a discussion on FR will be met with being labeled as having one's head in the sand, being blind, a shill for the troops, or having your intelligence challenged.

Sink, I'll take on your preposterous claims of guilt anytime, anywhere. Funny how so many of you trotting out your premature findings have not served in combat and likely not even in the military. Of course you're still entitled to your opinions, but it certainly speaks volumes as to your individual perspectives.

Ain't that right, Counselor and Professor?

Begging your pardon, but I'm pinging the Irey/Murtha list so you fine folks can see what idiots and shills you are.

[LS]

Still ducking the original question, aren't you? How long can you duck and dodge the obvious?

[LS]

You are rapidly making me re-think giving money to Irey.

[F.J. Mitchell]

Probably. That and outlawing flakjackets and helmets.

[Coop]

Nice to see that your style of "arguing" is the same with me as with others...alot of chest beating but that's about all.

I've seen two accusations from you, but no substance, Counselor. May work with a jury, but not here. The facts and comments I've posted run rings around your incessant bleating.

[Coop]

I wonder if there is any place we could contribute to their defense?

A nice thought, but premature. Charges have not been filed. (What a concept!)

[BeHoldAPaleHorse]

This shows that nobody at the paper really knows what's what at Pendelton.

A son of a family friend is a Fleet Marine Force Corpsman up there, and he says the overall sentiment is "please, God, let it not be true."

The overall rumor flow regarding the official investigation is that the results are not going to be good, and that some officers may be going down for covering this up.

[Coop]

In other words, you don't know the code of honor.

So you are calling me a liar. Very well. I suggest you not promote your precious books in the D.C. area and tell me about it.

[processing please hold]

This story stinks to high heaven. One story says, a Marine took the pictures with a camera his mom gave him and another says the pictures were taken by an investigative team.

As it stands now with the leftist military hating media, I'll put my faith and trust in our soldiers.

I'm sure if there is a fund, someone here will find it and post it.

[Coop]

Care to make a wager?

A wager. Very nice. Kinda speaks volumes as to how you view this mess.

[HarleyLady27]

Thank you for sending me that.....that was another thread that I posted...I did not post on this one....and couldn't understand what you guys were talking about...

Yes, I feel if anyone can't stand behind our Troops, please feel free to stand in front of them....and I do feel that very strongly....especially murtha and the lot....cowards all of them....

[Coop]

You are rapidly making me re-think giving money to Irey.

Like you ever thought about it.

Liar!

[LS]

I'm not calling you anything. I'm telling you to fess up. Post it. You implied you could---heck you implied you knew it by heart.

And, Coop, I don't need you to buy a book. The entire American Legion has signed up to buy my new book because it CELEBRATES our troops. What I won't do is EXCUSE breakdowns in the military code of honor or justice. Will you?

[mel]

I remember hearing so much of your story on Savage. I have mixed feelings about Savage, but he was on top of this story and he talked about illegals long before it was a hot topic. At any rate, I was glad for your outcome.