Yes, that was always the point of "Defend Our Marines". Jaz and I never asserted what we couldn't possibly know: that servicemen accused of crimes are innocent.
At the very least, I'd hope we'd all agree that anyone who serves our country does not deserve a trial by media. Nor does he deserve less of a defense than a civilian would receive.
It was disheartening that, here on Free Republic, there were those who felt differently and relished their contrarian roles as hanging judges, asserting as fact what they couldn't possibly know.
Much of it was just mindless contrarianism. Some of it just perverse meanness and the flame wars could go on for days. Most of the disruptors have long since been banned from Free Republic--which gives you an idea of how much they contributed to the forum. For all I know, they were Democrat trolls.
In any event, we've nearly won, they've already lost, and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. I know Jaz feels the same way.
Absolutely! And an excellent post, Red.