You're in, Brandie! Welcome aboard.
Dec. 25: Marines should be judged by jury of peers, not by media
Your anti-Iraq war opinion is again showing, by headlining that eight Marines were charged in the civilian deaths in Haditha [Front page, Dec. 22]. There was also an in-depth, three-quarter-page story inside. If eight Marines had just been given the Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian work in Iraq, you wouldn't have given them this kind of coverage. Why does the Register continuously highlight the negative?
This news needs to be reported, but why such an over-the-top emphasis on the negative? War is hell, and the pressure of seeing your buddies killed daily can bring out the worst in people, even decent people. I am not condoning what it is alleged these Marines did, but I am sure in every war this goes on.
Barely mentioned, and not highlighted, is how the military itself, after hearing of the charges, conducted a complete investigation and is pursuing charges against its own soldiers. The military is not trying to cover it up. How about highlighting that fact?
This kind of negative news goes all over the world, and is used by our enemies to show their people how the evil, brutal U.S. military is killing all their civilians and needs to be fought in jihad. I expect this from them, but it continues to sicken me when I see it in the U.S. press.
Tom Willson, Huntington Beach
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As a retired Marine, I don't have a problem with these Marines being charged. I would expect them to be judged by their peers. Their peers have been in combat and lost a close friend during combat. Officers have been in combat and promise troops that they would do everything possible to make sure they survived.
Marines are a special breed; there aren't many of us, and we form a close bond with those we fight alongside. If one of our team gets hit or killed, we all respond.
If the jury is of one's peers, it is a little easier to accept the verdict. Remember, there, but for the grace of God, go you.
N. J. Brunner, Orange