[xzins]

But it may be a sign of the risks that candidates could face in criticizing U.S. troops as a midterm election approaches. "As a retired Colonel in the U.S. Marines," said Kline, who faces Coleen Rowley, the FBI whistleblower, this November, "I am especially proud of the sacrifices our men and women make day in and day out, especially in combat situations. And as a Marine Officer I would never want to publicly insinuate, implicitly or explicitly, that I have prejudged what took place that day on the battlefield or afterwards."

This increases my suspicion that both Kline's and Murtha's comments constitute command influence on the case. This retraction makes that even more likely.

Kline serves on the Pentagon-affecting "Armed Services" Committee, as does Murtha.

In short, both these congressmen received a briefing from unnamed Pentagon sources that caused them to come out with claims of Haditha Marine's guilt. Both are Marine colonels.

It appears that someone in the Pentagon had an interest in making these Marines appear guilty. They got their message very effectively to all potential court martial members. Two congressmen, one from each party who sit on Armed Forces and have the financial future of the Marines in their hands, have decreed that these Marines are guilty.

That is "Command Influence" of the worst sort.

[yoe]

It appears that someone in the Pentagon had an interest in making these Marines appear guilty

That someone who got the ear of two elected nits, should be revealed and removed. Murtha is toast.........

[IrishMike]

That is "Command Influence" of the worst sort.
.
.
.
I'd call it treason.

[nitzy]

What does the term command influence mean? Is it illegal? Immoral?