Posted on 03/19/2012 4:15:37 PM PDT by xzins
Karilyn Bales, whose husband, Staff Sgt. Robert Bales is accused of killing Afghan civilians, released this statement on Monday:
What happened on the night of March 11 in Kandahar Province was a terrible and heartbreaking tragedy.
My family including my and Bob’s extended families are all profoundly sad. We extend our condolences to all the people of the Panjawai District, our hearts go out to all of them, especially to the parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents of the children who perished.
I know that all good people around the world, regardless of nationality, religion or political values, join me in grieving that such a terrible thing could happen.
Our family has little information beyond what we read and see in the media. What has been reported is completely out of character of the man I know and admire. Please respect me when I say I cannot shed any light on what happened that night, so please do not ask.
I too want to know what happened. I want to know how this could be.
I have no indication that my family’s own safety is at risk, but I appreciate the efforts that have been undertaken to protect us. I hope there will soon be no reason for protection of families, whether here or in Kandahar Province, or anywhere, because the pain inevitably inflicted in war should never be an excuse to inflict yet more pain. The cycle must be broken. We must find peace.
I know the media has a right to pursue and report news. As you do your jobs, I plead with you to respect the trauma that I and my extended family are experiencing. Please allow us some peace and time as we try to make sense of something that makes no sense at all.
All I can do now is emphasize my sadness and my condolences to the families in Panjawai for their terrible loss. The victims and their families are all in my prayers, as is my husband who I love very much.
End of Statement
In this and your post #331 you seem predisposed to dislike Bales. If you’ve got some built-in prejudice in this case, just state as much. It will make it easier to discount your views.
If he did this, and I hope he didn’t, he should be sentenced appropriately.
I'm sure the Army does not have a
Class IV store in a combat zone.
Should read "Class VI store in a combat store".
Interesting. Thanks for the history lesson.
The only thing i have heard that might address it was a comment from the elderly investor who said they tried to find him after following leads in Bermuda and elsewhere but never found him. Also, a similar statement from his attorney.
All I can say is they had lousy investigators/detectives.
You were crowing in 325 about how friends and family would know best. I have found otherwise. Instead finding that parents of school shooters go on about their straight-A student.
And friends of mass murders and workplace shooters talk about what great family men they were and how willing to help they were.
Bottom line, I was appalled when I heard about this. No American wants to think an American serviceman could or would do this. It should not have happened and did indeed put our soldiers in harm’s way.
It you want to cheer for this man, go ahead.
I realize there are two pictures of Bales ... good and bad and they cannot be separated. I would like to know what happened but know it will be a long time, if ever, that we know.
I would like to see justice done even if Bales spends a lifetime in jail or is exonerated.
What I don’t understand is blind faith in Bales and not being able to see his two sides and demonizing people who acknowledge his merit and demerits.
That is hilarious.
Obiwan is laughing my guts out.
I’ll say.
So be it, I will leave you to your ruminations.
And that some "arbitrator" ruled against him.
And then have the gall to say NO AMERICAN WOULD ACT THIS WAY.
An institutional equities trader in Los Angeles.
No worries there.
Get back to me after your fourth deployment.
Times change. So now it’s SSG. Thank you.
I think it’s also telling that FINRA never asked that Bale’s license be revoked. Which tells me that they viewed him as a very minor player.
Sounds like some one want’s their 20 seconds of fame.
Good point and thanks for the info.
WTF???????
The ROE’s have a very direct effect on every combat solider each and every minute of their life while in a combat zone. Warriors in our military all know damn well that the only way to win a war is to kill the enemy before they have a chance to kill you and yours. The ROE dictates how often you have to stand by and watch your friends get blown up because you were not allowed to take measures to ensure that the bad guys did not have the opportunity to get to you. Knowing these rules also allows you to better figure the odds of getting home alive and whole. I guess you believe that none of these things are pertinent issues. What this SSgt did was beyond bad. There is no way I will try and justify it. He will be held responsible for what he did and it just might cost him his life. When people break it comes out in many different ways. I've seen men stand up in a firefight. Seen what was left after they pulled the pin on a grenade tucked under their chin. I've witnessed men use excessive force on the enemy. Sometimes you can see it building and some times you can't. I've watched men that I respected blown up on their families after returning home. I am angry and offended that you do not see these things as important. Those rules shape the events and therefore the memories we carry for the rest of our lives. Those rules often cause problems that may be with us forever. Those rules can be the genesis for pain that can be inflicted on loved ones far into the future. The Rules of Engagement are always an issue, now and forever. Any other perception is based on total ignorance and absolute disregard for the individual men and women involved in combat situations. Take a long hike down the lane of reality. You missed that trip during your liberal years. One more thing, KMA.
I think that you are indeed a nice guy, you certainly seem to be quiet and nice, and I certainly couldn’t meet a better guy.
Now please don't beat me to death with the bunny slippers.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.