[cpdiii]

The rules of engagement imposed on our fighting men and women in Iraq are much more stringent than the rules of engagement that the FBI issued in the case of Ruby Ridge. They will back up those rules with a court martial if necessary. Think about it.

Also that shot that Len Hourrachi (spelling) made that killed Weavers' wife was a very easy shot at that distance. When he killed her that is who he intended to kill when he pulled the trigger. I do not blame Hourrachi, he was a sniper that was following his instructions. His superiors are guilty of murder. They issued the orders and rules of engagement.

I would also like to comment that I have no admiration for either side of the conflict at Ruby Ridge.

[taxed2death]

"When he killed her that is who he intended to kill when he pulled the trigger. I do not blame Hourrachi, he was a sniper that was following his instructions. His superiors are guilty of murder. They issued the orders and rules of engagement."

___________________________________________________________

Well, I'd have to disagree. If your assessment of the situation is in fact true...if I were the sniper I would simply disregard the order and take what ever penalty would come my way. I can not see any set of circumstances that would warrant shooting an unarmed civilian holding a child. None whatsoever. Not in a military situation, not in a civilian situation. That sniper and every LEO officer above him responsible for giving that order should be tried and convicted of manslaughter at the very least. There is nothing "professional" about shooting an unarmed civilian and a child. Not in the military...and certainly not in a civilian situation. To just say "he was following orders" is ridiculous. Let's apply your position to a captain of a boomer... let's say he wakes up on the wrong side of his cot that morning and decides to immolate a city...do you think those under him who follow his "order" shoulder no responsibility?

In short... give our snipers more credit. Even snipers (should) have morals. They are professionals.


again, just my opinion of course...

[Grizzled Bear]

do not blame Hourrachi, he was a sniper that was following his instructions. His superiors are guilty of murder. They issued the orders and rules of engagement.

---

That argument didn't work at the Nurenberg (sp) trials. It does not work here either.

I have refused to follow orders that were ill advised. Fortunately; I usually had support higher up on the chain of command

[enuf]

All of Hitlers henchmen "employees" were just following orders. I am sure glad to see they were not punished.
SARC

[ContraryMary]

I do not blame Hourrachi, he was a sniper that was following his instructions.

I do -- without a doubt. Now, he's not the only one I blame. But what he did was cold-blooded murder. He knew what he was doing. "Just following orders" wasn't sufficient at Nuremberg and it shouldn't be sufficient for the events at Ruby Ridge.

[BnBlFlag]

"I do not blame Hourachi".

The "I was just obeying orders" defense went out with the Nuremburg Trials.