War and the Media (O' Reilly comes out swinging for US Marine, and for once gets it right)

Fox News ^ | Nov 17 2004 | Bill O Reilley

[Trippin]

War and the media: That is the subject of this evening's "Talking Points Memo."

Millions of Americans have reacted to this video taken in Fallujah (search) where a young Marine shot a wounded insurgent inside a mosque. That Marine is now under investigation. But he is innocent, and that will be proven.

Let's take it step by step.

Last night, I had to make a decision whether to show you that video or not. I chose to do it and then provide context. In that way, you could decide about the controversy.

You may remember I did not show the Abu Ghraib (search) pictures, and I was the only national anchorman not to do so. I felt those pictures put our troops in jeopardy and that I could describe the incidents of abuse verbally, which I did.

But combat is different. You have to see it to understand it.

On the tape, the Marine is clearly heard saying, "He's faking he's dead. He's faking he's dead." He said that right before he shot the insurgent. That statement shows the Marine thought the man was a danger.

[mudblood]

Even Andrew Sullivan is (more-or-less) on the marine's side. And so am I. He's being careful, he was startled that the guy was alive after all and probably thought it was a trap. Its dangerous being a soldier.

[kellynla]

It was a judgment call that I personally had to make in 1969 and 1970 on a daily basis.

The Marine Corps will stand behind this Marine.

Under the circumstances with previous enemy combatants faking death and the propensity of suicide bombings, this Marine did the right thing.

Semper Fi,
Kelly

PS I am not a big fan of O'Reilly since he "dissed" the Swiftees. Coming from a clown that was M.I.A. during the Viet Nam war, O'Reilly has no right to criticize the Swiftees and others who served honorably!

[Marysecretary]

Thanks, ken!