Has Gen. Chiarelli's report been made public? I can't find it.
But an authorized Spokeswoman, presumably familiar with his report, says the fault for the civilian deaths lies squarely with the insurgents, who "placed noncombatants in the line of fire as the Marines responded to defend themselves." That to me carries more weight than 95% of the other statements I've heard made about this incident. Could she be wrong, sure. Could the MSM be wrong?
One of the relieved officers has said he was not relieved due to the Haditha incident. Maybe the other two were. I do not know. But if you have a link, please let me know.
Sure, I understand the presumption of innocence is a legality. But you cannot be blind to the MSM's above the fold drumbeat that continually rehashes the "likely to be charged with murder" meme over and over again, all over the world. It is irresponsible in the extreme and gives aid and comfort and inspiration to our enemies.
Do you remember the Wedding Party "massacre" BS. Same sh*t, different day.
I assume that would be the captain of another company not involved in this incident.
"you cannot be blind to the MSM's above the fold drumbeat that continually rehashes"
I couldn't have made it more clear, that I don't heed their BS. Most of the country is not so susceptible to it either, or Bush wouldn't be in office.
" the MSM's above the fold drumbeat that continually rehashes the "likely to be charged with murder" meme over and over again"
They'd have no drum if there was nothing to the story.
"Do you remember the Wedding Party "massacre" BS. Same sh*t, different day."
Not from what I saw from the initial reports. It was also cleared up immediately, unlike this one.
"the Marines responded to defend themselves"
From what? This was a Sgt. involved here, not raw recruits from boot camp.
From the Guidebook for Marines, Chap 4, The Laws of War:
"Marines are to learn something about the country in which they are operating. Once there, they are to treat civilians humanely and private property as if it were there own.
Do not violate civilian's rights in war zones. If you know something about people's culture and practices, you will have little trouble recognizing civilians' rights. Make sure civilians are protected from acts of violence, threats and insults both from the enemy and your fellow Marines."