Hi.
Who decided that this young man and the other(s) were to be courtmartialed and charged with killing civilians in this incident?
Was it Democrats? Republicans? Congress? TV reporters? TV networks? Mean nasty people out to make a young soldier cry and say he's sorry on tv?
I'm pretty sure it is our military that decides and brings soldiers to trial. Not CBS.
I just wish more people would realize it is not mutually exclusive to have feelings of compassion for this young kid and what happened, and to recognize the authority of the US Military to decide if and when a crime has been committed.
I watched and I think this kid was very brave to give this interview. I'm sure he knew it was going to be painful. The situation he was in was a hell of a mess. I also trust our Military, the same military that is courtmartialling him, to sort out what is right and wrong.
I really think all this supercharged anger at CBS is wasted and misplaced energy. Who gives a hoot about them. You gotta admit, the kid wanted to do the interview. Others declined. Like I said, who cares. When the court martial comes that's when we can support the troops---AND support the military brass! Why try to soothe the anger by blaming some stupid reporter.
Well, a stupid reporter is as a stupid reporter does.
I hear you and do "recognize the authority of the US Military to decide if and when a crime has been committed." However, it appears to be prosecutorial overreach at this point. SSGT Wuterich is charged with 12 murders in the first 2 houses of Iraqis killed. However, he didn't fire any shots. How does that translate into murder?
It appears the "military brass" is making an example of this one Marine. He is currently charged with 18 of 22 "murders" in this incident. That's pretty incredible.
And all of these murder charges without autopsies, a "crime scene" that was unsecured for months, relatives who complain their compensation for the deaths was pitiful (thinking millions would have been better), a representative from our own Congress proclaiming these Marines cold-blooded murderers,....As for me, I'm a little skeptical at this point.
First, welcome to Free Republic.
Second, what the heck are you talking about?
The military has not decided a crime was committed. There has not been a single Article 32. At this point, there are unproven accusations in a 13,000 page NCIS investigative report. Even the Washington Post (to whom the report eas leaked) has said the evidence collected by NCIS is often confusing, conflicting, and contradictory.
General James Mattis is the penultimate authority in the Haditha case. The ultimate authority is the CIC, President Bush. No one is questioning their authority to adjudicate these cases.
Under the UCMJ, these Marines are innocent until proven guilty. They deserve a vigorous defense.
You refer to SSgt. Frank Wuterich,although you never say his name, as a "young man", "this young kid", "young soldier","this kid","the kid".
Now I know you just signed up today here at Free Republic, and you're obviously chaffing at the bit to enlighten us all, but be that as it may....
The MAN is a MARINE, his name is FRANK WUTERICH, he's a STAFF SERGEANT in the CORPS.
Remember that, the next time you wish to share your wisdom around here.