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Investigator: Drop Marine's Haditha murder charges
AP ^ | July 10, 2007 | AP

Posted on 07/11/2007 3:21:44 AM PDT by freema

SAN DIEGO, California (AP) -- An investigating officer has recommended dismissing murder charges against a Marine accused in the slayings of three Iraqi men in a squad action that killed 24 civilians in Haditha, according to a report released Tuesday.

The government's theory that Lance Cpl. Justin L. Sharratt had executed the three men was "incredible" and relied on contradictory statements by Iraqis, Lt. Col. Paul Ware said in the report, released by Sharratt's defense attorneys.

"To believe the government version of facts is to disregard clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, and sets a dangerous precedent that, in my opinion, may encourage others to bear false witness against Marines as a tactic to erode public support of the Marine Corps and mission in Iraq," Ware wrote.

Defense attorneys James Culp and Gary Myers in a statement welcomed the report and said it "reflected the value of the calm of a courtroom and the adversarial process."

Sharratt's mother Theresa said she was overjoyed.

(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...


TOPICS: News/Current Events; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: defendourmarines; haditha; marines; sharratt; usmc; wot
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To: RedRover
Great Red! We definitely need to archive that here at FR!
61 posted on 07/11/2007 11:19:53 AM PDT by smoothsailing ("Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction"--President Ronald Reagan)
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To: RedRover

Thank you VERY much for this welcome PING!!!


62 posted on 07/11/2007 11:19:59 AM PDT by SierraWasp (SIERRA REPUBLIC!!! (our 51st united state)(all of CA excluding coastal counties))
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To: RedRover

B T T T


63 posted on 07/11/2007 11:48:57 AM PDT by stephenjohnbanker ( Hunter/Thompson/Thompson/Hunter in 08! "Read my lips....No new RINO's" !!)
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To: 4woodenboats
Thanks for your analysis, which I like.

Bush going over the heads of the generals in command and ordering an end to the investigation would have been disastrous. General Matthis ending these investigations now that it has been shown that there is no substance to the two basic charges - murder and cover up - would now be appropriate.

But as Commander-in-Chief, does he not have the authority to order the charges be dropped, either overtly or, for appearances' sake, covertly?

I am beginning to agree with your overall point of view (if I am not misinterpreting your words) that there is some high level infiltration from some enemy force in our armed forces, and in our State Department, and elsewhere.

It seems what is going on is more aggressive than just the typical liberal-socialist-Democrat troublemaking.

It smells to me like widespread infiltration.

Please don't call me a tinfoil-hat person (actually, I kind of like that epithet). And correct me if you think I have over-interpreted your writing.

64 posted on 07/11/2007 11:54:00 AM PDT by caddie
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To: caddie
You interpreted my thoughts very accurately.

Thanks to FReeper RedRover, his posts here and at his site which is in my tagline, I have been been able to follow every scrap of news and most pertinent blog posts, in real time for...geez, I forget how long, lol.

There has been a distinct pattern of leaks to the Washington Post of classified data, including a copy of the entire 10,000 page case - and these leaks are then scoured for bits they can cobb together into damning, contrived "evidence".

For some time, it has appeared that much of it was in response or meant to preempt non biased reporting from the North County Times. The NCT just gives brief reports based on the day's events, no essays, yet one would get the feeling that WaPo, Reuters, and AP considered them a threat and picked up the pace with lopsided stories as the truth began to come out during the article 32s.

Someone(s) has been actively working - conspiring - with the enemedia to destroy these Marines. Not just once, but at every point in this investigation.

I don't think it is any longer possible for the President to do anything covertly any more.... Most intelligence agencies and military branches in this country have career beurocrats that would, will, and have endangered the lives of others just to embarass him.

I don't think the man could pass gas without someone writing a hit piece how his digestive system is failing just like his ratings.....

65 posted on 07/11/2007 12:58:38 PM PDT by 4woodenboats (DefendOurMarines.com)
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To: gardencatz

I caught that on Rush, as well. Wow. Naming Names. Demanding an apology from Murtha to Justin Sharratt. Rush is right - you know it, I know it. (a little inside Rush lingo) :-)

I’m glad Rush spoke about this during his first hour, which I believe, is the hour that Armed Forces Radio picks up. Murtha’s words are coming back to haunt him.


66 posted on 07/11/2007 1:48:29 PM PDT by Girlene
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To: smoothsailing
Great job by California Conservative, calling Murtha's office and asking for a statement. The spokeswoman wouldn't make a comment, after being asked three times, becsuse the "investigation is still ongoing"? Talk about hypocrisy! That didn't stop Murtha from getting on national TV to claim these Marines were "cold-blooded murdereres". Murtha's words are coming back to haunt him.
67 posted on 07/11/2007 2:09:23 PM PDT by Girlene
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To: Chickenhawk Warmonger

Hopefully this will apply to all including Lt. Col. Chessani; I’m proud to say I donated $100 to his defense fund.


68 posted on 07/11/2007 2:25:32 PM PDT by Cuttnhorse
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To: freema

Very good news.


69 posted on 07/11/2007 3:24:31 PM PDT by lilycicero (07-11-07)
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To: Cuttnhorse; xzins; freema

Agreed, Cuttnhorse. We’re still waiting on the Investigating Authority from Lt. Col. Chessani’s to make a recommendation. Hopefully, he sees the the Lt. Col.’s actions in the same light.

You should be very proud of yourself to donate that much money to his defense fund. It is shameful that these Marines have to fund their own civilian defense lawyers while the government can spend untold buckaroos to attempt to prosecute them. The kindness of people, such as yourself, adds to the Marines’ ability to provide an adequate defense since the prosecution is playing an unfair {financially} game funded by We The People.


70 posted on 07/11/2007 3:27:38 PM PDT by Girlene
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To: Girlene

Thanks, Girlene,

Your comments are appreciated, but it bothers me that I can’t do more for these great guys. I worry that this country no longer deserves these brave men and women. I served in Viet Nam, and I am constantly bothered by how we are treating our service men and women.

Best wishes,
Horsey


71 posted on 07/11/2007 3:50:16 PM PDT by Cuttnhorse
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To: freema

Well let us continue to hope the charges will be dropped, and this Marines record fully cleared of any negatives. Obviously the wish is for all of them involved in this charade, that continues.


72 posted on 07/11/2007 3:58:38 PM PDT by Marine_Uncle (Hunter in 2008)
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To: RedRover

Well let us continue to hope the charges will be dropped, and this Marines record fully cleared of any negatives. Obviously the wish is for all of them involved in this charade, that continues.


73 posted on 07/11/2007 4:00:28 PM PDT by Marine_Uncle (Hunter in 2008)
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To: Cuttnhorse
This country still deserves these brave men and women because of people such as yourself who paid the price before them. Thank you for your service. There are many people who support our troops, for REAL; lots of FReepers included. Check out this thread posted by JOHN ADAMS Should We Demand that John Murtha Apoligize to Lance Cpl. Justin L. Sharratt?

Letting Rep. Murtha know your thoughts is one of many other ways to support our military.
74 posted on 07/11/2007 4:07:17 PM PDT by Girlene (Murtha, the Architect of Defeat, (I Know it, You Know it))
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To: Tunehead54

Thank you, Tunehead.


75 posted on 07/11/2007 5:53:28 PM PDT by freema (Marine FRiend, 1stCuz2xRemoved, Mom, Aunt, Sister, Friend, Wife, Daughter, NIECE)
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To: Cuttnhorse

I am sure the families of the Marines appreciate your generous donation. I salute you for your support!


76 posted on 07/11/2007 6:13:22 PM PDT by Chickenhawk Warmonger (The Media Lied & Soldiers Died)
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To: Dustbunny; PGalt; Mad Marine Mama; fatima; Lancey Howard; jazusamo; peod; Girlene; 4woodenboats; ...

dust bunny;Pgalt;madmarinemama;Fatima;Lancey Howard;jazusamo;peod;girlene;4woodenboats;redrover;tchris;gardencatz ;BluH2o;smooth sailing;caddie;lilycicero;pinkpanther111;Marine Ping List;All

Thank you, all. Don’t mind me for saying something so trite and sappy as YOUR THOUGHTS OVERFLOW IN MY HEART.

Praise the Lord for prayers answered!!!!!
BTTT!
Praise the Lord! Now it’s Tatum’s turn and then Wuterich. Keep praying. This is not over until there’s “no one left behind”.
This is great news :)
Wow! BUMP for sanity at last.
Hallelujah is right!
This is a good day
HaPpY DaNcInG and continuing support and prayers!!!

“To believe the government version of facts is to disregard clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, and sets a dangerous precedent that, in my opinion, may encourage others to bear false witness against Marines as a tactic to erode public support of the Marine Corps and mission in Iraq,” Ware wrote.

The media and certain traitors in our congress, the DOD, and apparently some high level REMFs that are tired of playing in the sand would have made sure that act would have resulted in permanently painting these Marines as murderers, it would have destroyed our credibility worldwide, and devastated the president’s ability to protect this country.

I do think that the president should recall Navy Secretary Winter for refusing to examine the techniques NCIS uses, and he should initiate an investigation into the leaks, and should it be revealed there was pressure from congress and the DOD to persecute these men, criminal charges should be brought.
Civil charges are already being brought against Murtha by one Marine. Should an investigation into undue influence commence, it would likely help that.
These Marines have been financially devastated by this, while Murtha’s dining on mountains of pork every danged day.

http://warchronicle.com/TheyAreNotKillers/LCplSharratt/Sharratt_IO_Report.pdf

Lt. Col. Paul Ware

“Even more dangerous is the potential that a Marine may hesitate at the critical moment when facing the enemy”

“It’s not the accuracy of the evidence, it’s the seriousness of the allegations!”

Rush talking about this now...VERY pissed at Murtha!

Murtha? You POS!!!

I just want to run out in the field behind my house and shout Thank You Lord at the top of my lungs!
~~~~~~~~~~~
I’d further suggest that this statement fails on another level. Murtha’s spokeswoman said that he won’t comment because the investigation is ongoing.
If he was worried about not influencing the investigation, why did he accuse these Marines of “killing innocent civilians in cold blood” on national TV?

If Rep. Murtha is found to have railroaded Cpl. Sharratt and the other Marines, shouldn’t that be grounds to have him punished by the House of Representatives up to and including his removal from office? It seems to me that congressmen violating a soldier’s constitutional rights and accusing the military of covering the underlying incident up before being briefed is about as serious an offense as it gets. It seems to me that that’s corruption of a most odious nature.
http://www.californiaconservative.org/military/rep-murtha-running-for-cover/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The most pitiful thing about murtha is that the Sharratt’s reside in his district and the POS won’t even talk to them. What a coward the POS is.

…some high level infiltration from some enemy force in our armed forces, and in our State Department, and elsewhere.
It seems what is going on is more aggressive than just the typical liberal-socialist-Democrat troublemaking.

There has been a distinct pattern of leaks to the Washington Post of classified data, including a copy of the entire 10,000 page case - and these leaks are then scoured for bits they can cobb together into damning, contrived “evidence”.

Someone(s) has been actively working - conspiring - with the enemedia to destroy these Marines. Not just once, but at every point in this investigation.

Rush, as well. Wow. Naming Names. Demanding an apology from Murtha to Justin Sharratt. Rush is right - you know it, I know it. (a little inside Rush lingo) :-)
I’m glad Rush spoke about this during his first hour, which I believe, is the hour that Armed Forces Radio picks up.

Very good news.

unfair {financially} game funded by We The People.
Should We Demand That John Murtha Apologize to Lance Cpl. Justin L. Sharratt?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1864413/posts


77 posted on 07/11/2007 6:23:48 PM PDT by freema (Marine FRiend, 1stCuz2xRemoved, Mom, Aunt, Sister, Friend, Wife, Daughter, NIECE)
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To: freema; USMCPOP; All

In honor of the sacrifices so freely given of Miguel Terrazas and our own Karl Linn...

The hymn at Lauds of the Sacred Heart:

O Heart of Jesus, ark divine
That doth love’s Latter Law enshrine
The grim Old Law of servitude
Thou didst annul upon the Rood.

O Lord, thus Thou Law’s temple art;
Its Holy Place Thy Sacred Heart;
Whose rended veil doth well unfold
A worth beyond Law’s shrine of old.

Thus willed Thy love to open wide
A wound upon Thy sacred side,
Through which to shew how sins impart
Wounds else unseen, hid in Thy Heart.

Its blood and water (two-fold sign)
Shew priestly sacrifice divine,
First offered on the bloody Tree,
Now on our altars bloodlessly.

Though sinners, Thou didst die for us!
Who can but love One loving thus?
Thou, in Thy Heart, hast made a place
Of refuge for our lawless race.

We give Thee praise, who dost impart
Such grace, O Jesu, from Thy Heart;
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost , for evermore. Amen.


78 posted on 07/11/2007 6:26:00 PM PDT by freema (Marine FRiend, 1stCuz2xRemoved, Mom, Aunt, Sister, Friend, Wife, Daughter, NIECE)
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To: freema

AMEN! Ma, on both posts.


79 posted on 07/11/2007 6:36:53 PM PDT by jazusamo (DefendOurMarines.com)
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To: freema

The farewell service for Lance Corporal Terrazas in Iraq

80 posted on 07/11/2007 6:42:32 PM PDT by RedRover (DefendOurMarines.com)
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