Posted on 05/30/2006 6:00:23 AM PDT by 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
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
By the same token, there are some saying "they're not guilty, because Murtha and some sources say so." I'm content to let the investigation take its course -- but at the same time I have a bad feeling about this one.
OK
How? You're a numbskull, IMO.
Why is it impossible for you to grasp that US Marines...who are taught to be killing machines...to...under certain battle conditions...lose their sanity?
Nobody wearing a Marine uniform wants to get killed or seriously injured. Nobody wants a tiny American flag placed at their gravesite. They just want to come home after their tour.
To lose a buddy day after day must take a toll. The best insurance is to eliminate any perceived threat.
The Iraqis hide and shelter the insurgents in this part of the country. These "victims" won't be aiding and abetting anymore...and maybe will give pause to the neighbors up the street who escaped this event.
I don't condone their alleged deed. I understand how it may have happened.
Sorry, Peach -- I'm with you 99% of the time, but that comment is just plain disgusting. IF ... if ... it turns out that Marines were responsible for gunning these folks down, it would be murder, not mere "over-reacting." Murderers deserve to be put away forever.
Maybe everyone should buy and watch a dvd of "Rules of Engagement", with Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson, before being judgemental.
Yea, well I am fed up with all this nonsense!
If any of you had met some of these fine young Marines from the 1st Marine Division ;
you couldn't be prouder.
These Marines are some of the bravest and most patriotic I have ever met. They are coming back from Iraq with two and some three PURPLE HEARTS and requesting to be sent BACK to their units in Iraq.
They don't make wheel barrels large enough to carry their balls in.
And if anyone wants to smear these Marines; then do so in person, face to face.
I'm sure we can arrange transportation for you to the closest emergency room.
Semper Fi,
Kelly
Amen!!!!!
"This war has seen fewer civilian casualities than any warfare ever conducted."
I'm afraid we are close to reaching the point where our magnificent military will be rendered ineffective by our constant introspection, over-analysis of every combat error (combat by its very nature is fraught with mistakes), and a misguided desire to show the world what a moral society we are by jumping to prosecute these young men operating in impossible conditions.
Bush's recent hangdog recounting of the Abu Gharib incident was especially disgusting.
In war, your enemy should fear you, not laugh as you engage in endless rounds of navel gazing and second-guessing.
Who with a conscience wouldn't have a bad feeling about this one? Just remember, you're only getting pieces of one side of the story.
That's why I'm content to not only wait for the investigation to conclude but to go after the treasonous SOB intentionally inflicting damage upon our troops and their loved ones for political gain.
BTT
I read her article posted here
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Our enemies don't need any additional reasons to hate us. It is those in the middle who will be affected by this. I don't know what if anything happened (and as such I won't comment either way) but I would suggest that if the alleations prove true then that would be a bigger problem.
Boy, do I agree with that post.
I wrote a letter to the editor about the "torture" at Abu Graib. What is routinely called torture was really humiliation.
The wires weren't hooked up to electricity. The dogs didn't bit anyone. Etc.
Why couldn't the president and Congress talk about the FACTS about Abu Graib instead of hanging their heads in shame?
You're right -- our military will be rendered ineffective with this constant over-inspection of every move.
"There is only one truth about this, and that truth will be revealed eventually. We will all have to live with whatever it is."
Bears repeating.
Though even with a possible "ugly" report coming, the chances of those Marines getting a "fair" trial is tainted with all the statements like "murdered in cold blood". And if they are cleared, we should have a method where they can get back their reputation.
Why is it impossible for you to grasp that US Marines...who are taught to be killing machines...to...under certain battle conditions...lose their sanity?
What kind of guns were used. What if the rounds are from an AK-47?
He is furious that this Country sends our troops into battle and then does not support them when they are accused of violence.
These Marines are innocent until proven guilty.
When Laura starts saying it looks bad, trust me, it won't be good.
I'm telling you---and Laura is telling you---be prepared for the worst. I think you are short-sighted if you don't think this will be "ok." When insiders are telling conservatives that it's bad, it's bad.
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