http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?a=304253&z=12
Yet even in war, there need to be rules, or else slaughters will take place. I've been disturbed at the degree to which average Americans have jumped to the defense of those who may have committed evil acts and have attacked those who reported on the incidents. The conservative NewsMax Web site has started a legal defense fund for the "Marine Heroes of Haditha."
The basic argument I hear: These troops are in a tough and potentially deadly situation, so it's not fair to second-guess their decisions. The first part of that argument is undoubtedly true, but the Marines facing charges are not accused of accidentally killing people whom they thought to be enemy combatants. They are accused of murder or face charges related to a cover-up. They might ultimately be cleared of the charges, but it's odd to hear normal people argue that Marines should not face criminal charges for anything done during the heat of war.
By and large our troops have behaved in an almost unprecedentedly proper manner. Given the force that they have at their disposal, they have been amazingly restrained in their use of that force, especially since the enemy habitually hides himself among civilians.
might want to give this guy a fact filled piece of your mind...
Steven Greenhut is columnist for the Orange County Register. His e-mail address is sgreenhut@ocregister.com.